Proceedings of the 20th International Workshop: Intelligent Computing in Engineering 2013
This research is built upon a previously established multidisciplinary design optimization framew... more This research is built upon a previously established multidisciplinary design optimization framework, entitle Evolutionary Energy Performance Feedback for Design (EEPFD). EEPFD enables flexible form with energy, financial and programing performance feedback for early design decision making where the building form has not been finalized. This research focuses on examining the applicability of EEPFD to early stage design by conducting a pedagogical benchmark experiment. The designed experiment has two subjects of observational interest. The first is to observe any measurable effects of the introduction of EEPFD sans the element of an automated searching algorithm. Secondly, to gauge students’ ability to translate their design intent into a parametric model as this ability is an essential component for the implementation of EEPFD. Results demonstrate that while EEPFD is able to deliver superior performing design solution spaces, students encountered difficulties in the translation of their design intent into a functioning parametric model.
The overall performance of buildings is heavily impacted by design decisions made during the earl... more The overall performance of buildings is heavily impacted by design decisions made during the early stages of the design process. Design professionals are most often unable to explore design alternatives and their impact on energy profiles adequately during this phase. Combining parametric modeling with multi-disciplinary design optimization has been previously identified as a potential solution. By utilizing parametric design and multi-disciplinary design optimization to influence design at the schematic level in the interest of exploring more energy efficient design configurations, the H.D.S. Beagle 1.0 tool was developed. The tool enables the generation of design alternatives according to user defined parameter ranges; automatically gathers the energy analysis result of each design alternative; automatically calculates three objective functions; and uses Genetic Algorithm to intelligently search, rank, select, and breed the solution space for decision making. Current case studies demonstrate our tool’s ability to reduce design cycle latency and improve quality. However, the future work is needed to further investigate how to acclimate this process to accommodate early design stages and processes.
Proceedings of the 2013 ASCE International Workshop on Computing in Civil Engineering
This research is built upon a previously established, early stage, multidisciplinary design optim... more This research is built upon a previously established, early stage, multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) framework, entitled Evolutionary Energy Performance Feedback for Design (EEPFD), and proceeds with observing the impact of EEPFD on the early stages of design by conducting a pedagogical benchmark experiment. This experiment has two main observational interests. The first objective is to observe discrepancies between the human versus automated decision-making processes and the resulting performance of the solution space from each process. The second objective is to understand students' ability to translate their design intent into a parametric model, as this is a crucial component in the implementation of EEPFD. By comparing EEPFD and the benchmark pedagogical process, this paper provides an initial assessment of the potential of EEPFD to reduce latency in decision-making and to find superior performing design solutions compared to the benchmark process. At the completion of this experiment, it was observed that EEPFD was able to deliver superior performing design solution spaces, but that students encountered difficulties in the translation of their design intent into a functioning parametric model.
2013 Proceedings of the Symposium on Simulation for Architecture and Urban Design (SimAUD)
This research is built upon a previously established multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) ... more This research is built upon a previously established multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) framework and further explores the impact of this framework on the early stages of design. Specifically, this paper addresses the potential of introducing a cloud-based approach to tackle geometrically complex design problems and to facilitate early stage design exploration. To address these interests two experiment sets are presented and then discussed in the context of the application of cloud-based computing. First, is a hypothetical scenario possessing complex geometry to understand how the existing established framework assists in the exploration of complex geometric design problems. Second, is a pedagogical benchmark case allowing for the observation of the human versus automated decision making process. By comparing these processes the impact of the established MDO approach on "designing-in performance" and the potential impact of applying cloud-based computing to the MDO framework can be revealed and discussed.
roceedings of 18th International Conference on Computer Aided Architectural Design Research in Asia (CAADRIA)
The research presents the custom development of a software tool and design process for integratin... more The research presents the custom development of a software tool and design process for integrating three design domains, their respective objectives, and geometric parameterizations. It then describes a set of experimental projects and analyses in the context of informing form and geometric complexity. Preliminary results of the multidisciplinary design optimization prototype, which, implements a genetic algorithm, are then presented. The findings include discussion of the value for architects for designing-in performance e.g. the bringing of the energy simulation and financial pro-forma upstream in the design process and of the value for trade off design decision making the system provides. The summary discussion includes the benefit of breeding architecturally complex geometries and the kinds of optimisations or search for improvements on designs that can be achieved.
Proceedings of BS2013: 13th Conference of International Building Performance Simulation Association
A framework entitled Evolutionary Energy Performance Feedback for Design (EEPFD) was developed to... more A framework entitled Evolutionary Energy Performance Feedback for Design (EEPFD) was developed to mobilize the potential of multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) towards solving current obstacles between design and energy performance feedback. However, EEPFD needs to be applicable to the early stage design process where it has the potential for the greatest impact on the overall building lifecycle performance. This paper focuses on examining two criteria identified as necessary components to confirming the validity of EEPFD prior to EEPFD’s application to the actual design process: 1) the ability to accommodate varying degrees of geometric complexity; and 2) the ability to provide a continuing improved solution space. Through 12 hypothetical cases, the research confirms that EEPFD meets these criteria and therefore is suitable for further exploration in application to the early design process. Effective applications of EEPFD to the early stages of design are also explored and discussed.
PLEA 2013 Proceedings of the 29th Conference, Sustainable Architecture for a Renewable Future
Researching the potential of multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) for overcoming current o... more Researching the potential of multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) for overcoming current obstacles between the design and energy simulation domains, a MDO design centric framework, titled Evolutionary Energy Performance Feedback for Design (EEPFD) was developed to explore the applicability of this design framework to the early stage design process. EEPFD incorporates both conceptual energy analysis and the exploration of complex geometry for the purpose of providing early stage design performance feedback. This paper presents a practice based case study through a design competition project for a net zero energy school design with the purpose of evaluating the applicability and impact of EEPFD on the early stage design process. The research then compares three approaches used to obtain energy performance feedback during the case study; including in-house energy analysis, collaboration with MEP consultants, and the use of EEPFD. Through a comparative study EEPFD demonstrates the ability to generate performance feedback more rapidly than the industry standard alternatives. Challenges and suggestions for improvement of EEPFD are then presented and discussed.
Proceedings of the 2013 Association of Computer Aided Design of Architecture (ACADIA)
This paper explores the application of a novel Multi-disciplinary Design Optimization (MDO) frame... more This paper explores the application of a novel Multi-disciplinary Design Optimization (MDO) framework to the early stage design process, through a case study where the designer serves as the primary user and driver. MDO methods have drawn attention from the building design industry as a potential means of overcoming obstacles between design and building performance feedback to support design decision-making. However, precedents exploring MDOs in application to the building design have previously been limited to driving use by engineers or research teams,thereby leaving the incorporation of MDO into a design process by designers largely unexplored.In order to investigate whether MDO can enable the ability to design in a performance environment during the conceptual design stage, a MDO design framework entitled Evolutionary Energy-Performance Feedback for Design (EEPFD) was developed. This paper explores the designer as the primary user by conducting a case study where the application of EEPFD to a single family residential housing unit is incorporated. Through this case study EEPFD demonstrates an ability to assist the designer in identifying higher performing design options while meeting the designer’s aesthetic preferences. In addition the benefits, limitations, concerns and lessons learned in the application of EEPFD are also discussed.
In order to understand the applicability of multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) to the bu... more In order to understand the applicability of multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) to the building design process, a MDO framework, titled Evolutionary Energy Performance Feedback for Design (EEPFD), along with the prototype tool, H.D.S. Beagle, were developed to support designers with the incorporation of partially automated performance feedback during the early stages of design. This paper presents 2 experimental case studies, one from the design profession and the other from a design studio, that evaluate the applicability and impact of EEPFD on the early stage design process. Through these two case studies two different interaction and automation approaches for applying EEPFD are explored as part of the framework validation. Observed benefits, challenges and suggestions of EEPFD’s implementation are then presented and discussed.
This research describes a Design Optioneering methodology that is intended to offer multidiscipli... more This research describes a Design Optioneering methodology that is intended to offer multidisciplinary design teams the ability to systematically explore a large number of design options much more rapidly than current conventional methods. Design Optioneering involves defining a range of design options using associative parametric design tools, coupling the model with integrated simulation-based analysis, and using computational design optimization methods to systematically search though the defined range of alternatives in search of design options that best achieve the problem objectives while satisfying any constraints. This research seeks to further develop, test, and validate a Design Optioneering method for use by students and practitioners. The performance of the proposed methodology will be discussed in terms of a designer’s ability to capture the design intent by integrating parametric modeling with expert analysis domains, which can then generate a large number of alternatives from which to choose. Finally, the potential of Design Optioneering to reduce latency, advance domain integration, and enable the evaluation of more design alternatives in practice will be further enumerated and related to cloud computing strategies for design.
The overall research is separated into two phases: the technical development phase and data generation and analysis phase. This report primarily focuses on documenting the technical development of the prototype, which includes the detailed technical development roadmap, questions and issues encountered, and the decision making process. The final product of the technical development period and limitations will also be explored and discussed.
Multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) has been identified as a potential means for integrat... more Multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) has been identified as a potential means for integrating design and energy performance domains but has not been fully explored for the specific demands of early stage architectural design. In response a design framework, titled Evolutionary Energy Performance Feedback for Design (EEPFD), is developed to support early stage design decision-making by providing rapid iteration with performance feedback through parameterization, automation, and multi-objective optimization. This paper details the development and initial validation of EEPFD through two identified needs of early stage design: 1) the ability to accommodate formal variety and varying degrees of geometric complexity; and 2) the ability to provide improved performance feedback for multiple objective functions. Through experimental cases the research presents effective application of EEPFD for architectural design.
In pursuit of including energy performance as feedback for architects’ early stage design decisio... more In pursuit of including energy performance as feedback for architects’ early stage design decision mak- ing, this research presents the theoretical foundation of a designer oriented multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) framework titled evolutionary energy performance feedback for design (EEPFD). Through a comprehensive literature review and gap analysis EEPFD is developed into an MDO methodol- ogy that provides energy performance as feedback for influencing architects’ decision making more fluidly and earlier than other approaches to date. Secondly, in response to the lack of an MDO best practice EEPFD is investigated and evaluated through two experiments. The first experiment demonstrates the ability to utilize EEPFD provided energy performance as feedback to pursue multiple architectural designs with competing objectives and tradeoffs. The second experiment identifies performance boundaries as a best practice for MDO applications to the early stage architectural design processes. The research synthe- sizes the results into the basis for measuring these performance boundaries as a best practice in the context where architects must gauge multiple design concepts with varying complexity coupled with performance objectives through EEPFD, thereby enhancing the influe
Simulation: Special Issue: Simulation for Architecture and Urban Design, 2013
While the overall performance of buildings has been established to be heavily impacted by design ... more While the overall performance of buildings has been established to be heavily impacted by design decisions made during the early stages of the design process, design professionals are typically unable to explore design alternatives, or their impact on energy profiles, in a sufficient manner during this phase. The research presents a new design simulation methodology based on incorporating a prototype tool (H.D.S. Beagle) that combines parametric modeling with multi-objective optimization through an integrated platform for enabling rapid iteration and trade-off analysis across the domains of design, energy use intensity, and finance. The research evaluates how the proposed method impacts design simulation processes, by either enabling and/or disrupting the early stages of design decision making. This simulation technology is presented through two major experiment sets: (1) a series of hypothetical cases emulating the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) design modeling and simulation process using our integrated simulation framework and technology; and (2) a pedagogically based experiment used for establishing benchmarks. Through these experiment data sets, both quantitative and qualitative data are collected, including human designer and computational analysis speeds, quantity of generated design alternatives, and quality of resulting solution space as defined by the evaluation metric of this research. The affordances for incorporation of real world design complexity into our computational design prototype and simulation methodology are discussed through both the enabling and the disruptive impact on the early stages of the design process.
Proceedings of the 20th International Workshop: Intelligent Computing in Engineering 2013
This research is built upon a previously established multidisciplinary design optimization framew... more This research is built upon a previously established multidisciplinary design optimization framework, entitle Evolutionary Energy Performance Feedback for Design (EEPFD). EEPFD enables flexible form with energy, financial and programing performance feedback for early design decision making where the building form has not been finalized. This research focuses on examining the applicability of EEPFD to early stage design by conducting a pedagogical benchmark experiment. The designed experiment has two subjects of observational interest. The first is to observe any measurable effects of the introduction of EEPFD sans the element of an automated searching algorithm. Secondly, to gauge students’ ability to translate their design intent into a parametric model as this ability is an essential component for the implementation of EEPFD. Results demonstrate that while EEPFD is able to deliver superior performing design solution spaces, students encountered difficulties in the translation of their design intent into a functioning parametric model.
The overall performance of buildings is heavily impacted by design decisions made during the earl... more The overall performance of buildings is heavily impacted by design decisions made during the early stages of the design process. Design professionals are most often unable to explore design alternatives and their impact on energy profiles adequately during this phase. Combining parametric modeling with multi-disciplinary design optimization has been previously identified as a potential solution. By utilizing parametric design and multi-disciplinary design optimization to influence design at the schematic level in the interest of exploring more energy efficient design configurations, the H.D.S. Beagle 1.0 tool was developed. The tool enables the generation of design alternatives according to user defined parameter ranges; automatically gathers the energy analysis result of each design alternative; automatically calculates three objective functions; and uses Genetic Algorithm to intelligently search, rank, select, and breed the solution space for decision making. Current case studies demonstrate our tool’s ability to reduce design cycle latency and improve quality. However, the future work is needed to further investigate how to acclimate this process to accommodate early design stages and processes.
Proceedings of the 2013 ASCE International Workshop on Computing in Civil Engineering
This research is built upon a previously established, early stage, multidisciplinary design optim... more This research is built upon a previously established, early stage, multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) framework, entitled Evolutionary Energy Performance Feedback for Design (EEPFD), and proceeds with observing the impact of EEPFD on the early stages of design by conducting a pedagogical benchmark experiment. This experiment has two main observational interests. The first objective is to observe discrepancies between the human versus automated decision-making processes and the resulting performance of the solution space from each process. The second objective is to understand students' ability to translate their design intent into a parametric model, as this is a crucial component in the implementation of EEPFD. By comparing EEPFD and the benchmark pedagogical process, this paper provides an initial assessment of the potential of EEPFD to reduce latency in decision-making and to find superior performing design solutions compared to the benchmark process. At the completion of this experiment, it was observed that EEPFD was able to deliver superior performing design solution spaces, but that students encountered difficulties in the translation of their design intent into a functioning parametric model.
2013 Proceedings of the Symposium on Simulation for Architecture and Urban Design (SimAUD)
This research is built upon a previously established multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) ... more This research is built upon a previously established multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) framework and further explores the impact of this framework on the early stages of design. Specifically, this paper addresses the potential of introducing a cloud-based approach to tackle geometrically complex design problems and to facilitate early stage design exploration. To address these interests two experiment sets are presented and then discussed in the context of the application of cloud-based computing. First, is a hypothetical scenario possessing complex geometry to understand how the existing established framework assists in the exploration of complex geometric design problems. Second, is a pedagogical benchmark case allowing for the observation of the human versus automated decision making process. By comparing these processes the impact of the established MDO approach on "designing-in performance" and the potential impact of applying cloud-based computing to the MDO framework can be revealed and discussed.
roceedings of 18th International Conference on Computer Aided Architectural Design Research in Asia (CAADRIA)
The research presents the custom development of a software tool and design process for integratin... more The research presents the custom development of a software tool and design process for integrating three design domains, their respective objectives, and geometric parameterizations. It then describes a set of experimental projects and analyses in the context of informing form and geometric complexity. Preliminary results of the multidisciplinary design optimization prototype, which, implements a genetic algorithm, are then presented. The findings include discussion of the value for architects for designing-in performance e.g. the bringing of the energy simulation and financial pro-forma upstream in the design process and of the value for trade off design decision making the system provides. The summary discussion includes the benefit of breeding architecturally complex geometries and the kinds of optimisations or search for improvements on designs that can be achieved.
Proceedings of BS2013: 13th Conference of International Building Performance Simulation Association
A framework entitled Evolutionary Energy Performance Feedback for Design (EEPFD) was developed to... more A framework entitled Evolutionary Energy Performance Feedback for Design (EEPFD) was developed to mobilize the potential of multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) towards solving current obstacles between design and energy performance feedback. However, EEPFD needs to be applicable to the early stage design process where it has the potential for the greatest impact on the overall building lifecycle performance. This paper focuses on examining two criteria identified as necessary components to confirming the validity of EEPFD prior to EEPFD’s application to the actual design process: 1) the ability to accommodate varying degrees of geometric complexity; and 2) the ability to provide a continuing improved solution space. Through 12 hypothetical cases, the research confirms that EEPFD meets these criteria and therefore is suitable for further exploration in application to the early design process. Effective applications of EEPFD to the early stages of design are also explored and discussed.
PLEA 2013 Proceedings of the 29th Conference, Sustainable Architecture for a Renewable Future
Researching the potential of multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) for overcoming current o... more Researching the potential of multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) for overcoming current obstacles between the design and energy simulation domains, a MDO design centric framework, titled Evolutionary Energy Performance Feedback for Design (EEPFD) was developed to explore the applicability of this design framework to the early stage design process. EEPFD incorporates both conceptual energy analysis and the exploration of complex geometry for the purpose of providing early stage design performance feedback. This paper presents a practice based case study through a design competition project for a net zero energy school design with the purpose of evaluating the applicability and impact of EEPFD on the early stage design process. The research then compares three approaches used to obtain energy performance feedback during the case study; including in-house energy analysis, collaboration with MEP consultants, and the use of EEPFD. Through a comparative study EEPFD demonstrates the ability to generate performance feedback more rapidly than the industry standard alternatives. Challenges and suggestions for improvement of EEPFD are then presented and discussed.
Proceedings of the 2013 Association of Computer Aided Design of Architecture (ACADIA)
This paper explores the application of a novel Multi-disciplinary Design Optimization (MDO) frame... more This paper explores the application of a novel Multi-disciplinary Design Optimization (MDO) framework to the early stage design process, through a case study where the designer serves as the primary user and driver. MDO methods have drawn attention from the building design industry as a potential means of overcoming obstacles between design and building performance feedback to support design decision-making. However, precedents exploring MDOs in application to the building design have previously been limited to driving use by engineers or research teams,thereby leaving the incorporation of MDO into a design process by designers largely unexplored.In order to investigate whether MDO can enable the ability to design in a performance environment during the conceptual design stage, a MDO design framework entitled Evolutionary Energy-Performance Feedback for Design (EEPFD) was developed. This paper explores the designer as the primary user by conducting a case study where the application of EEPFD to a single family residential housing unit is incorporated. Through this case study EEPFD demonstrates an ability to assist the designer in identifying higher performing design options while meeting the designer’s aesthetic preferences. In addition the benefits, limitations, concerns and lessons learned in the application of EEPFD are also discussed.
In order to understand the applicability of multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) to the bu... more In order to understand the applicability of multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) to the building design process, a MDO framework, titled Evolutionary Energy Performance Feedback for Design (EEPFD), along with the prototype tool, H.D.S. Beagle, were developed to support designers with the incorporation of partially automated performance feedback during the early stages of design. This paper presents 2 experimental case studies, one from the design profession and the other from a design studio, that evaluate the applicability and impact of EEPFD on the early stage design process. Through these two case studies two different interaction and automation approaches for applying EEPFD are explored as part of the framework validation. Observed benefits, challenges and suggestions of EEPFD’s implementation are then presented and discussed.
This research describes a Design Optioneering methodology that is intended to offer multidiscipli... more This research describes a Design Optioneering methodology that is intended to offer multidisciplinary design teams the ability to systematically explore a large number of design options much more rapidly than current conventional methods. Design Optioneering involves defining a range of design options using associative parametric design tools, coupling the model with integrated simulation-based analysis, and using computational design optimization methods to systematically search though the defined range of alternatives in search of design options that best achieve the problem objectives while satisfying any constraints. This research seeks to further develop, test, and validate a Design Optioneering method for use by students and practitioners. The performance of the proposed methodology will be discussed in terms of a designer’s ability to capture the design intent by integrating parametric modeling with expert analysis domains, which can then generate a large number of alternatives from which to choose. Finally, the potential of Design Optioneering to reduce latency, advance domain integration, and enable the evaluation of more design alternatives in practice will be further enumerated and related to cloud computing strategies for design.
The overall research is separated into two phases: the technical development phase and data generation and analysis phase. This report primarily focuses on documenting the technical development of the prototype, which includes the detailed technical development roadmap, questions and issues encountered, and the decision making process. The final product of the technical development period and limitations will also be explored and discussed.
Multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) has been identified as a potential means for integrat... more Multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) has been identified as a potential means for integrating design and energy performance domains but has not been fully explored for the specific demands of early stage architectural design. In response a design framework, titled Evolutionary Energy Performance Feedback for Design (EEPFD), is developed to support early stage design decision-making by providing rapid iteration with performance feedback through parameterization, automation, and multi-objective optimization. This paper details the development and initial validation of EEPFD through two identified needs of early stage design: 1) the ability to accommodate formal variety and varying degrees of geometric complexity; and 2) the ability to provide improved performance feedback for multiple objective functions. Through experimental cases the research presents effective application of EEPFD for architectural design.
In pursuit of including energy performance as feedback for architects’ early stage design decisio... more In pursuit of including energy performance as feedback for architects’ early stage design decision mak- ing, this research presents the theoretical foundation of a designer oriented multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) framework titled evolutionary energy performance feedback for design (EEPFD). Through a comprehensive literature review and gap analysis EEPFD is developed into an MDO methodol- ogy that provides energy performance as feedback for influencing architects’ decision making more fluidly and earlier than other approaches to date. Secondly, in response to the lack of an MDO best practice EEPFD is investigated and evaluated through two experiments. The first experiment demonstrates the ability to utilize EEPFD provided energy performance as feedback to pursue multiple architectural designs with competing objectives and tradeoffs. The second experiment identifies performance boundaries as a best practice for MDO applications to the early stage architectural design processes. The research synthe- sizes the results into the basis for measuring these performance boundaries as a best practice in the context where architects must gauge multiple design concepts with varying complexity coupled with performance objectives through EEPFD, thereby enhancing the influe
Simulation: Special Issue: Simulation for Architecture and Urban Design, 2013
While the overall performance of buildings has been established to be heavily impacted by design ... more While the overall performance of buildings has been established to be heavily impacted by design decisions made during the early stages of the design process, design professionals are typically unable to explore design alternatives, or their impact on energy profiles, in a sufficient manner during this phase. The research presents a new design simulation methodology based on incorporating a prototype tool (H.D.S. Beagle) that combines parametric modeling with multi-objective optimization through an integrated platform for enabling rapid iteration and trade-off analysis across the domains of design, energy use intensity, and finance. The research evaluates how the proposed method impacts design simulation processes, by either enabling and/or disrupting the early stages of design decision making. This simulation technology is presented through two major experiment sets: (1) a series of hypothetical cases emulating the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) design modeling and simulation process using our integrated simulation framework and technology; and (2) a pedagogically based experiment used for establishing benchmarks. Through these experiment data sets, both quantitative and qualitative data are collected, including human designer and computational analysis speeds, quantity of generated design alternatives, and quality of resulting solution space as defined by the evaluation metric of this research. The affordances for incorporation of real world design complexity into our computational design prototype and simulation methodology are discussed through both the enabling and the disruptive impact on the early stages of the design process.
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The overall research is separated into two phases: the technical development phase and data generation and analysis phase. This report primarily focuses on documenting the technical development of the prototype, which includes the detailed technical development roadmap, questions and issues encountered, and the decision making process. The final product of the technical development period and limitations will also be explored and discussed.
Journal Papers
The overall research is separated into two phases: the technical development phase and data generation and analysis phase. This report primarily focuses on documenting the technical development of the prototype, which includes the detailed technical development roadmap, questions and issues encountered, and the decision making process. The final product of the technical development period and limitations will also be explored and discussed.