A multi-agent approach for performance based architecture: Design exploring geometry, user, and environmental agencies in façades

• Published in: Automation in construction Vol. 76; pp. 45 - 58
• Main Authors: Gerber, David J., Pantazis, Evangelos, Wang, Alan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 01.04.2017; Elsevier BV
• Subjects: Accessibility; Agent based modeling; Agent-based models; Architectural elements; Building facades; Computer simulation; Configuration management; Daylight; Design; Design automation; Design engineering; Design factors; Design improvements; Design optimization; Factor analysis; Generative design systems; Geometry; Multi agent system; Multiagent systems; Optimization; Performance based design; Robustness; Shading; Studies; Test procedures; Design automation; Agent based modeling; Performance based design; Multi agent system; Generative design systems
• ISSN: 0926-5805; 1872-7891
• DOI: 10.1016/j.autcon.2017.01.001

This paper presents research on the use of multi-agent systems (MAS) in architectural design with the goal of both improving and partially automating the design process as well as the design outcomes in terms of geometry and environmental performance. The work is based upon research on agent based modeling and simulation techniques (ABMS), and the combination of analytical and optimization methods with geometric modeling and user centered design. The motivation is to render more accessible the exploration of the generative aspect of bottom up design techniques when coupled with optimization and performance criteria. The objective of the work is to develop and test a design methodology, which enables designers to explore larger sets of informed solutions by coupling design requirements and generative design techniques with validated simulations (i.e., environmental analysis) based partly on the inclusion of user light preferences early in the design process. The development of the proposed methodology and the implementation of the design system for a building façade are described, while the robustness and validity of the framework is initially tested by applying it to the generation and optimization of façade panel configurations of an office building. The results show that the MAS for design system can generate unique design configurations that perform environmentally (daylight factor analysis) better than a façade with normative façade shading. [Display omitted] •A multi agent system (MAS) for design is developed and tested.•The MAS system is applied to a facade application with multiple performance criteria.•The MAS provided for an automated generation of design options.•The generative design options perform better when compared to a normative bench mark case.•The MAS for design system expands upon standards agent based algorithms in architecture and engineering of buildings.