Generative BIM workspace for AEC conceptual design automation: prototype development

Abstract

<jats:sec><jats:title content-type="abstract-subheading">Purpose</jats:title><jats:p>The integration and automation of the whole design and implementation process have become a pivotal factor in construction projects. Problems of process integration, particularly at the conceptual design stage, often manifest through a number of significant areas, from design representation, cognition and translation to process fragmentation and loss of design integrity. Whilst building information modelling (BIM) applications can be used to support design automation, particularly through the modelling, amendment and management stages, they do not explicitly provide whole design integration. This is a significant challenge. However, advances in generative design now offer significant potential for enhancing the design experience to mitigate this challenge.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title content-type="abstract-subheading">Design/methodology/approach</jats:title><jats:p>The approach outlined in this paper specifically addresses BIM deficiencies at the conceptual design stage, where the core drivers and indicators of BIM and generative design are identified and mapped into a generative BIM (G-BIM) framework and subsequently embedded into a G-BIM prototype. This actively engages generative design methods into a single dynamic BIM environment to support the early conceptual design process. The developed prototype followed the CIFE “horseshoe” methodology of aligning theoretical research with scientific methods to procure architecture, construction and engineering (AEC)-based solutions. This G-BIM prototype was also tested and validated through a focus group workshop engaging five AEC domain experts.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title content-type="abstract-subheading">Findings</jats:title><jats:p>The G-BIM prototype presents a valuable set of rubrics to support the conceptual design stage using generative design. It benefits from the advanced features of BIM tools in relation to illustration and collaboration (coupled with BIM's parametric change management features).</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title content-type="abstract-subheading">Research limitations/implications</jats:title><jats:p>This prototype has been evaluated through multiple projects and scenarios. However, additional test data is needed to further improve system veracity using conventional and non-standard real-life design settings (and contexts). This will be reported in later works.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title content-type="abstract-subheading">Originality/value</jats:title><jats:p>Originality and value rest with addressing the shortcomings of previous research on automation during the design process. It also addresses novel computational issues relating to the implementation of generative design systems, where, for example, instead of engaging static and formal description of the domain concepts, G-BIM actively enhances the applicability of BIM during the early design stages to generate optimised (and more purposeful) design solutions.</jats:p></jats:sec>

Architectural Design Exploration Using Generative Design: Framework Development and Case Study of a Residential Block

“…The existing studies within architectural design present frameworks with accompanying prototypes. Some frameworks are more focused on genetic algorithms [11,16], energy performance [9], prototype development [13], or the design process [12], for example. Therefore, there is a need for frameworks focusing on the general and technical workflow of the generative architectural design system.…”

“…The application of generative design is also dependent on the targeted level of detail of the final solution set and how its potential to explore different levels of details. In line with this, Abrishami et al [13] exemplified a top-down exploration starting with a building envelope and further adding details as the exploration progressed. Top-down exploration has also been shown in this study, where an empty block is progressively populated with one or several buildings through different levels of detail.…”

“…This paper contributes by developing a framework for generative design and evaluating its potential through a demonstration using in the real-world case of residential block development. The presented framework differs from earlier presented frameworks in some ways: firstly, by not limiting the generative design system to genetic algorithms (as in Nagy et al [11]), or energy performance models (as in Gerber and Lin [9]); and secondly, by presenting a general technical view of how the generative design system should function instead of focusing on the overarching design process (as in Abrishami et al [12]) or the specific prototype (as in Abrishami et al [13]).…”

“…Abrishami et al [12] integrated a generative system with a building information modeling (BIM) environment to support conceptual design in an architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) context by providing techniques for design solution generation and exploration. Their proposed framework was also recently developed into a prototype (see [13]), with an emphasis on embedding information into generated solutions. Their findings showed promising results in the approach's ability to support creativity and process information.…”

Method for optimizing the number of glass-fiber reinforced plastic rebars in concrete structures

“…The solution of the problem of optimizing the lengths of reinforcing bars is possible in the «Grasshopper» software, which has access to both quantitative and spatial data about the design object, which makes it easier to solve the problem of design optimization. «Grasshopper» supports the principles of BIM and allows transferring data to other software systems based on BIM [16][17][18][19][20][21].…”