21 May 2024
Recently, two papers written by undergraduate and PhD students from the Design School at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University were accepted by the 29th International Conference of the Asian Association for Computer-Aided Architectural Design Research (CAADRIA 2024).
The conference was held at the University of Technology and Design in Singapore from 20 to 25 April, during which XJTLU students presented their research results.
Founded in 1996, the Computer-Aided Architecture Design Research Association of Asia (CAADRIA) is dedicated to providing a platform for scholars and professionals involved in the field of computer-aided architectural design and digital architecture, as well as facilitating the exchange and sharing of research and practice in Asia and beyond.
This year, CAADRIA focuses on the theme of Accelerated Design, and explores the role of design and designers in the context of accelerating technological, economic, environmental, and governance changes to build new ways of thinking, teaching, researching, and practicing architecture in the age of artificial intelligence and climate change.
One of the papers, AI-Enhanced Performative Building Design Optimization and Exploration, written by Chuwen Zhong, Yi’an Shi, Likai Wang, and Lok Hang Cheung is based on the findings of the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) in 2023. The research proposes a design framework that combines performance-based design optimisation (PDO) and generative AI (GAI) procedures for early stage architectural design exploration.
Zhong Chuwen and Wang Likai presenting their paper results
Through a case study of designing a high-rise mixed-use residential tower in Hong Kong, the presents how the collaboration of PDO and GAI can help designers to conduct efficient design exploration and conceptual development. The study compares the impact of using different generative AIs on the results related to architectural style and language exploration, providing a reference for future application in real design scenarios.
Another paper, Design Factor-orientated Life Cycle Energy Optimization for Early-stage Building Design, was authored by Yang Yang, Likai Wang, and Marco Cimillo. They proposed a building life cycle energy (LCE) optimisation workflow that takes into account design factors (changes in building form), integrating EvoMass and ClimateStudio into the Rhino-Grasshopper environment, and further considering window-to-wall ratios (WWR) and multiple thermal zones.
Yang Yang reports the paper results
The effectiveness of the methodology was demonstrated through a case study where the optimisation results showed a reduction in total energy demand. This study highlights the potential for energy savings through the inclusion of building forms, WWRs, and multi-heat zones when using a computational optimisation process for LCE, and provides useful information for designers to make decisions at an early design stage.
In addition to presenting her paper, Chuwen Zhong from the Department of Urban Planning and Design presented a project poster at the conference, while Yang Yang, a third year PhD student from the Department of Architecture, participated in the PGSC (Post Graduation Student Consortium).
Project poster presented by Chuwen Zhong
Yang Yang in PGSC
CAADRIA2024 official website and proceedings download: https://caadria2024.org/conference /
Story provided by Chuwen Zhong
Edited by Yi Qian
21 May 2024