Hierarchical Decomposition of Architectural Computer Models

Abstract

Architectural models can be represented in a hierarchy of complexity. Higher level or more complex architecture structures are then designed by repetitively instantiating libraries of building blocks.  The advantages are that the object can be achieved in modular fashion and any modification to the definition of a building block can be easily propagated to all higher level objects using the block. Unfortunately, many existing representations of architectural models are monolithic instead of hierarchical and modular, thus, making the reuse of models very difficult and inefficient. This paper describes a research project on developing a tool to decompose a monolithic architectural model into elementary building blocks and then create a hierarchy in the model representation. The tool provides a graphical interface for the visualization of a model and a cutting plane.  An associated algorithm will then automatically detach parts of the model into building blocks depending on where the user is applying the cutting plane.  Studies will also be made on dividing more complex models employing spherical and NURBS surfaces.