Digital ground: architecture, pervasive computing, and environmental knowledge

No abstract

Lowering the threshold for computers in early design : some advances in architectural design

The design drawing is an important medium for establishing design support by means of computers. Architects intensively use graphic representations to communicate their design ideas personally, between professionals, and others. In this study, we consider line drawings such as sketches or drawings. Based on previous investigations, we propose that there exist well-structured graphic representations termed graphic units. Examples of graphic units are: grid, zone, axial system, contour, and element vocabulary. Associated to graphic units are specific kinds of design information that is relevant for this kind of representation (for the grid: module size, modular coordination, dependent grids; for the zone: definition of functional elements, dimensions of zones and margins, etc.) Therefore, understanding graphic units forms a basis for computer-based interpretation of drawings during the early phase of the design process. In this paper we present two principally distinct applications: paper plus and pen plus. The paper plus approach features automated recognition of graphic units as the architect is drawing. Work in this area has been based on techniques from multi-agent systems and Case-Based Reasoning. The pen plus approach features drawing tools based on graphic units. Work in this area has been based on techniques from expert systems and computer graphics. The paper plus and pen plus approaches show how an earlier understanding of graphic representations in architectural design is possible, thus lowering the threshold for the use of computers in the design process

Mixed Task Domain Representation in VR-DIS

Direct manipulation interfaces are characterised according to the representation of the task domain: the domain objects and the effect of user operations on those objects. In the VR-DIS system (Virtual Reality- Design Information System), the task domain is represented by a mix of a verbal (textual) and analogue (pictorial) representation. Objects are represented by a mixture of a descriptive spatial 3D graph of text blocks and a realistically rendered perspective view. It is postulated that user interfaces that present mixed views of the task domain can better support differences between users’ working styles and sub-task dependent types of information exchange

Van tweedimensionaal tekenen naar ruimtelijk modelleren : het gebruik van de computer in het ontwerpproces

De computer heeft een onweerlegbare invloed op de architectuur. Ze manifesteert zich niet alleen in de tekenkamer, maar wordt steeds vroeger in het ontwerpproces ingezet. Op dit moment begint ze de vrijheid te benaderen die de ontwerpschets voor de architect heeft. Nu de 'interface' van de meeste programma's in hoog tempo begrijpelijker wordt komen deze mogelijkheden binnen het bereik van iedere architect

Multiple sketch users in DDDoolz.

This paper presents DDDoolz, a desktop-VR three-dimensional voxel sketchtool. DDDoolz is developed in the Design Systems Group to explore the use of Virtual Reality technology in the early design stage. The aim is to offer a sketch-like environment in VR with an unobtrusive interface. The paper presents DDDoolz, how it is used in education and with partners in architectural practice, and some future developments. As an extension to current functionality, the possibility of multiple users at the same time will be developed in the system for the {ACCOLADE} workshop

Knowledge-based systems programming for knowledge intensive teaching

Typological design implies extensive knowledge of building types in order to design a building belonging to a building type. It facilitates the design process, which can be considered as a sequence of decisions. The paper gives an outline of a new approach in a course teaching typological knowledge through the medium of Knowledge-Based Systems programming. It demonstrates how Knowledge-Based Systems offer an appropriate structure for analysing the knowledge required to implement typological design. The class consists of third-year undergraduate students with no extensive previous programming experience. The implementation language is AutoLISP which operates in the AutoCAD- environment. The building type used in the course is the office building. In order to become acquainted with both building type and programming in AutoLISP, information and instructions have been gathered and prestructured, including a worked out analysis and AutoLISP code. Office plans are generated through use of the Knowledge-Based System. They are encoded in the form of frames. At the end of the course the students will have learned the basics of Knowledge-Based Systems, have been introduced to programming these systems, have analysed and reflected upon the design process, and gained insight into a specific building type

DDDoolz - A Virtual Reality Sketch Tool for Early Design

This paper presents DDDoolz, a desktop-VR three-dimensional voxel sketchtool. DDDoolz is developed in the Design Systems Group to explore the use of Virtual Reality technology in the early design stage. The aim is to offer a sketch-like environment in VR with an unobtrusive interface. The paper presents DDDoolz, how it is used in education and with partners in architectural practice, and some future developments