Architectural Decision Making (ADM) is used by all architects and planners at each state from site selection to designing and up to finishing. However, in order to perform decision making time and human resources are being consumed a lot. This research helps in reducing the effort to copious amount. This decreases the time taken to perform preliminary study for a project development which would translate into reduced cost while increasing the accuracy of the data collected, as the resulting decision is based on simulations that helps in decision making. This analysis provides substantiating data that helps in performing. ADM in a well-articulated manner. The study has been divided into three parts Macro level, Meso level and Micro level.
Macro level study involves usage of computation tool Grasshopper to identify the site, which is possible by using a plugin called mosquito within Grasshopper. Using that data as a primary factor we can proceed with further filtration processes involving parameters like accessibility, demand, specifically using digital tools. This analysis involves the use of a plugin Mosquito. This mosquito plugin is used in grasshopper as a plugin to provide the user with the data they require for understanding the social media influence on a particular region. Social media analysis is where twitter and Flickr data can be analysed. The result of this analysis will provide the user with the data as to which specific zone has more social media points. Social media points are the locations marked on a map based on geo coordinates that Flickr and twitter captured at the time of uploading of the post or image. These locations provide us with data points with which we can arrive at influence zones.
Meso level study will involve usage of grasshopper for development of form with respect to the macro studies. A component named Galapagos was used to create the basic form. It is also known as Multi Objective Evolutionary Solver. This solver takes in the problem and provides solutions to the given problem. For this study to arrive at the inputs, a few other analyses were done using grasshopper. Energy analysis and view analysis were done using a plugin LadyBug. Energy analysis involves usage of epw files to find out how the selected site reacts to the surrounding temperature. Results of that analysis were taken as one of the input parameters for Galapagos. View analysis was also done for that site identifying building orientation based on preferred view. Preferred view was created by generating a surface on the model, using this as input parameter the solver will try to find a range where maximum view and minimum radiation is generated over the building. Galapagos will generate iterations of the same. It is up to the designer to take up the choice on what iteration to take with which a building form has been evolved over the base iteration model. In that way computation tools help in deriving base form reducing time taken to design several options before arriving at the base model. Galapagos solver will provide iterations with different genome sequences. This can be used to develop the form in meso level.
Micro level will be more specific by using spatial analysis tools to perform spatial optimization. This can be done by using DepthMapX by Varoudis. Using AI based agent movement user can generate a single line cad plan with enclosures and openings provided for doors. This simulation will provide a heat map based on people’s movement generated using AI Agents. This process is known as Visual Graphic Analysis (VGA).
Moreover, Grasshopper – a plugin of Rhino has been used to perform the analysis. The research proceeded with more weightages given to the macro level as it involves identification of site with respect to operations such as social media analysis, Visibility Graphics Analysis (VGA), Depth mapping and Isovist, which have been used to define data driven approach to design development. Review of the literature and net case studies in the field of data driven approach to design development led to the comparative analysis from which parameters were studied on three different levels.
Finally, the culmination of the study in terms of macro level was explained with a sample study with positive results for the study providing three potential sites in macro level derived based on operations done in grasshopper. These three influence zones arrived after the culmination of social media analysis. Market driven analysis and Data driven approach has been followed significantly to arrive at the site selection, radiation and view analysis were also used. Also, Visibility Graphics Analysis (VGA) has been used to a certain extent to provide as one of the parameters to arrive at the site from the selected influence zones. Mixed Use Development was proposed on the selected site so that it may cater to the growing needs of the commercial buildings in proximity. Meso level analysis was also done to prove that the methodology adopted during the preliminary research phase is feasible when we take a built form into the context.
Therefore, a data driven approach has been used to bring about quick and fairly accurate decision making with reduction in the cost as shown in this dissertation. Obviously, it doesn’t mean the elimination of the creativity of an architect. This is to bring one step closer to the solution by supplementing the intuitive design process.
Disclaimer: The information, statements and opinions contained in this content are of a general nature only and do not take into account your individual circumstances including any laws, policies, procedures or practices you or your employer or businesses may have or be subject to. Although the statements of fact on this page have been obtained from and are based upon sources that L&T EduTech believes to be reliable, it does not guarantee their accuracy or completeness.
