Ideally, multiple computational building evaluation routines (particularly simulation tools) should be coupled in real-time to the representational design model to provide timely performance feed-back to the system user. In this paper we demonstrate how this can be achieved effectively and conveniently via homology-based mapping. We consider two models as homologous if they entail isomorphic topological information. If the general design representation (i.e., a shared object model) is generated in a manner so as to include both the topological building information and pointers to the semantic information base, it can be used to directly derive the domain representations (>enriched< object models with detailed configurational information and filtered semantic data) needed for evaluation purposes. As a proof of concept, we demonstrate a computational design environment that dynamically links an object-oriented space-based design model, with structurally homologous object models of various simulation routines.
The aim of researches conducted within gamsau about urban simulation, in particular Remus project, is to allow rapid modeling of large and regular urban zones, for purpose of interactive navigation (like VRML) or for realistic rendering (ray-tracing methods). One of problems to be solved in this context is the multiplicity of data formats : inputs come from different sources, and outputs are for heterogeneous systems of visualization. Typically CSG and boundary representation must be generated, treated and converted during building of models. Furthermore, the generated models can be more or less refined, depending on requests and type of use. This paper describes the general context of data models conversion, problems concerning levels of detail and implementation done in Remus, based on object oriented approach.
The construction industry is suffering form the existence of isolated islands of software applications and bottle neck solutions. The idea of an integrated virtual database that consists of separated platforms, representing various disciplines, depending on the web technology is envisaged to solve the problem of integration. This paper is about the production and use of OIPs (Object Information Packs) as a part of the construction material product in the form of XML files that include all the technical and commercial data of the product, which might be needed by any discipline in its overall life cycle. This object information pack is neutral and independent of any software application. It is assumed to fit in a building product model at the IFC (resource layer). An example of brick - wall aggregation process is used to demonstrate the capability of the technology and the ability of non computer science experts to use it.