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Article
Publication date: 1 June 2007

Orestes Chouchoulas and Alan Day

Although the idea of linking a shape grammar to a genetic algorithm is not new, this paper proposes a novel way of combining these two elements in order to provide a tool that can…

Abstract

Although the idea of linking a shape grammar to a genetic algorithm is not new, this paper proposes a novel way of combining these two elements in order to provide a tool that can be used for design exploration. Using a shape grammar for design generation provides a way of creating a range of potential solutions to a design problem which fit with the designer's stylistic agenda. A genetic algorithm can then be used to take these designs and develop them into a much richer set of solutions which can still be recognised as part of the same family. By setting quantifiable targets for design performance, the genetic algorithm can evolve new designs which exhibit the best features of previous generations. The designer is then presented with a wide range of high scoring solutions and can choose which of these to take forward and develop in the conventional manner. The novelty of the proposed approach is in the use of a shape code, which describes the steps that the shape grammar has taken to create each design. The genetic algorithm works on this shape code by applying crossover and mutation in order to create a range of designs that can be tested. The fittest are then selected in order to provide the genetic material for the next generation. A prototype version of such a program, called Shape Evolution, has been developed. In order to test Shape Evolution it has been used to design a range of apartment buildings which are required to meet certain performance criteria.

Details

Open House International, vol. 32 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0168-2601

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 June 2017

Martin Ondra, David Škaroupka and Jan Rajlich

This paper aims to study the appearance of drills from one brand by using currently available design tools. It aims to find and discuss the relationship between appearance…

1137

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to study the appearance of drills from one brand by using currently available design tools. It aims to find and discuss the relationship between appearance innovation and maintaining key design features.

Design/methodology/approach

The innovation process is studied on drills of a Czech power tool maker and a previously created concept of a new drill. First, the authors explore the similarities between the designed concept and previous models of the brand by calculating the degree of similarity of given shape features. Second, they capture the drills simple shape grammar and strive to generate a sketch of the concept.

Findings

Results show the use of several similar shape features from previous models in the innovated design. Shape grammar can create a principally similar concept, but some innovations cannot be achieved this way. A description of appearance innovation within brand identity in terms of shape grammar is given.

Research limitations/implications

The research is limited mainly to a small group of previous products that can be analyzed. It is done only for one particular brand identity. When used with the shape grammars, design generation is limited.

Practical implications

Better understanding of the innovative process aids designers in working with designs for brand identity and may serve to shape grammar enhancement.

Originality/value

The paper describes what happens during the innovation of product appearance and implicates enhancement and meaning of design analysis done by shape grammars and exploring similarities.

Details

International Journal of Innovation Science, vol. 9 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-2223

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 March 2011

Stephen Fox

Generative Production Systems are generative design computation that is linked to optimal physical production. They can improve the design and production of products which have…

Abstract

Purpose

Generative Production Systems are generative design computation that is linked to optimal physical production. They can improve the design and production of products which have unique geometries. The purpose of this paper is to introduce a preliminary methodology for Generative Production Systems.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes the form of a literature review investigating the structures and formats of successful methodologies. The literature review also investigates Generative Production Systems' theoretical foundations, development and implementations.

Findings

The potential of Generative Production Systems is restricted because enabling information is fragmented and difficult to access. In other fields, such barriers have been overcome through the introduction of methodologies that provide guiding principles, rules and strategies (P‐R‐S). The P‐R‐S type of methodology structure is suitable for Generative Production Systems.

Practical implications

The use of Generative Production Systems requires more upfront investment than the use of CAD/CAM software packages. However, they require little, or no, human input after they are set‐up. The preliminary methodology provides structured guidance about how to set up a Generative Production System. Further, the explanatory text enables wider understanding of Generative Production Systems, and how they can improve design and production.

Originality/value

An analysis is provided for the structure and format of successful methodologies in general. A preliminary methodology for Generative Production Systems is introduced. Further, the paper provides an overview of the disadvantages and advantages of Generative Production Systems compared to typical CAD/CAM software packages.

Details

Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, vol. 22 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-038X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 2006

José P. Duarte and Rodrigo Correia

The current goal is to implement a description grammar that generates housing briefs based on user and site data. The ultimate goal is to customize mass housing. This paper…

Abstract

The current goal is to implement a description grammar that generates housing briefs based on user and site data. The ultimate goal is to customize mass housing. This paper discusses these issues. Previous research proposed a mathematical model for the automatic generation of customized designs based on description and shape grammars. This paper describes the implementation of a description grammar that codifies the Portuguese housing design guidelines, as well as the intelligence of a human designer using them inferred after experimental work. Knowledge was sequentially converted from table format into English, Mathematical notation, and then the CLIPS language. Java Experts system Shell is the rule application engine, and JAVA and XML are used for coding theinterface and information tables, respectively.It describes how to implement a description grammar and it shows the feasibility of using them for automating the generation of housing briefs that contain enough technical information for design. In a subsequent step, it permits the automatic generation of housing solutions in real time. Backtracking is limited, theinterface does not provide visual clues for improving understanding of the available options, and the brief does not record intuitive or emotional information. It can help designers identifying the specifications of their clients' houses. It can be linked to a system that automatically generates, in a given language, housing solutions that match such specifications, thereby enabling the mass customization of housing. This paper describes the first practical implementation of a description grammar found in the literature.

Details

Construction Innovation, vol. 6 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-4175

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 August 2007

R. Willis and M. Chiasson

ERP systems continue to fail. One success factor that has received little attention in the literature is cultural fit – which emphasizes the need for ERP systems to be chosen and…

1412

Abstract

Purpose

ERP systems continue to fail. One success factor that has received little attention in the literature is cultural fit – which emphasizes the need for ERP systems to be chosen and adapted to current organizational practices. However, the dynamics behind culture and its fit with ERP require investigation. This paper aims to fills this gap.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws upon cultural and linguistic concepts from Antonio Gramsci to consider how consent is achieved in ERP implementation projects. These concepts include positive (integral) and negative (decadent and minimal) hegemony, as well as the production and effects of normative and spontaneous grammars. The paper examined the implementation of an ERP in a logistics company, using interview and documentary evidence.

Findings

The findings reveal that, while consensus is apparently achieved across disparate groups and interests, it is achieved through the use of phrases which marginalized groups by their abstract and rhetorical nature. This implementation process allowed for the subordination of local interests, making it difficult to form alternative responses. It is concluded that decadent and minimal hegemonies prevailed, instead of an integral hegemony formed through continuous negotiation and debate across sub‐groups.

Research limitations/implications

The paper suggests that studies of ERP implementation using Gramsci's concepts of negative (minimal and decadent) and positive (integral) hegemonies, that influence cultural fit, can aid the study of positive and negative forms of consent.

Practical implications

The paper illustrates how cultural fit during ERP implementation could be achieved through technical and cultural change‐based grammars and languages which allow broad democratic participation.

Originality/value

This paper illustrates the value of Gramsci's concepts in IS research, and provides valuable insights into the dynamics of “cultural fit”.

Details

Information Technology & People, vol. 20 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-3845

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 August 2023

Tuğçe Çelik

“Can artificial intelligence produce architectural plan schemes?” discussion is the starting point of this study. The aim of this paper is to question whether this will be a new…

Abstract

Purpose

“Can artificial intelligence produce architectural plan schemes?” discussion is the starting point of this study. The aim of this paper is to question whether this will be a new method in architectural design by producing plans with artificial intelligence interfaces working with human–computer interaction and to create a discussion environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The main research topic is the evaluation of architectural design decisions with the text-to-image generation AI algorithms method based on shape grammar rules. First, a sample space consisting of Palladio plans or plan diagrams was created. Plan diagram production experiments were made with different interfaces (Midjourney, Dall-e2, Stable Diffusion, Craiyon, Nightcafe), and alternative plan diagrams were recorded as outputs. The discussion of the outputs has been made over architectural design and space.

Findings

In the conceptual design phase of the architectural discipline and in the production of architectural plan scheme, AI algorithms are trending. This interaction imposes a new responsibility on architects. AI can create paradigm shifts in architectural processes with its tools with high data processing potential. On the other hand, in this study, it is emphasized that architecture is not just an act of producing visuals, but a functional act of producing visuals.

Originality/value

The technology is effective in producing architectural plans and directing them to artificial intelligence algorithms. With this study, multi-alternative architectural plan productions were tried with text-to-image bots with fast results. In this direction, a new method proposal has been developed for the conceptual design phase in architecture.

Details

Open House International, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0168-2601

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 January 2022

Sara Eloy and Pieter E. Vermaas

Customization is a paradox in architecture, providing necessary modernization for buildings but potentially damaging their architectural integrity. In this paper, the authors…

Abstract

Purpose

Customization is a paradox in architecture, providing necessary modernization for buildings but potentially damaging their architectural integrity. In this paper, the authors introduce the Inhabitant-Driven Customization approach for avoiding this paradox; this approach lets inhabitants design the customization from options created by architects that safeguard architectural rules. As a first implementation of the Inhabitant-Driven Customization approach, the MyChanges tool is presented. The authors assess whether the approach avoids the customization paradox by a qualitative stakeholder evaluation of the MyChanges tool and by a comparison of the Inhabitant-Driven Customization approach with existing approaches to housing customization.

Design/methodology/approach

MyChanges is a shape grammar-based design tool developed to enable inhabitants of the Álvaro Siza Vieira Malagueira housing complex to customize their houses in accordance with the architectural language of the complex. In this study, the authors qualitatively evaluated MyChanges with architects and other professional stakeholders. MyChanges is used in this paper to assess if the Inhabitant-Driven Customization approach avoids the paradox of customization. The initial reception of MyChanges produced diverging outcomes, suggesting that Inhabitant-Driven Customization is also unable to avoid the customization paradox. For analyzing this possibility further, this paper describes the main existing approaches to housing customization, including the Inhabitant-Driven Customization approach, formulates nine conditions for these approaches, and provides a qualitative comparative assessment of the approaches.

Findings

The customization paradox is demonstrated in the outcomes of the interviews with professional stakeholders on the MyChanges customization tool for the Malagueira housing complex. An argument is given that makes plausible that the Inhabitant-Driven Customization approach avoids the customization paradox by creating a co-design process in which inhabitants and architects alternately shape customization.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper lies in the introduction and discussion of the paradox of customization in housing. The paper identifies the conditions advanced in architecture for assessing housing customization approaches. Additionally, the authors propose a new customization approach and a design tool that to a large extent fulfills those conditions and avoids the customization paradox.

Details

Archnet-IJAR: International Journal of Architectural Research, vol. 16 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2631-6862

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 2007

Özgür Ediz and Gülen Çağdaş

Digital design technologies play a significant role in assisting the designer through conceptual architectural design. Computer supported design systems can generate various…

Abstract

Digital design technologies play a significant role in assisting the designer through conceptual architectural design. Computer supported design systems can generate various images at the early design phase and can contribute to seeking alternative architectural forms. Currently, different design approaches are being employed in the formation of architectural products. Examples of architecture that produce unusual forms are often encountered within unique conceptual approaches. The development of new design examples is supported by the digital production of forms, and three-dimensional models through varying geometric approaches. In this study, a design approach that uses computer aided architectural design to produce architectural forms will be suggested. This approach utilizes principles existing in the unique fractal dimension of elements based on a vocabulary relevant to a specific architectural language. By relying on the fractal dimension and features of an existing architectural pattern, this generative design approach supports creativity in the production of new forms. The proposed approach is evaluated as a creative tool in architectural design. The subject of architecture; buildings, spaces, surroundings, symbols of that particular society are also the elements of a meta-language which creates a fractal geometry based relation. It is possible to analyse this relation through a fractal geometry-based principle. In short, a fractal geometrical generative method is suggested. Also, recently-surfaced discussions about "Chaos Theory" and its effects on the design process via "Chaos and Self - Similarity" are studied. The significance of these different phenomena and disciplines upon architectural design are also studied for developing a possible creative tool.

Article
Publication date: 1 March 2016

Ömer Erem and Selen Abbasoğlu Ermiyagil

This paper aims to define an adapted contemporary design language for housing built next to vernacular residential buildings of Anatolian villages. The case has been selected from…

Abstract

This paper aims to define an adapted contemporary design language for housing built next to vernacular residential buildings of Anatolian villages. The case has been selected from Balıkesir province in the North-western part of Anatolia within a corpus of 104 houses from selected 81 villages of the region. Originally, vernacular house plans consist of allocation of rooms around a hall: sofa. Each room is a core living space with everyday living needs for a family. House is formed with various spatial relations between sofa and rooms around it. This relation is the determinative feature in formation of vernacular language for each Anatolian house. The study has three phases: analysis, adaptation and generation. The first phase analyzes the elements of vernacular by decomposing its language into sub-parts. In the second phase, the inadequacies of existing vernacular structures were exposed with methods of observation and questionnaires applied on users and new demands for living have been adapted with vernacular existing language grammar rules. In the last phase within the framework of adapted language rules for Balıkesir vernacular, numerous novel design alternatives were generated. This study claims to sustain the existing socio-cultural spatial configuration by adapting newly built contemporary houses to actual vernacular architecture in the planning context.

Details

Open House International, vol. 41 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0168-2601

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 2007

Jamal Al-Qawasmi and Karim Hadjri

The influence of digital media and information technology on architecture is increasingly evident. Architectural design, practice, fabrication and construction are increasingly…

Abstract

The influence of digital media and information technology on architecture is increasingly evident. Architectural design, practice, fabrication and construction are increasingly aided by and dependent on digital technology. The proliferation of computers and telecomputing in design education and practice has resulted in a major paradigm shift and a reorientation in theoretical and conceptual assumptions considered to be central to traditional design education and practice.

Details

Open House International, vol. 32 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0168-2601

1 – 10 of over 2000