Preliminary Design Through Graphs: A Tool for Automatic Layout Distribution

Authors

  • Carlo Biagini University of Florence
  • Vincenzo Donato University of Florence
  • Davide Pellis University of Florence

Keywords:

Graph representations, parametric design, automated layout distributions

Abstract

Diagrams are essential in the preliminary stages of design for understanding distributive aspects and assisting the decision-making process. By drawing a schematic graph, designers can visualize in a synthetic way the relationships between many aspects: functions and spaces, distribution of layouts, space adjacency, influence of traffic flows within a facility layout, and so on. This process can be automated through the use of modern Information and Communication Technologies tools (ICT) that allow the designers to manage a large quantity of information. The work that we will present is part of an on-going research project into how modern parametric software influences decision-making on the basis of automatic and optimized layout distribution. The method involves two phases: the first aims to define the ontological relation between spaces, with particular reference to a specific building typology (rules of aggregation of spaces); the second entails the implementation of these rules through the use of specialist software. The generation of ontological relations begins with the collection of data from historical manuals and analyses of case studies. These analyses aim to generate a “relationship matrix” based on preferences of space adjacency. The phase of implementing the previously defined rules is based on the use of Grasshopper to analyse and visualize different layout configurations. The layout is generated by simulating a process involving the collision of spheres, which represents specific functions of the design program. The spheres are attracted or rejected as a function of the relationships matrix, as defined above. The layout thus obtained will remain in a sort of abstract state independent of information about the exterior form, but will still provide a useful tool for the decision-making process. In addition, preliminary results gathered through the analysis of case studies will be presented. These results provide a good variety of layout distributions over a short time for medium and large-scale problems.

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Author Biographies

Carlo Biagini, University of Florence

Carlo Biagini, Ph.D in "Building and Territorial Engineering", is assistant professor of Architectural Drawing at the Department of Architecture of the University of Florence. He carries out research activities in the fields of Architectural Representation for Design, Building Survey and Building Information Modeling He is author of many scientific publications in specialised journals, national and international proceedings and monographic volumes.

Vincenzo Donato, University of Florence

Vincenzo Donato is Architectural Engineer and he achieved the International Ph.D. in "Processes, Materials and Construction Techniques" at University of Florence (IT) with the Technical University of Braunschweig (DE). He is also “honorary fellow” in the field of Architectural Drawing at University of Florence. He currently collaborate as a designer and BIM specialist for international architectural firms.

Davide Pellis, University of Florence

David Pellis is a PhD Candidate for the International PhD
Course in "Civil and Environmental Engineering" held by University of
Florence (IT) and Technical University of Braunschweig (DE). He is
specialist in design, analysis and construction of complex shapes.

References

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iconarp vol 2 no 2 cover

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Published

08-02-2015

How to Cite

Biagini, C., Donato, V., & Pellis, D. (2015). Preliminary Design Through Graphs: A Tool for Automatic Layout Distribution. ICONARP International Journal of Architecture and Planning, 2(2), 1–13. Retrieved from https://iconarp.ktun.edu.tr/index.php/iconarp/article/view/60

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 2 (2014)

Section

Articles

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