Building Design System Automating Virtual Element Compliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated building design systems are impractical due to complexity and inability to adapt to unique design requirements and changes in scope, such as climate conditions and building regulations, often requiring multiple stages of human expertise and repetitive processes.
Innovation Solution
A building design system and user interface that configures a virtual design template with architectural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing requirements, allowing virtual building elements to adjust intrinsic and extrinsic properties to comply with design specifications, enabling partial or complete automation of the design process without replacing human experts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If multiple software-based agents are used to automate different stages of building design, then automation extent is improved, but device complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple software-based agents into a single integrated design system that performs architectural, structural, MEP, and code compliance checks simultaneously. This merging approach maintains high automation while reducing system complexity by eliminating the need to coordinate multiple separate agents.
Solution Approach 2:
The design system is designed to perform multiple functions including generating design options, checking code compliance, optimizing performance, and coordinating with other professionals. This multi-functional approach allows a single system to replace what would otherwise require multiple specialized agents.
2Adaptability or versatility
If design variations are introduced in modular construction automation, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts to design variations by allowing real-time modification of module configurations, connections, and arrangements. The automation adjusts to different design scenarios without requiring reprogramming, maintaining simplicity while handling complexity through flexible, dynamic behavior.
3Manufacturing precision
If traditional sequential design process is used with human experts at each stage, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring design templates with code requirements and design standards before the actual design process begins. This allows automated compliance checking to occur concurrently with design development rather than sequentially after completion, reducing time while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The design system operates continuously throughout the design process, providing real-time feedback and compliance checking rather than performing discrete checks at separate stages. This continuous operation eliminates idle time between design activities and compliance verification while maintaining design quality.
4Manufacturing precision
If iterative design process is used to address issues at each stage, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback loops that automatically detect and resolve compliance issues in real-time during design development. This eliminates the need for separate iterative cycles, as the system provides immediate corrective guidance, maintaining precision while minimizing time loss through instantaneous feedback rather than delayed iteration.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of designing a building using a design system, is provided. The method comprises: displaying a user interface at a display of the design system, wherein the user interface comprises a design template, wherein the design template is configured with design requirements; receiving a selection of a first virtual building element to be incorporated into the design template; adjusting an intrinsic property of the first virtual building element based on the design requirements of the design template; identifying a second virtual building element in the design template; and based on the relationship between the first virtual building element and the identified second virtual building element, adjusting an intrinsic property of the first virtual building element such that both the first and second virtual building elements meet the design requirements of the design template.