Hierarchical Element Structure for Real-Time 3D Building Design Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D building design systems in the AEC industry are cumbersome and unidirectional, requiring users to restart the generative design process to modify outputs, lacking flexibility to adjust both input and output parameters simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A hierarchical structure comprising 'Elements', 'Programs', and 'Envelopes' that allow for dynamic geometric modeling, encapsulating geometry and logic, enabling modifications to be made without affecting the entire model, allowing for real-time updates while preserving the hierarchical structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a standard generative approach is used to generate building systems, then design solutions can be generated based on input parameters, but the process becomes unidirectional and requires restarting the entire process to modify outputs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the building design into hierarchical levels (site, building, floor, room, component) that can be independently modified. Each level can be adjusted without requiring complete regeneration of the entire design, allowing localized edits while maintaining overall design integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static generative process to a dynamic one where designs can be continuously modified at any hierarchical level. The design model responds dynamically to parameter changes at any level, automatically updating dependent elements without requiring process restart.
2Manufacturing precision
If detailed geometric models are created for each building element, then design precision is improved, but the complexity of managing and modifying these models increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the complex geometric modeling task into hierarchical segments where each level (building, floor, room, component) has its own geometric model. This segmentation allows detailed precision at each level while managing complexity through hierarchical organization and independent modification capabilities.
3Reliability
If the generative design process is used to create comprehensive building systems, then design completeness is improved, but the ability to make localized modifications without affecting the entire model is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The hierarchical structure segments the design into independent levels that can be modified locally. Changes at any level automatically propagate to dependent levels while maintaining overall design completeness, enabling localized edits without affecting unrelated parts of the model.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where modifications at any hierarchical level automatically trigger updates to dependent levels. This feedback loop ensures design completeness is maintained while enabling easy localized modifications through automatic consistency propagation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and system provide the ability to design a space in a computer-aided design (CAD) application. A 3D model is acquired. The space is designed by defining Elements including a parent and a child element. Each Element encapsulates a geometric model, and consists of metadata that provides a summary of contents in each Element that enables an outside process to handle each Element without access to the encapsulated geometric model. An arbitrary logic Program is structured to generate a list of the child Elements. The 3D model is edited and updated in real time. During the updating, the Program is reexecuted to update the child elements while attempting to conserve a hierarchical structure of the Elements. The updated 3D model is provided via a graphical user interface that enables editing of the geometric model and the Elements in the space.