A framework of web-based conceptual design

A web-based conceptual design prototype system is presented. The system consists of four parts which interpret on-line sketches as 2D and 3D geometry, extract 3D hierarchical configurations, allow editing of component behaviours, and produce VRML-based behavioural simulations for design verification and web-based application. In the first part, on-line freehand sketched input is interpreted as 2D and 3D geometry, which geometrically represents conceptual design. The system then infers 3D configuration by analysing 3D modelling history. The configuration is described by a parent–child hierarchical relationship and relative positions between two geometric components. The positioning information is computed with respect to the VRML97 specification. In order to verify the conceptual design of a product, the behaviours can be specified interactively on different components. Finally, the system creates VRML97 formatted files for behavioural simulation and collaborative design application over the Internet. The paper gives examples of web-based applications. This work forms a part of a research project into the design and establishing of modular machines for automation manufacture. A consortium of leading automotive companies is collaborating on the research project

Planetary cartography in the next decade: Digital cartography and emerging opportunities

Planetary maps being produced today will represent views of the solar system for many decades to come. The primary objective of the planetary cartography program is to produce the most complete and accurate maps from hundreds of thousands of planetary images in support of scientific studies and future missions. Here, the utilization of digital techniques and digital bases in response to recent advances in computer technology are emphasized

Estratégias de projeto para definir o partido arquitetônico durante a solução de problemas

Based on video/audio design protocols, this paper aims to analyze the definition of the architectural parti in the design process. Video recordings occurred between the years of 2011 and 2012, and involved three active experienced architects who had their own studios. All architects were experienced designers and developed a single-family residence during one hour based on the same briefing. Each design process was taped with two cameras: one focusing on the actual drawing production, and the other on the architects, so as to register all their actions during the process. There was an accurate registry of the drawing and pause instances, aiming to provide an interpretation of each architect’s design procedure in the development of the architectural parti. This registry contributed to present a graphic representation of the design process frequency showing the time in which designers conceived the parti core. Architects were also interviewed, and their resulting designs were compared beholding the following parameters: (i) Site occupation x topography x open areas; (ii) Sectorization and functionality; (iii) Geometry and volume. The results obtained suggest that self-imposed restraints play an important role in the definition of the architectural parti, confirming this paper contribution to the comprehension of strategies used in the architectural design17| e204363Baseado em protocolos audiovisuais de projeto, o artigo objetiva analisar a definição do partido arquitetônico no processo de projeto. Filmagens ocorreram entre os anos de 2011 e 2012 e envolveram três arquitetos que possuíam seus próprios escritórios. Todos os arquitetos eram experientes e desenvolveram o projeto de uma residência unifamiliar por uma hora a partir do mesmo programa de necessidades. Cada processo de projeto foi filmado por duas câmeras: uma focada na realização do desenho, e a outra, no arquiteto, a fim de registrar todas as suas ações durante o processo. Houve um registro preciso dos períodos de desenho e pausa, com o objetivo de fornecer uma interpretação do procedimento de projeto de cada arquiteto na definição do partido arquitetônico. Esse registro contribuiu para apresentar uma representação gráfica da frequência do processo de projeto, na qual estão situados os momentos em que os projetistas conceberam questões centrais para o partido. Os arquitetos também foram entrevistados, e seus projetos resultantes foram confrontados, observando os seguintes parâmetros: (i) ocupação do local x topografia x áreas abertas; (ii) setorização e funcionalidade; (iii) geometria e volume. Os resultados obtidos sugerem que as restrições autoimpostas desempenham um papel importante na definição do partido, confirmando a contribuição deste estudo para a compreensão de estratégias elaboradas na concepção do projeto arquitetônic

The Diagrammatic Inquiry of Architectural Media

According to the philosopher C.S. Peirce the diagram is a system of interrelated parts that operates in a manner similar to another system of interrelated parts. It is a mental map of relations. It drives an open-ended inquiry on a given problem. In architectural discourse a diagram is often defined as a particular form of drawing. It is a simplified image and/or it uses a notation system. In this context, the latter is termed a digital diagram. However, an architectural medium has material properties that influence both the making and the translation of the drawing. It is both a singular artefact and a set of instructions for actions undertaken in another space than that of the medium. This article introduces the notion of an immanent diagram to discuss how the composition of a drawing is distributed. The proposition is that the architectural diagrammatic inquiry operates in the struggle between digital and analogue diagrams. I develop the argument using a traditional architectural drawing as a starting point. In the last section, I discuss a contemporary computer based design practice in which drawings and prototype modelling constitute a heterogeneous technological environment

Potential role of remote sensing in disaster relief management

Baseline or predisaster data which would be useful to decision making in the immediate postdisaster period were suggested for the six areas of public health concern along with guidelines for organizing these data. Potential sources of these data are identified. In order to fully assess the impact of a disaster on an area, information about its predisaster status must be known. Aerial photography is one way of acquiring and recording such data

A grade school building

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Kansas, Architecture, 1922. ; Includes bibliographical references

Completions: Reuse and Object Representations

Reuse of construction and demolition waste tends to be exceptional rather than systemic, despite the fact that such waste exists in excess. One of the challenges in handling used elements and materials is integrating them into a digital workflow through means of survey and representation. Techniques such as 3d-scanning and robotic fabrication have been used to target irregular geometries of such extant material. Scanning can be applied to digitally define a unique rather than standard stock of materials, or, as in the field of preservation, to transfer specific forms and qualities onto a new stock. This paper melds these two approaches through Completions, a project that promotes reuse by integrating salvaged elements and materials into new assemblies. Drawing from the ancient practice of reuse known as spolia, the work develops from the identification and documentation of a varied set of used entities that become points of departure for subsequent design and production of new entities. This involves multiple steps, from locating and selecting used elements, to scanning and fabrication. Three assemblies based on salvaged objects are produced: a window frame, a door casing, and a mantelpiece. Different means of documentation are outlined in relation to specific qualities of these objects, from photogrammetry, to image and mesh-based tracing. Authentic qualities belonging to these elements, such as wear and patina, are coupled with more ambiguous forms and materialities only attainable through digital survey and fabrication. Finally, Completions speculates on how more automated workflows might make it feasible to develop extensive virtual catalogues of used objects that designers could interact with remotely