Students learn how to generate, evaluate and visualize the structure of 3D space models. They get exposed to the main concepts in space modeling (data structures and evaluation methods). Graph theory concepts that are necessary for this course are presented.

The design process may be viewed as generation and evaluation cycles of design alternatives.  However, support for the evaluation step is still limited in current CAAD systems. This concerns in particular the evaluation of floor plans/space models. Without computational support, this is a non-trivial and labor intensive task as the number and complexity of spaces in a floor plan/space model increases.

Novel space modeling software is used in this course to assist students to generate, visualize, and evaluate space models in domains such as accessibility, functional organization, lighting, and ventilation. Evaluation is based on the graph structure of generated space models.

Acquired knowledge and skills are deepened with case studies from the housing domain. Students create and explore space models of selected housing floor plans. Space models are compared regarding accessibility, functional organization, ventilation, and lighting.

Schedule:

    Introduction to graph theory concepts
    Introduction to concepts of graph-based floor plan representations and space models
    Tutorial: 3D space modeling in a commercial BIM system (Autodesk Architecture)
    Tutorial: Generation, visualization, and evaluation of 3D space models (SpaceModeler software)
    Housing case studies: accessibility, functional organization, natural lighting, natural ventilation (project work with Autodesk Architecture and SpaceModeler software)
    Presentation of case studies

Teaching material:

    P. Steadman, Architectural Morphology, Pion
    O. Heckmann und F. Schneider, Grundrissatlas Wohnungsbau, Birkhäuser

Software:

    Autodesk Architecture 2015 (Microsoft Windows)
    Space Modeler (Microsoft Windows)

.