AEI

This paper focuses on the potential for developing an interactive Virtual Reality (VR) environment that exploits new concepts such as parametric design and genetic algorithm as a method of computational architecture through the conceptual design process. Existing tools and decision support mechanisms are investigated as part of this process. The proposed system introduces the potential of combining different concepts under the chamber of a single VR environment. Influential factors in this area are: form generation, change management, conceptual design illustration, and collaboration throughout the whole design process. First part of this paper introduces the basics of conceptual design, then critically reviews design thinking parallel with the design process; thereafter provides a roadmap for conceptual design and computational support, with a specific focus on the early conceptual design stage (including computational methods for sketching and collaboration throughout conceptual design). Extant literature on the characteristics of collaborative behaviour within the initial conceptual architectural design processes performed through virtual environments are examined. Extant literature highlights the importance of computational design in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. However, there is a significant knowledge gap in literature c oncerning the veracity of findings to date which explicitly identify the congruent links and support mechanisms needed to overtly exploit the opportunities presented with new computational design methods. This research is the first of the kind to purpos efully endeavour to uncover ne w insight and understanding into virtual generative workspaces, especially though new social interactions and decision-making criteria. Research findings to date have identified new insight into how AEC designers think during the early conceptual design stages. These issues are used to satiate the pivotal drivers, priorities, and critical success factors needed for effective operationalisation through a conceptual design support tool and possible future directions within computational design strategy. The outcomes and intervention of this research will be used to develop a ‘proof of concept’ prototype to reveal the role of generative design methods integrated into a single dynamic and flexible VR environment which supports early conceptual AEC design process.

Building elements, namely walls, roofs, slabs, stairs, ramps, doors, windows, internal walls, are the physical “architectural” components of the building. In the design process there are different approaches for developing typical details of building elements. “Copying” or “adapting” typical details from manufacturers’ brochures, websites, catalogues or “best practice” handbooks are one way in developing building elements. The other way is to “design” genuine details of building elements, which comprises the integration of technology into design. In designing a “genuine” detail of a building element, designers have to cope with the complexity of a huge amount of criteria related to requirements, resources, constrains etc. and millions of alternative combinations of possible solutions. As “intuitive” design approaches might be insufficient in overcoming those difficulties, using “design methods” is a rational way. Especially for design students and inexperienced designers “design methods” are an important aid in the design process. But how efficient is it to use a “methodic” approach in designing building elements instead of an “intuitive” way? In the paper a “building element design method” from the German literature; “Methods of Construction and Choosing of Building Materials” (Methodik des Konstruierens und Wahl der Baustoffe) by H.F.O. Müller is examined. The method, which is based on VDI regulations (Association of German Engineers), is analyzed and the stages of the proposed process are defined. In “refining” and “clarifying” the method some new modules are added and some existing modules are extended. Finally the building element “design method” is simplified and transformed into a “stage by stage” process flow chart, easy to use for inexperienced designers. An experimental design process of building elements determines the “usability” of the method. As a result the simplified “stage by stage” procedure of the method and its “easy to use” rating from an inexperienced designer’s point of view, are presented.

The building industry has become a complex world with the exploding number of new building materials and construction techniques since the industrial revolution and changing demands since the end of WWII. “Design methods” have been introduced instead of traditional design approaches in coping with complex design problems of modern times. Especially in the area of architectural technology in terms of detailing building elements, using “design methods” is an important aid in the design process. As the detailing of building elements stage has inputs which are mostly defined systematically, it is a rational way to use methodic approaches in the design process. In the paper, three “building element design methods” are examined. The first method is; H.F.O. Müller’s “Method of Construction and Choosing of Building Materials”, which is based on VDI regulations. The second method is; “Principles of Building Element Design”, by P. Rich and Y. Dean. The last method, discussed in the paper is; “Generation and Evaluation of Alternatives for Building Elements” by M. Aygün. Those methods are analysed and the stages of the proposed processes are defined. Each “building element design method” is simplified and transformed into a “step by step” process flow chart to achieve a basis for better comparison. The three “building element design methods”, from different cultural, technological and economical environments are evaluated with criteria for characterization and choosing of design methods. As a result the characteristics of the methods in comparison with each other are presented.