This article discusses interaction between multimodal representations of architectural design knowledge, particularly focusing on relating explicit and implicit types of information. The aim of the presented research is to develop a computational environment that combines several modes of representation, including and integrating different forms of architectural design knowledge. Development of an interactive digital-models library and ontological model of architectural design factors are discussed, which are complementary in nature. In a time when BIM software is seen as embodiment of domain knowledge and the future medium of architectural design, this paper presents an interaction between ontological representation of architectural design knowledge and its embodiment in interactive models, thus focusing on the process of design and design space exploration. In the digital environments that we propose, representation of different formats of knowledge, such as visual, linguistic or numeric, are integrated with relational and procedural information, design rules, and characteristics. Interactive search and query based on contextual constraints, and parametric variation of the model based on the information received from ontology are the underlying drivers for design exploration and development.

Abstract This paper discusses the integration of knowledge bases and shape grammars for the generation of building models, covering interaction, system, and implementation. Knowledge-based and generative systems are combined to construct a method for characterizing existing buildings, in particular, their interior layouts based on exterior features and certain other parameters such as location and real dimensions. The knowledge-based model contains information about spatial use, organization, elements, and contextual information, with the shape grammar principally containing style rules. Buildings are analyzed and layouts are generated through communication and interaction between these two systems. The benefit of using an interactive system is that the complementary properties of the two schemes are employed to strengthen the overall process. Ontologies capture knowledge relating to architectural design principles, building anatomy, structure, and systems. Shape grammar rules embody change through geometric manipulation and transformation. Existing buildings are analyzed using this approach, and three-dimensional models are automatically generated. Two particular building types, the vernacular rowhouse and high-rise apartment building, both from Baltimore, Maryland, are presented to illustrate the process and for comparing the utilized methodologies.

The environmental impact of flooring materials is the aggregate of impacts of raw material properties and composition across all stages of the product life cycle including extraction, manufacturing, packaging and transportation, use and disposal. In this analysis, linoleum, vinyl composition tile (VCT), nylon carpet tile, composite marble tile, ceramic tile, terrazzo, cork and rubber flooring are compared. Life cycle assessment is performed for these selected materials, where both environmental and economic factors are examined. It is important to understand performance of various materials when design factors are changed. Therefore, this analysis compares environmental impact when design requirements are varied and material characteristics are constant. Past research is presented, where relative results generally agree among several studies. However, various methodologies have been utilized for lifecycle assessment with differing measurements for environmental performance, thus comparative analysis is not permissible. Economic factors have not been reported in previous studies, therefore, the primary objective of this study is to investigate environmental and economic performance of various flooring materials. Building for Environmental and Economic Sustainability (BEES) software is utilized to measure combinatory performance of the selected materials for raw material acquisition, manufacturing process, transportation, installation, use, recycling and waste management. Three scenarios are investigated, where initially equal weights are given to both environmental and economic factors. Second case is primarily associated with economic and third with the environmental performance. Results indicate that cork, linoleum and rubber flooring materials should be considered when environmental factors are the primary concern and when both environmental and economic factors are equally weighted.

This article discusses relationships between building performance simulations and design decisions and how building performance predictions can improve the design outcomes. The first part of the article discusses why we need to quantify building performance and predict how a building as a whole or its components will function. Then, relationships between Building Information Modeling (BIM) and analysis software applications are discussed, where best practices for developing BIM models that are suitable for different types of simulations are discussed. Lastly, two case studies are used to illustrate this process. The first study reviews curtain wall energy performance for a healthcare facility located in a mixed humid climate and daylighting analysis. The second case study discusses comprehensive analysis for an academic research building focusing on site and orientation studies, solar exposure, investigation of performance of shading devices and daylighting analysis.