Can formal modelling approaches support Building Planning and Performance Modelling?

Abstract

(no german version) Within building planning processes, regularly a multitude of domain specific aspects need to be considered. These aspects encompass, amongst others, building construction processes, building performance aspects (thermal performance, acoustical performance, ecology performance, etc.), structural stability, and material compatibility. Although the nature of the individual requirements and their normative proof-of-fulfilment procedures is not difficult to grasp, the consideration of all requirements together is non-trivial. Thus, even basic planning tasks require the reasoning capabilities of human experts. However, different stakeholders such as architects, building planners, engineers, or building physics consultants face major challenges while iteratively converging toward design decisions. Aside from being cumbersome and error-prone, "trial and error" processes often result in non-optimal solutions. Given the nature of certain routine working steps in the planning process, intelligent computational support could provide support. In this contribution, we explore the application potential of formal modelling approaches for the AEC (architecture-engineering-construction) domain. Using a case study approach, we outline the methodology and outcome of a number of recently conducted research projects connected with the idea of (partial) automation of routine building planning tasks. Moreover, we review the application potential of certain standard formal modelling approaches in building domain.

Within building planning processes, regularly a multitude of domain specific aspects need to be considered. These aspects encompass, amongst others, building construction processes, building performance aspects (thermal performance, acoustical performance, ecology performance, etc.), structural stability, and material compatibility. Although the nature of the individual requirements and their normative proof-of-fulfilment procedures is not difficult to grasp, the consideration of all requirements together is non-trivial. Thus, even basic planning tasks require the reasoning capabilities of human experts. However, different stakeholders such as architects, building planners, engineers, or building physics consultants face major challenges while iteratively converging toward design decisions. Aside from being cumbersome and error-prone, "trial and error" processes often result in non-optimal solutions. Given the nature of certain routine working steps in the planning process, intelligent computational support could provide support. In this contribution, we explore the application potential of formal modelling approaches for the AEC (architecture-engineering-construction) domain. Using a case study approach, we outline the methodology and outcome of a number of recently conducted research projects connected with the idea of (partial) automation of routine building planning tasks. Moreover, we review the application potential of certain standard formal modelling approaches in building domain.