Zoning Data API for Generative Architecture 3D Envelopes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current digital zoning data providers output data in a structure that is not directly usable by generative architecture model software, preventing the generation of three-dimensional (3D) representations of geospatial data.
Innovation Solution
A server configured to output structured digitized zoning data via an application programming interface (API) to generative architecture model software, allowing for the extraction and transmission of zoning restriction attributes and parameters in a predefined data exchange format.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing digital zoning data providers output data with too much optionality, then the data provides flexibility for various interpretations, but the data cannot be directly usable by generative architecture model software
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms zoning data from an unstructured format with excessive optionality into a structured format with specific parameters (building height limits, setback requirements, floor area ratios, etc.). This parameterization enables generative architecture software to directly interpret and utilize the zoning data without requiring manual interpretation or customization, thus resolving the contradiction between data flexibility and direct usability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer that converts raw zoning data into a standardized structured format before delivering it to generative architecture software. This intermediary transformation process maintains the adaptability of the original data while creating a usable intermediate representation that software can directly consume, bridging the gap between flexible source data and software requirements.
2Ease of operation
If zoning data is extracted and packaged into a predefined data exchange format, then the data can be transmitted via API to generative architecture model software, but additional processing steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-structuring and pre-packaging zoning data into the required data exchange format before transmission. By preparing the data in advance with all necessary transformations, validations, and formatting completed beforehand, the system reduces the complexity of processing steps needed at transmission time, making the overall operation easier despite the additional preparatory work.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by automatically extracting, structuring, and packaging zoning data without requiring manual intervention. The automated processing pipeline handles all transformation steps, reducing the need for human operators to manage the complexity of data preparation, thus improving ease of operation while managing processing complexity through automation.
3Productivity
If structured zoning data is provided via API, then automated extraction of zoning restriction attributes is enabled, but the system requires a standardized data structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments zoning data into distinct, standardized components such as building height limits, setback requirements, floor area ratios, and use restrictions. By dividing the complex zoning information into discrete, well-defined segments with standardized formats, the system enables automated extraction and processing while managing the complexity through modular organization of data elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal standardized data structure that can serve multiple functions: it enables automated extraction by generative architecture software, facilitates API transmission, and accommodates various types of zoning restrictions. This multi-functional standardized format increases productivity across different applications while managing complexity through a single versatile data model.
Data Source
AI summary
A method presents structured digitized zoning data, by a server including a processor and a memory, via an application programming interface (API) to a client computer for displaying three-dimensional (3D) representations of geospatial data generated by generative architecture model software on a graphical user interface (GUI) on the client computer. The method includes extracting from a zoning data record, by the processor, as a function of the zoning restriction request and as a function of a default and/or a conditional zoning use class, the zoning restriction attributes associated with the zone and the zoning restriction parameters for the zoning restriction attributes by retrieving, from the zoning data record, the zoning restriction attributes associated with the zone in the zoning data record and each zoning restriction parameter for the default and/or conditional zoning use class associated with the zoning restriction attributes in the zoning data record; packaging, by the processor, the extracted zoning restriction attributes and zoning restriction parameters into a data object in a predefined data exchange format associated with the API; and transmitting, by the processor, the data object, as an API response, to the generative architecture model software to generate a visual representation of the extracted zoning restriction parameters on the GUI on the client computer.