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3 pages, 182 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

About Some Trends in CAAD Research

by Ewa Janina Grabska

Buildings 2023, 13(6), 1536; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13061536 - 16 Jun 2023

Viewed by 777

Abstract

Computer-aided architectural design (CAAD) is the driving force that connects architecture, technology, and design [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Computer Aided Architectural Design)

Research

Jump to: Editorial

19 pages, 7086 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Generative and Evolutionary Techniques for the Process of Creating Architectural Objects on the Base of a 3D Prototype Model

by Ewa Janina Grabska

Buildings 2022, 12(7), 899; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12070899 - 25 Jun 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2126

Abstract

The use of a genetic algorithm in evolutionary design is one of the major generative approaches for synthesis and evaluation during the design process. The process stimulates creativity in generating new, unexpected artifacts and aiding in their evaluation. We analyze the subject of [...] Read more.

The use of a genetic algorithm in evolutionary design is one of the major generative approaches for synthesis and evaluation during the design process. The process stimulates creativity in generating new, unexpected artifacts and aiding in their evaluation. We analyze the subject of the evolutionary design of building form styling following the aesthetic preferences of the designer. Component types and connection patterns characterize the building form and the rules of its composition. The designer using a graphics editor creates a 3D prototype model of a building form representative of his/her stylistic preferences by selecting different types of components and patterns of their connections. In the proposed evolutionary design, how the designer prototype model is organized, processed, and manipulated in generating buildings is based on the special graph structures. The research question addressed in this paper is, “How can a designer-defined 3D prototype model along with non-numerical graph calculations, influence computational creativity?” The main aim is to contribute to a better understanding of the non-numerical graph calculations describing the design process where visual perception is the driving force of creativity. Utilizing the developed formal description of the design synthesis, methodological contributions to generative and evolutionary techniques for computational creativity are presented. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Computer Aided Architectural Design)

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31 pages, 10998 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Design Optimization of Hyperboloid Wooden House Concerning Structural, Cost, and Daylight Performance

by Rendy Perdana Khidmat, Hiroatsu Fukuda and Kustiani

Buildings 2022, 12(2), 110; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12020110 - 23 Jan 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 6091

Abstract

The use of parametric and multi-objective optimization (MOO) as a new way of approaching architectural design has been growing in line with current breakthroughs in computational architecture. Wood, on the other hand, is a living and unique building material that provides durability, manufacturing [...] Read more.

The use of parametric and multi-objective optimization (MOO) as a new way of approaching architectural design has been growing in line with current breakthroughs in computational architecture. Wood, on the other hand, is a living and unique building material that provides durability, manufacturing flexibility, and local availability. One of the structure types that provides high structural stability is the hyperboloid. However, the exploration of hyperboloid structures in building design, together with the building daylight objective, is still limitedly reported. This paper presents the application of the parametric approach and multi-objective optimization in optimizing the structure and daylight objectives of a hyperboloid two-story wooden house in Japan, made of 105 mm × 105 mm × 4000 mm Japanese timber. The method involves iterating dynamic parameters such as radius bottom, offset distance, timber members, twisting level, building height, radius-top, and roof slope to optimize the structural objective of minimizing normal force average, displacement, and cost while simultaneously maximizing building volume. Regarding daylight objectives, unit movement and glazing ratio that control the glazing strategies were explored to optimize useful daylight illumination (UDI) in summer and winter. The optimization and exploration yielded 10,098 solutions in structural analysis and 406 solutions in daylight exploration. Based on the data analysis, the proposed methodology has successfully produced the best design solution, discovering the balance between the objective trade-offs. In addition, the most influential parameter that shapes the value of design objectives has been identified. The findings of this research were expected to contribute to and enhance the performance-based design optimization, and support design decision-making process in the early design stage of a wooden house with a hyperboloid structure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Computer Aided Architectural Design)

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20 pages, 4986 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Transition from Physical Design Studio to Emergency Virtual Design Studio. Available Teaching and Learning Methods and Tools—A Case Study

by Elżbieta Komarzyńska-Świeściak, Britt Adams and Laura Thomas

Buildings 2021, 11(7), 312; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11070312 - 20 Jul 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 4728

Abstract

At the core of architecture education are the design studio classes, where students test ideas, build physical models, and propose design projects in a shared creative environment. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 created a large disruption of this status quo and required a [...] Read more.

At the core of architecture education are the design studio classes, where students test ideas, build physical models, and propose design projects in a shared creative environment. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 created a large disruption of this status quo and required a major shift in the whole experience of teaching and learning at design studios. Using a case study approach, the present paper describes the systematic process of translating Physical Design Studio into emergency Virtual Design Studio and how it has been perceived by students enrolled in the investigated courses. The focus was primarily on those tools and methods that were intended to compensate for traditional workshop methods (for example the tactile exercise of physical model making and pin-up board presentations). To meet this objective, available tools for performing Virtual Design Studio were assessed using experiences of Design Studio instructors on the one hand and students’ surveys on the other hand. The study’s results can be used as recommendations on how to optimally implement a transition from a Physical Design Studio environment to teaching a digital remote design studio. Furthermore, the results also add to creating design guidelines for setting up blended architecture education post-COVID-19. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Computer Aided Architectural Design)

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16 pages, 2506 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Potential of Using an Eye Tracker in Architectural Education: Three Perspectives for Ordinary Users, Students and Lecturers

by Marta Alina Rusnak and Mateusz Rabiega

Buildings 2021, 11(6), 245; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11060245 - 8 Jun 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4159

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to discuss the potential of eye trackers as tools providing diversified support for the architectural education of future designers. The possibility to track eye movement guaranteed by this group of devices enables an extension of knowledge on [...] Read more.

The aim of this paper is to discuss the potential of eye trackers as tools providing diversified support for the architectural education of future designers. The possibility to track eye movement guaranteed by this group of devices enables an extension of knowledge on the non-professional perception of architectural creations. It also allows people to monitor progress while learning and verify a project’s assumptions as well as provide lecturers with an opportunity to optimize didactic methods. The paper includes authors’ ideas for modifications of teaching methods applied at technical universities. It is a result of an analysis of research related to the perception of urban designs and architectural objects—research during which noticeable differences were observed between how experts and non-professionals perceive these structures. What also contributed to the contents of this paper was a comprehension of the wide range of eye tracking studies examining the level of acquisition of specialist professional skills. The presented ideas are also based on the analysis and adaptation of eye-tracking research conducted by scientists within other areas of life. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Computer Aided Architectural Design)

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16 pages, 5198 KiB

Open AccessArticle

CAD Tools and Computing in Architectural and Urban Acoustics

by Joanna Jablonska and Roman Czajka

Buildings 2021, 11(6), 235; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11060235 - 30 May 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4073

Abstract

Contemporary architectural and urban planning aims at optimal development of the environment, including in terms of acoustics. As such, support with computer-aided design (CAD) tools is, nowadays, obligatory. The authors present investigation outcomes of three different CAD and computing methods extracted for the [...] Read more.

Contemporary architectural and urban planning aims at optimal development of the environment, including in terms of acoustics. As such, support with computer-aided design (CAD) tools is, nowadays, obligatory. The authors present investigation outcomes of three different CAD and computing methods extracted for the study. The scope covers different scales of considerations from architectural acoustics to the urban level, which relates to the standard architect’s commissions field. The described approaches are applicable for both academics and professionals in the broadly understood building industry There were analysed and synthesized experiences from the use of two-dimensional and three-dimensional simulations, computing based on standardized formulas, and an acoustic meter (here: the SVAN 979 for RT60, L_Aeq measurement). The article concludes with an assessment, which shows possible uses of methods and confirmations of their usability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Computer Aided Architectural Design)

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26 pages, 12633 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Obverse/Reverse Pavilion: An Example of a Form-Finding Design of Temporary, Low-Cost, and Eco-Friendly Structure

by Jerzy F. Łątka and Michał Święciak

Buildings 2021, 11(6), 226; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11060226 - 25 May 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 9585

Abstract

Temporary pavilions play an important role as experimental fields for architects, designers, and engineers, in addition to providing exhibition spaces. Novel structural and formal solutions applied in pavilions also can give them an unusual appearance that attracts the eyesight of spectators. In this [...] Read more.

Temporary pavilions play an important role as experimental fields for architects, designers, and engineers, in addition to providing exhibition spaces. Novel structural and formal solutions applied in pavilions also can give them an unusual appearance that attracts the eyesight of spectators. In this article, the authors explore the possibility of combining structural novelty, visual attractiveness, and low cost in the design and construction of a temporary pavilion. For that purpose, an innovative structural system and design approach was applied, i.e., a membrane structure was designed in Rhino and Grasshopper environments with the use of the Kiwi!3D IsoGeometric analysis tool. The designed pavilion, named Obverse/Reverse, was built in Opole, Poland, for the occasion of World Architecture Day in July 2019. The design and the construction were performed by the authors in cooperation with students belonging to the Humanization of Urban Environment organization from the Faculty of Architecture Wroclaw University of Science and Technology. The resultant pavilion proved the potential of obtaining a low-budget but visually attractive architectural solution with the adaption of parametrical design tools and some scientific background with innovative structural systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Computer Aided Architectural Design)

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19 pages, 59030 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Digital Modelling and Accuracy Verification of a Complex Architectural Object Based on Photogrammetric Reconstruction

by Agnieszka Ozimek, Paweł Ozimek, Krzysztof Skabek and Piotr Łabędź

Buildings 2021, 11(5), 206; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11050206 - 15 May 2021

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3512

Abstract

Data concerning heritage buildings are necessary for all kinds of building surveying and design. This paper presents a method for creating a precise model of a historical architectural and landscape object with complex geometry. Photogrammetric techniques were used, combining terrestrial imaging and photographs [...] Read more.

Data concerning heritage buildings are necessary for all kinds of building surveying and design. This paper presents a method for creating a precise model of a historical architectural and landscape object with complex geometry. Photogrammetric techniques were used, combining terrestrial imaging and photographs taken using UAVs. In large-scale objects, it is necessary to divide the reconstruction into smaller parts and adopt an iterative approach based on the gradual completion of missing fragments, especially those resulting from occlusions. The model developed via the reconstruction was compared with geometrically reliable data (LAS point clouds) available in the public domain. The degree of accuracy it achieved can be used in conservation, for example, in construction cost estimates. Despite extensive research on photogrammetric techniques and their applicability in reconstructing cultural heritage sites, the results obtained have not yet been compared by other researchers with LAS point clouds from the information system for land cover (ISOK). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Computer Aided Architectural Design)

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21 pages, 56143 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fractal Dimension Calculation and Visual Attention Simulation: Assessing the Visual Character of an Architectural Façade

by Ju Hyun Lee and Michael J. Ostwald

Buildings 2021, 11(4), 163; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11040163 - 15 Apr 2021

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 4830

Abstract

The design of a building façade has a significant impact on the way people respond to it physiologically and behaviourally. Few methods are available to assist an architect to understand such impacts during the design process. Thus, this paper examines the viability of [...] Read more.

The design of a building façade has a significant impact on the way people respond to it physiologically and behaviourally. Few methods are available to assist an architect to understand such impacts during the design process. Thus, this paper examines the viability of using two computational methods to examine potential visual stimulus-sensation relationships in facade design. The first method, fractal analysis, is used to holistically measure the visual stimuli of a design. This paper describes both the box counting (density) and differential box counting (intensity) approaches to determining fractal dimension (D) in architecture. The second method, visual attention simulation, is used to explore pre-attentive processing and sensation in vision. Four measures—D-density (D_d), D-intensity (D_i), heat map and gaze sequence—are used to provide quantitative and qualitative indicators of the ways people read different design options. Using two façade designs as examples, the results of this application reveal that the D values of a façade image have a relationship with the pre-attentive processing shown in heat map and gaze sequence simulations. The findings are framed as a methodological contribution to the field, but also to the disciplinary knowledge gap about the stimulus-sensation relationship and visual reasoning in design. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Computer Aided Architectural Design)

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