A computer-aided architectural design system for the analysis, synthesis and appraisal of domestic activity spaces and house plans.

Langskog, Kjartan

Abstract

Investigations on functional aspects of domestic activity spaces and of other related design theories have led to the formulation of novel design models for the analysis, synthesis and evaluation processes of house design. A theoretical model of the 2—D plan layout of activity spaces was first developed so as to allow appraisal of the space utilisation efficiency of such layouts, taking into account the distribution of elements (predominantly furniture and fittings) and the user space required for using these elements, and also to allow for the development of a model to "assemble" and combine these elements to form activity spaces. For the synthesis design process a model was developed, according to which layouts would be assembled on five design levels, each level being defined by its layout size and type, using modular elements from the lowest of these design levels, which contained a library of domestic planning elements, and taking into account layout design on dimensionally co-ordinated grids. Any intermediate plan level would be worked on, as desired, to arrive at Level 5, the complete floor plan. Subsequently, a computer graphics program was obtained, amended and complemented, which allowed implementation of the synthesis design model, thus providing the interactivity and flexibility required for the "manipulation" of planning elements. For the appraisal design process, a mathematical method of evaluating proportional floor area usage of activity spaces was developed, based on a penalty system containing three main penalty factors: one, a penalty factor based on the cumulative effects and degree of admissibility of overlaps of various elemental sub- areas, each area relating to the nature of the associated activity performed; two, a penalty factor based on the economy of the perimeter length of the activity space; and three, a penalty factor based on the economy of proportional floor area consumption within the activity space. The appraisal process becomes iterative, with various layout alternatives being investigated as the designer attempts to improve solutions towards some optimum layout. A numerical computer program was obtained, substantially rewritten and complemented, so as to enable both numerical and graphical output by separate programs that operated in conjunction with the synthesis graphics program, enabling evaluation of layouts according to the proposed evaluation model. Together with specifications for a computer program which, when implemented, will provide the designer with a design information retrieval system for use at the analysis design process, the developed programs constitute a novel CAAD system,of particular relevance at Stages C (Outline Proposals) and D (Scheme Design) of the R.I.B.A. Plan of Work. The system provides the architect with a flexible design and appraisal technique, which increases the speed and - more importantly - the quality of the architect's work in designing adaptable, marginal layouts. The system also lends itself to a number of other space utilisation applications, as well as forming an excellent basis for design participation.

Citation

LANGSKOG, K. 1981. A computer-aided architectural design system for the analysis, synthesis and appraisal of domestic activity spaces and house plans. Robert Gordon's Institute of Technology, PhD thesis. Hosted on OpenAIR [online]. Available from: https://doi.org/10.48526/rgu-wt-1694942

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Jun 21, 2022
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 21, 2022
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.48526/rgu-wt-1694942
• Keywords: Computer-aided architectural design (CAAD); Domestic spaces; Domestic space usage
• Public URL: https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/1694942
• Award Date: Jun 30, 1981