Floor plan design using block algebra and constraint satisfaction

Expert Systems with Applications

Spatial layout planning generates two-dimensional layouts consisting of a configuration of rectangles. Our new method represents the rectangles as inconsistent sets of linear constraints. We then select the consistent sets from them by using a second-generation Constraint Logic Programming ( CLP ) language that employs a new search mechanism to handle disjunction efficiently. Because this is an NP-Complete class problem we introduce (1) domain knowledge to obtain feasible results, (2) some global constraints such as qualitative relation and capacity, and (3) a new mechanism that handles multiple disjunctions at the same time. Our approach is now being effectively applied to the layout of homes. In this paper, we use this example to explain our approach and describe our floor planning system, TG-FP/ 2, which can assist the customer by providing feasible plans. We also point out the advantages of our approach using a second-generation CLP language such as a declarative paradigm for easy description and efficiency for avoiding combinatorial explosion.

CAADRIA proceedings

For most of the architectural design problems, there are underlying mathematical sub-problems, they may require to consider for generating architectural layouts. One of these sub-problems is to satisfy adjacency constraints for obtaining an initial layout. But in the literature, there does not exist a mathematical procedure that can address any given adjacency requirements, i.e., there does not exist a tool for generating a floor plan corresponding to any given adjacency (planar) graph (there exist algorithms for constructing floor plans for planar triangulated graphs only). In this paper, we are going to present an algorithm that would generate a floor plan corresponding to any given planar graph. The larger aim of this research is to develop a user-friendly tool that can generate a variety of initial layouts corresponding to a given graph, which can be further modified by the architects/designers.

Blucher Design Proceedings, 2019

This paper proposes a fuzzy-based approach for the automated evaluation of spatial layout configurations. Our objective is to evaluate soft and interdependent design qualities (such as connectedness, enclosure, spaciousness, continuity, adjacency, etc.), to satisfy multiple and mutually inclusive criteria, and to account for all potential and logical solutions without discarding preferable, likely or even less likely possible solutions. Using fuzzyTECH, a fuzzy logic software development tool, we devise all possible spatial relation inputs affecting physical and non-physical outputs for a given space using descriptive rule blocks. We implement this fuzzy logic system on an existing residential space to evaluate different layout alternatives. We define all linguistic input variables, output variables, and fuzzy sets, and present space-space relations using membership functions. We use the resulting database of fuzzy agents to evaluate the design of the existing residential spaces.

The Journal of Space Syntax, 2014

Despite five decades of research into layout automation that have produced a wide variety of methods for automatically solving layout problems, no automated layout programme is used as standard within the architectural profession. Therefore scope still exists to better formulate these methods in terms of their relevance to architects. In a traditional workflow, architects design by generating ideas and testing them in an iterative process through which a solution gradually emerges. The knowledge he or she has from years of training and experience is fed into the project through this design-evaluation loop. By automating the entire process, many explicit criteria can be successfully built into the model and optimised. However, these tools sit outside of the architect’s normal workflow, and the integration of his or her non-quantifiable assumptions during the design process is lost. The Computational Design + Research group (CDR) of Aedas|RD the consequences and implications of both t...

2017

Is it feasible for an algorithm to comprehend the complexity of zone allocation in architectural design? Is it possible to quantify and use traits of existing designs to create new ones? The following thesis explores how existing floorplans can be used to define qualities of spaces and design; as well as how these qualities can help generate future typologies. The objective is to develop a space layout algorithm that understands qualities of spaces such as proportion, area, connectivity, adjacency etc. from existing designs to later apply that knowledge into automatized floorplan generation. This would be achieved by analysing a database of floorplan designs of a particular socioeconomic, cultural, and historic background and then use that knowledge to identify consistent traits which are replicated in automatized generated floorplans. While the majority of previous attempts in computational space layout design have focused on hardcoding rules and qualities defined by a programmer, and then optimize these qualities by a generative algorithm this attempt aims to discover which qualities are consistent in existing floorplans by examining room traits in existing typologies and later on use this information to generate new designs. A method of automatized design that is founded on previous designs may be useful because it can depict many subtle qualities which would be inefficient or impossible to identify manually by a programmer, and furthermore understand more in debt the traits that are intrinsic in a design of a specific context. The results obtained suggest that the designs generated by the algorithm resemble the designs from the databases. Nevertheless, more work could be done to obtain more unique databases.

Artificial Intelligence for Engineering Design, Analysis and Manufacturing, 2018

An important task in the initial stages of most architectural design processes is the design of planar floor plans, that are composed of non-overlapping rooms divided from each other by walls while satisfying given topological and dimensional constraints. The work described in this paper is part of a larger research aimed at developing the mathematical theory for examining the feasibility of given topological constraints and providing a generic floor plan solution for all possible design briefs.In this paper, we mathematically describe universal (or generic) rectangular floor plans with n rooms, that is, the floor plans that topologically contain all possible rectangular floor plans with n rooms. Then, we present a graph-theoretical approach for enumerating generic rectangular floor plans upto nine rooms. At the end, we demonstrate the transformation of generic floor plans into a floor plan corresponding to a given graph.

Ain Shams Engineering Journal, 2015

This paper presents a systematic pathway for the floor plan design when given the shape of required floor plan, the list of spaces, the dimensions of each space and the weighted matrix of required adjacencies between the spaces. The first step is to partition the given shape into say k possible rectangles. Then using the given adjacencies, divide the given spaces into k groups. Next is to construct a rectangular block for each group and at last adjoin all rectangular blocks to have the required floor plan. The obtained rectangular blocks are one of the best arrangement of spaces inside a rectangle from the point of view of connectivity.

Design Studies, 1997

Every floorplan may be regarded as a reflection of the goals and activities of the users as interpreted by the architect. By comparing a wide range of building layouts for similar organizations one may achieve a good understanding of the ways in which goals and values can be expressed in spatial solutions. It offers the opportunity to develop a spatiofunctional typology of design solutions. Postoccupancy evaluations focusing on underlying arguments and user experiences with different design solutions give insight into relevant points of decision, (dis)advantages for use and perception, and (dis)congruencies between spatial systems and social systems. This article demonstrates how an integration of ,comparative floorplan-analysis and postoccupancy evaluation may contribute to more soundly based solutions in programming and architectural design. The relationship between spatial and social configurations is illuminated by an analysis of the floorplans of two schools with different educational systems and the spatial implications of a shift from a medical care concept into a residential care concept in nursing homes. © 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd. 1 Mlchelson, M M~In and his urban environment: ~ sociological approach Addison-Wesley, MA (1970) ELSEVIER B

Journal for Manufacturing Science and Production, 2002

One of the most difficult problems that face researchers experimenting with complex systems in real world applications is the Facility Layout Design Problem. It relies with the design and location of production lines, machinery and equipment, inventory storage and shipping facilities. In this work it is intended to address this problem through the use of Constraint Logic Programming (CLP) technology. The use of Genetic Algorithms (GA) as optimisation technique in CLP environment is also an issue addressed. The approach aims the implementation of genetic algorithm operators following the CLP paradigm.

2010

Layout planning is the primordial design activity that determines the characteristics and performance of a building throughout its lifecycle. Due to its iterative nature, there is a growing interest in the automation of space layout planning to enhance the search for optimum design solutions. The approaches for automation range from constraint/heuristics-based to the application of numerical optimisation algorithms.