INTEGRATED PLANNING SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR LOW-INCOME HOUSING

Technical report 01.08.01 (correction 09.08.01)InfAR - computer science in architectureBauhaus-Universitaet WeimarProf. Dr.-Ing. Donath, Dirk. Arch. González, Luis Felipe.

The present technical report is composed of four parts:

01. The Process 01.1. The architectural planning process.01.2. Constraints of the planning process.01.3. Deficiencies of information technologies and techniques within the architectural planning process.01.4. Massive housing design and CAAD.

02. Exploration field02.1. Planning requirements of the Low-income housing production, taking Chile as example.02.2. Progressive housing program.

03. ICT Tools03.1. Contribution of computer-aided systems application to support massive housing planning.03.2. VR systems 03.3. Digital measurement03.4. AR & VR systems03.5. Online user planning-tool03.6. Functional planning

04. Conceptual CAAD system for the user-involved planning of progressive housing in Chile. 04.1. Framework04.2. Field and lab explorations

05. Previous conclusion

06. Bibliography

01. The Process

Introduction

In this first part of this report some fundamental characteristics of the architectural planning process are revised, detectingthe components that could be classified as informatic. Next, a brief reflection on the lack of exploitation of informationtechnology (IT) applicable on the architectural design process, a review of the architectural production of massive housing,and some concerning researches.

01.1. The architectural planning process.

The architectural planning process differentiates two instances, that of the creative process of the architectural form and thatof the design of the building. Both are developed parallel and alternately, where the design becomes the translation fromthis formal abstract conception to physical terms, i.e. the testing of the formal object conceived.

The conception process, is rather intuitive and inductive and it responds to diverse factors that intervene aleatorily in non-linear processes, giving as a result an object of unique nature. The design process on the other hand is rather rational and deductive, corresponding mostly to an ordination of theinformation and the creation of an appropriate equation to the circumstances, with a certain number of previously determinedvariables. The designed final result can be called solution, because it is indeed a possible answer to the set of previouslyestablished requirements and it is of typologic nature, i.e. that for the same question there can exist more than one correctsolution. As much the methodology used for the formulation and solution of the problem, as the final solution, both arepossible to organize in steps and into types, respectively. The architectural design process consists of varied separated parts and it works based on "IF..." and "THEN..." procedures(i.e. stepping back and stepping up), because the most important issue is how the parts are interrelated. It not only refers toan equilibrium between the physical parts (spaces), but also between the conceptual parts (Utilitas, Firmitas, Venustas).

01.2. Constraints of the planning process.

Today the planning issues can roughly be indexed as follows:

▪ The planning-process has changed. ▪ Concerns, context, and the client has also changed. ▪ Design, planning and building are shaped from small, individual, and isolated activities, which are very dissimilar to

align them together.▪ The only connection between them is: the time axis and the ready work, the building. ▪ In the planning and construction process big part of the information is fuzzy, vague, and mostly with diverse

appearance.▪ Norms, laws, guidelines and similar affect in each case, only very small sections into the process of construction, and it

does not occur always and if, then with different interpretations.▪ The cause lies in the unique character of the location, surroundings and requeriments, therefore also of the result.

[InfAR 01]

Factors like the increase of the populational growth, technological development, the environment contamination, etc., theyhave determined new and more complex requirements for the architectural production. As a matter of fact, the informationflow and its processing became preponderant for the chore of our profession. Today the architects have to manage bigquantities of information coming from diverse sources: (1) the user (client) => aspirations, preferences, organization, currentand future necessities, household composition, cultural data, etc; (2) the location => climatic conditions, geologiccharacteristic, facilities, forecast of future changes of the context, etc; (3) the legislation => general law of construction andurbanism, security norms, environmental laws and some social laws; (4) other professionals involved => their ownterminology and priorities; (5) scientific knowledge => structural engineering, materials, bioclimatical criteria, CAADsoftwares, etc; (6) the real estate market => its local and general variations, and marketing; and of course, (7) architect's ownconscience: criteria, creative nature, personal preferences, apirations, etc. As much the sources as a part of the informationare possible to classify into typologies. Any corresponding information to physical factors is possible to assign it parameters.

Other constraints are related with the capture, selection and discrimination of the necessary information, as well as with theinterpretion of psychological and physical factors into the architectural formal language.

The efforts to simplify and standardize the procedures involved into the design process, are reflected on several studiesabout design methodology, that are mainly focused at the formal composition and the optimization of the functionality insidethe building. It has been studied deeply the relationships between space and function, as well as the form and specificdimensions of the space that most of the human activities need to be carried out.However, in spite of the increasing development and use of computers, in comparison to the quantity of studies like thosepreviously described, not much has been made to generate systems that achieve an optimum integration among thearchitectural form and the packages of information described before.

01.3. Deficiencies of information technologies and techniques within the architectural planning process.

Computer system deficiencies can roughly be indexed as follows:

▪ The relation with computer systems will have to change. (D. Gelernter) ▪ All current computer systems within the planning process:

▪ are based on the support of single and isolated processes.▪ are based on, own functionalities, user-interfaces, data-formats and particular requirements.▪ overwhelm more, than what they support, as seen within the totality of their requirements (material, technical,

logistical, staff) till a comparable result is available.▪ have no knowledge or even experience. ▪ still respond to fixed (inflexible) procedures.

▪ Most data and (inter-) results are invisible, unable to be experienced, or be understood. They are hidden or without anycorrelation, (similarly as they are within the classic planning processes).

▪ Every integration of (separate) current computer systems fails. In the best case, it remains just the juxtaposition ofsystems with a risky transfer of information.

▪ The informal components are ignored. [InfAR 01]

During the whole process of architectural design, the designer depends on a cyclical system of information feedback. Asystem that suggests new solutions and makes the advantages and disadvantages of each solution visible, updating themodel after each change automatically.It is necessary that the CAAD systems are able to establish a bigger commitment between the space form and the specificrequirements for each case. We are talking about CAD applications that do not only support graphic representation, but alsothe processing and management of information, proposing its formal interpretation, re-formulating an appropriate equation tothe case. With the same purpose, remarkable are the investigations done at the CAD Research Center of the California PolytechnicState University, with its ICADS (Intelligent Computer-Assisted Design System). [1]

The incorporation of graphic applications into part of the design process, has collaborated in great measure by: (1)accelerating the elaboration of architectural plans, (2) introducing high precision into the technical specifications and (3) ahigh degree of realism in the building representation. With the use of highly developed technologies and techniques, mostlyfor the movie industry and the video-games, today perfect simulations of environmental factors are achieved (such asillumination, seismic movements, etc.). Several CAD applications allow the calculation of costs and an approach to structuralcalculation, based on the local laws. However, the costs and the complexity demanded by an optimal management of thesesystems, as well as the distrust that it still represents for many architects, compared to manual methods, make their massiveuse still unlikely.

Although many of the intermediate processes of information feedbacks between the design object and the designer arepossible to automate, these continue depending on the designer's mnemonics and a pencil and paper. Although the newgenerations of computer graphic systems allow the dynamic visualization of models and therefore the easier creation oftopological forms, impossible to represent statically on a paper, it is a fact that the mental effort required for the geometricalconstruction of such forms is stil too big, compared to the real use of the immense calculation capacity of the last generationcomputers. The inconsistency is found in the difference existing between the reached calculation power (required for:renders, animations, real time zooms, etc) and the one that it is indeed invested during the whole architectural designprocess, where the designer has to interrelate form, function, structure, user's activities, aesthetics, among others.

The exchange of instrument doesn't involve an immediate improvement of the process ...and usually a new means is usedon the same way that the one used before (as drawing by hand), ignoring its own advantages and with some initialcapacities that can bear limitations. [GARCíA 93]

As much in the process of architectural design as in the final product, an appropriate relationships structure between theparts becomes fundamental. The adaptation of existent and forthcoming parts, according to its mutual influence is what wecould properly call interactivity, and its incorporation into the CAD-systems remains not done, at least not the way it has beenincorporated in other fields of the ICT (Information and Communication Technology). A interface between the production ofabstract forms and its adaptation to the specific requirements of the project becomes indispensable. This means astandardization of some linguistic and formal terms, and a general agreement regarding to a class of interpretable models.We should maximize the exploitation of ICT (Information and Communication Technology) in the field of architectural design.There is a significant lack of integrated systems providing a general support for the designer during the whole designprocess. [SARIYILDIZ 97]

Some suggestions for future Computer systems:

▪ The planning process can be divided into small steps, experiencing effective support and leading to developing modularcomputer systems.

▪ It would be enough for a first step, to store side by side the produced information, clearly described. (The human beingis capable to recognize complex contexts and to take conclusions out of it.)

▪ In a second step, processes as well as information gathering has to be put into one unit, where the correlation becomesthe most obvious, necessary and meaningful issue. (A wall as "drawing", a wall as "specifications", etc.)

▪ Prerequisite for the second step is that this should happen internally and not in separate systems. (i.e. the immediatedescription of construction activities within the CAD System, producing the specifications into it instead of any coupling.)

▪ A main focus is the management of complex information correlations. The emphasis lies on the "correlations". e.g.: ▪ Between existing data, planning data, construction data , and result data.▪ Planning data as existent real situation (context: location, construction law, requirements) ▪ Planning data as temporary solution's suggestion (the new), which in the sum defines the context-related result

and construction.▪ Planning data as client's requirements / - wishes.

01.4. Massive housing design and CAAD (Computer Aided Architectural Design)

Until now, the traditional pattern of production of social housings has been the typological solution, which supposes to beadaptable to different cultural and geographical contexts. Already used from the beginning of this century by masters likeGropius, influenced by the theories of organization of the industrial production of Taylor and others; it had for first purpose, toappease the immense housing deficit in Europe. The use of architectural typologies in the design of public housing,facilitates the mass production of housings, giving house to a larger number of people in less time and with lower costs. Itsapplication was also incremented and promoted by the CIAM (Congress International D'Architecture Modern).

Those can be understood as paradigms of several attempts to transform the architecture discipline into a science. A welljustified attempt, specially focused at the urban planning and massive housing planning, due to the great quantity of agentsand factors intervening in the process. In the second case the economy of resources is added. The complexity of the development and the time constraint inhibits analysis, exploration, or diversity of solutions, since mostof the time has to be used for the production of construction documents. In fact, most government housing projects haveproduced repetitive small houses of insufficient architectural effect. This thoughtless repetition is often merely a reducedcopy of a housing prototype from different social and economical sectors of the population, and is becoming so standard thatdifferent private constructors are specializing in one housing prototype, using it unconditionally throughout different projects.[GUTIERREZ 93]

The low-income housing production works mostly with quantitative terms instead of qualitative. The use of prototypicalsolutions is the mostly used methodology in developing countries.The design of massive housings is addressed to the multiplication of a same reduced conventional model that shouldcomplete the requested quantities quickly. [GARCíA 93]A great part of the fundamental concepts on those that the discipline of the architecture is based, remain outside this area ofarchitectural design. This pattern of architectural production usually excludes the user's direct participation and thisgenerates problems at sociological level, as: (1) the lack of the inhabitant's identification with its home and environment, (2)the loss of individuality, as well as (3) socio-cultural dysfunctions, due to the imposition of universal models that are notnecessarily applicable to the real necessities and the user's aspirations, neither to its culture, nor household composition.

This type of habitable solutions generally configure space structures of very limited flexibility of use and expansion. The timeinvested in its analysis, exploration and testing is minimal, generating smaller diversity and bigger uniformity in the solutionsspectrum. The most common analysis methodology for low-income housing projects is based on relations "subject-object"instead of "subject-subject", what hinders the user's specific information (its organization, activities) incorporation during thedesign process. Such information enables the designer to work with and assist - dynamic processes like household growth,periodical change of the user's requirements, and the evolution of the project's life-cycle. The dynamics involved in theprocess of inhabiting remain inconsiderate in this case.

It is in this area where the informatic technologies have the best opportunity to act. Diverse researches have been carriedout, focused at its application on the processes of massive housing planning in order to add quality to quantity.Searching for an optimal exploitation of CAAD applications and its benefits, some examples of investigations carried out canbe organized in the following topics: (1) design of catalog of parts (architectural elements and spatial modules), drawn withCAD programs, taking advantage of their iteration speed and its qualities to test new combinations, in order to support theuser-involved design together with members of the community; (2) incorporation of automated systems for rapid generationof spatial combination alternatives (previously drawn with CAD applications), taking advantage of its possibilities of internalprogramming; (3) architectural space design, based on the use of shape grammars, taking advantage of the possibilities ofautomation of the algorithms used in its formal logic; generating a design language, which is possible to share with otherpartners or even the user, and also able to generate more diversity of solutions, but always committed to the original pattern(preserving the same formal aesthetics); (4) Integration of the architectural function concept into shape grammars, exploitingautomated algorithms velocity to combine taxonomical relationships, and allowing the evaluation of more alternatives in lesstime; (5) design of interactive programs, using libraries with modular structures and -elements, for user's self-planningpurposes, increasing its participation; (6) expert systems for architectural planning, taking advantage of the capacities ofsimulation of physical-environmental factors, for earlier evaluation of design solutions; (7) IDSS (Integrated Design SupportSystems) prototypes, focused at the total integration of varied information to the model, exploiting WWW accessibility toexternal databases, incorporating user-activity description, digital surveying techniques; introducing analysis-, verification-and suggestion systems.

The second part of this article describes the exploration field: the public housing in Chile, and specifically its progressivehousing program.

02. Exploration field

Introduction

To evaluate a concrete application of ICT within a well known social and architectural environment, in order to address thespecific requirements into a realistic problem solving strategy; our research will use the chilean case as testbed, forpresenting innovative advances in the formulation of alternative solutions by solving the housing deficit.

Those alternatives of solution will give us some keys to understand both general and specific requirements, and also somefuture strategies in order to plan a specific planning system based on ICT (Information and Communication Technology).

02.1. Planning requirements of the low-income housing production, taking Chile as example.

The housing construction for the homeless groups represents 80% of the total housing construction in underdevelopedcountries. In Latin America and the Caribbean the household number growth rate is about twice as higher as that of theworld’s developing countries’ average. Increments to the number of households indicate the housing demand. The projectionshows approximately 85.8 million households will be increased in the first quarter of the next century. [UNCHS 01]

In Chile 1996, the Catastro Nacional de Asentamientos Precarios (National Cadaster of Precarious Settlements) identified972 camps and irregular settlements with an approximate population of 500.000 people and 93.457 housings that presentedimportant material lacks and precarious conditions of life, without light, nor drinkable water, people who are socially andlabour excluded. [MINVU 01]

In 1992 the researcher Gutierrez collaborated for six weeks in Chile with officials in the Urban Housing Service (SERVIU) onthe use of computers for the design, documentation, and control of massive housing projects, observing some facts that arestill applicable today. With respect to the design and construction process, there found: (1) a lack of basic informativematerial and project antecedents needed for the design, such as analysis of the user’s needs and evaluation of implementedsolutions; (2) slow and inefficient management of the project; (3) incomplete and imprecise construction documents. Withrespect to solutions, there are: (1) inappropriate urban insertion, including location, accessibility and infrastructure; (2) lowquality of urban space, including streets, green areas, and gathering spaces; (3) lack of appropriate technologies, such asunderdeveloped infrastructures; (4) low quality construction, in which shelters deteriorate quickly; (5) low architecturalquality, as evidenced in monotony and an absence of dignity and identity; and (6) inappropriate functionality of urban areas,as seen in residual spaces and random distributions. [GUTIERREZ 93]

Otherwise, most of the low-income groups conceive, finance and build their own dwelling solutions without any professionalor technical support. Due mainly to the fact that the planning and construction procedures are still too expensive, complexand slow. The exclusion of the competent professional support means mainly: (1) bad quality of the housings and theirenlargements (sanitary, structural, space, aesthetic and functional); (2) a great lack of information in the official cadasters. Inthese cases the information-flow between client and planner is completely interrupted.

Some of the administration aims and policies of the chilean authorities for the period 2001-2006 include: (1) To diminish theresidence deficit, together with improving the quality of the housings and its environment focusing the subsidiary action of theState; (2) to improve the quality of attention to the users, decentralising the administration, giving a professionalism to thehuman resources, establishing modern information and communication systems; (3) to simplify the procedures and tomodernize the key processes of attention; (4) to facilitate on-line procedures and to generate virtual spaces of attention; (5)to promote the industrialisation of social housing; (6) to improve the standards: details, design, size and diversity, materials,adaptation to the regional reality; (7) to ensure the certification of quality of social housings; (8) to increase the social controland participation in the ministry's administration; (9) the automation of 100% of the key processes. [MINVU 01*]

It is observed that most of these objectives depend on a technological implementation in the whole process of public housingproduction in Chile. Some few municipalities of this country have achieved great advances in this implementation, during thelast years; from digitizing old cadastral documentation, up to the use of GIS systems (Geographic Information System),integrating to the digital mapping, census information of the community. Likewise, the drawing-board has been graduallychanged by the computer in most of the municipalities and it has been demanded more and more, the delivery in digitalformat, of the projects to be bid, to start gradually with the constitution of databases of quick accessibility. This developmentportrays a significant renovation of the instrument, also a reorganization of all correspondent information, however regardinga systemization of the processes, exists an insufficient coordination between parts, due mainly to the lack of adocumentation standardization and a computer-aided integrative tool to embrace all stages of the process.

02.2. Progressive housing program.

Chile has highlighted for having one of the best housing policies among the developingcountries (the only in Latin America that is reducing the housing deficit indeed), with a moreefficient process of construction partially operated by the private sector. However, due tothe shortage of resources, conventional public housing programs continue economicallyunreachable for a great sector of low-income groups.Not only for this reason, but mainly, since 1952 Chile have been applying diversealternative programs, specifically focused at the poorer low-income groups, in order todescend the production costs to a minimum and to solve as faster as possible the urgentdemand of housings. Particularly remarkable is the innovative strategy of progressivehousing (applied since 1990), which comes from the "operación tiza" (1964-70) and thestudies of MacDonald (followed by others), which further than planning super-small andcheap dwelling solutions, it pretends to be a shared efforts policy, growth in process anddiversity.If we understand instead the housing, not as a closed good, but as an attaché of goods,

services and conditions that point to differentiated necessities, it is possible to conceive it in function of diverse componentsthat can be at different levels of lacks and also possible to correct independently. [MAC DONALD 87]The progressive housing consists of an minimal dwelling unit and a serviced homestead: (1) a urbanized plot (water andsewage installation + services of electricity); (2) a sanitary unit (bathroom and/or kitchen); and eventually (3) an attachedenclosure of multiple use (depending on the project type and construction costs); the PHP (Progressive Housing Program)operates with the supposition that having that basis, people shall be able to complete in time a housing, appropriated to theirspecific necessities; depending on their own willingness and economic possibilities.

From the first solutions built in 1991 up to 1993, it points out that the size of the initial dwellings has grown varying with thetime in a range that goes from 6 m2 of minimal surface, up to 35 m2 of maximal surface.

Fig. 01 dwelling unit

With the time have been detected some inconsistencies of the program, but related rather to operational factors of itsapplication. More interesting for our research objectives and new scopes for the massive housing planning, are some factorsobserved in different experiences of its application, like: (1) the PHP allows the household's participation, creativity andadaptability.

The expansion and/or modification of the house according to the household dynamics,aspirations, necessities and possibilities; (2) the technical and operational characteristics ofthe PHP are expressed in a higher flexibility than those of the ready-to-use houses orhousing blocks, granting more variety according to the different regions of the country,diversity that is in turn product of the local contexts of the real estate market and of theadministration under which the program has operated.

According to the way like the science faces today the exploration of psychological andphysical phenomena, focused at its dynamic components, understanding them as aprocess; it seems fundamental to define the housing not any longer as a product, but ratheras a process which includes among its most important stages, the prospecting, theplanning, the design, the production, the provision, the dwelling, and the householdadministration. The potential contribution of computer science, specifically of ICT, in all related areas to the

production of progressive housing, is vast.

In the following part of this report, we will present some applications of the state-of-the-art technology in the architecturalfield, which have been researched at the InfAR, Bauhaus-Universität Weimar the last years.

03. ICT Tools

Introduction

This part describes the technological areas of computer science applications in the architectural field, which are beingresearched at the InfAR-Bauhaus Universitaet Weimar. Its potential contribution, in response to diverse requirements of the architectural planning will be analyzed, and someaspects will be selected in order to satisfy specific requirements of the massive housing planning, specifically of progressivehousing.

03.1. Contribution of computer-aided systems application to support massive housing planning.

The comparative advantages, between the resources investment in the research field of high technology applications as wellfor its implementation in the professional field of architecture, versus relevance of the attainable results and its wide range ofrepercussion; are indicating at the planning and production of massive housing as one of the most convenient action fields.Especially regarding to the low-income housing, due to its social relevance, and because of the need of a re-structuring ofthe methodology used till now.

Computer systems are able to: (1) execute predefined actions or tasks that can be previously programmed; (2) create andedit digital libraries of architectural elements, or even design lenguages, such as shape grammars for rapid evaluationamong a bigger diversity of posible design solutions; (3) simulate alternative scenarios for evualation of urban location,environmental impact, deterioration with the time, etc.; (4) animate form in order to visualize climatic and structural stresses,as well as building posible expansions, or even user activities and their implications for architectural program and form; (5)store great quantity of data and make it easy to access and to share with other professionals involved, as well as with theuser; (6) make information visible and comprehensible for participants of diverse professional or non-professional fields; (7)conglomerate and manage different kind and formats of information into one single system; (8) calculate in less time costsand time schedules for the construction of the project, as well as diverse technical aspects, such as thermal-acousticinsulation, etc; (9) create virtual models of the building in order to experience it with highly realistic effects, such as walk-through or fly-by techniques; (10) provide interactivity to the model in order to test functionality.

Fig. 02 some progressive housing typologies

Fig. 03 developed proressivehouse

03.2. VR systems

Somehow, the human still needs an intermediate scale between the analog and the digital.The proliferation of metaphors of the digital technology confirms it, images like theinformation highway, surfing the internet, the network environment is the cyber_space, theprincipal web page or the most inhabited (habitus) is the home, etc. The summum of thisphenomenon constitutes it the great interest reached by the development of VRtechnologies, specially the immersive techniques, which have the particularity of giving theuser the sense of being there", better known as presence.

The human experiences its surrounding space from an egocentric point of view using theproprioceptive feedback which is not only composed of visual information, but of aintersensory information, obtained from its whole body. To reach a multi-sensorialpercepction of the VE (Virtual Environment), the researches have focused spacely at thedevelopment of diverse sensitive devices, and likewise of effort return.

The spectrum of possible applications in the field of the architectural design is being deeply investigated, but it is alreadypossible to observe some specific requirements for an appropriate exploitation. In the case of the architectural planningprocess, the capacity to walk through the model, obtaining an egocentric perception of its spatial qualities plays a main role.This is clearly an old and unsatisfied necessity accused by the 1:1 maquettes, facades and details that many architects likeLe Corbusier did to evaluate the real perception of the proportions used in the design. However what marks the differencewith respect to the contribution of the new available technologies, is the instantaneity and simultaneity with which the modelcan be experienced and modified, from diverse points of view and scales.The apprehension VRAD systems (Virtual Reality Aided Design) is of great interest for architects, allowing a seamless fusionbetween design and review. Immersed in a virtual environment, users can experience spatial relationships by viewing digitalmodels from multiple sides, building up a concept of space. [Donath 98]

It is not only about copying the reality exactly, but it is also about enabling the designer interact within the artificialenvironment, i.e. to be able to modify the environment and the objects that are in it. Then, we can differentiate twofundamental instances: the first one refers to emulate the reality, providing the sensation of presence (immersive techniques)by means of the stimulation of the most senses as possible. The second refers to the activity that requires to be carried outwithin a VE (Virtual Environment). Depending on the sought aims, the incorporation of other advanced technologies andtechniques become crucial. In this sense we refer to a VR system.

For instance, VRAD Systems (Virtual Reality Aided Design) research has been applicated and implementated since 1993 inseveral inter-universities workshops called the VDS (Virtual Design Studio). They are mainly focused at the collaborativework between project partners at remote locations, supported by computational and telecomunication technologies. Theintegration of diverse techniques and technologies allows the different partners to use varied computer-aided design systemsincluding such as desktop-based, as well as immersive ones. The introduction of VRML (Virtual Reality Modelling Language)enables the participants to review the model by walk-through or fly-by techniques, obtaining a better understanding ofarchitectural space. Communication between project partners runs generally through the internet, using video-conferencing,chat sessions and/or e-mail correspondance. The next step will be through the use of web-based VR technologies exploitingthe WWW accesibility, to materialize a VE where remote located partners can meet person to person (avatars) and worktogether in a same design object (model) simultaneously. This idea becomes the paradigm of CSCW (Computer SupportedCollaborative Work).

At the InfAR Bauhaus-University Weimar, a strong relation with VRAD systems, andassociated topics like presence, exists. Since 1994, when the multidisciplinary project ateliervirtual was founded, VRAD systems have been developed, namely voxDesign andplaneDesign. The voxDesign software environment specifically focuses at sketch orientedcreation of spaces with voxels, whereas planeDesign is space oriented making use ofplanes. A third system is the VRAM (Virtual Reality Aided Modeller), a conceptual designtool supported by Virtual Reality technology. This system was tested in the VDS98, as wellas in the VeDS 2000.

Furthermore a bilateral research project between Universidad del Bio Bio (Chile) and Bauhaus-Universität Weimar(Germany) is searching for potential application of Virtual Reality on architectural design of public housing in Chile. Focusedat the spatial study of dwelling evolution in chilean user-involved housing strategies called progressive housing program, thegoals are to have a specific demonstration of this potential and a research method about it. The case of study is a 17 yearsold low-income housing development of progressive housings located in Concepción, Chile. Using several techniques likemanual measurement, computer aided modelling, computer animation, and HMD (Head Mounted Display) based immersivevisualization, our intention is to exploit the specific benefits of each technique in order to evaluate spatial data dynamically.

Fig. 04 VRAM

Fig. 05 VeDS 2001

Several studies about the evolution of progressive dwellings have been made in south america, and they can be roughlydivided into two operational modalities: (1) retroactively, i.e. by interviewing authorities and asking the oldest inhabitants,reconstructing each step of its evolution (a kind of archeological method), and (2) long age studies, i.e. by reevaluating yearafter year the state of the dwellings evolution. We expect a new modality of research methods can be defined by using these new media techniques. For instance,computer aided animation of 3D models enables us to observe at once, a long period of spatial transformations starting withthe initial dwelling till the present day and to review the evolution process backwards or forwards, as it is required. ImmersiveVR exploration of these animated 3D models allows us to experience their architectural space from an egocentric point ofview, instead of the conventional exocentric perspective provided by common CAD systems. Different cases of housesevolution can be compared each to other in less time by superposing them, in order to find spontaneously generatedgeometric rules. Exploiting the WWW accessibility many other cases can be compared, not only among just one settlement,but rather among cases of a same region or other countries.

The final aim is to find better design methods and highly technological tools for massive housing, in order to attain a biggerdiversity of solutions, more flexible and responsive to the household growth, as well as to the specific context conditions(geographical, cultural and socio-economic). Therefore, we are using as test subject a progressive housing settlement,because we think that the best and more varied book of samples of concrete solutions for the process of inhabiting should bethat made by its own inhabitants.

Focused at this aim it opens up a new spectrum of possible VRAD_systems applications for planning future user-involvedhousing strategies. The unexplored benefits of an appropriate CAAD system based on these technologies and techniques,lets us visionarily think of its application possibilities, such as: (1) VR/AR methods combining photogrametry and tachymetry,to consider the environment and the in situ situation a priori, surveying the existing situation (nature, streets, facilities,neighborhood, existent buildings) obtaining exact and detailed information directly referred to the system, to decide fastlydiverse alternatives of emplacement for the project and of its growth perspectives; (2) enabling case-based analysis of theenvironmental impact; (3) exploring more appropriate configurations of public space, as well as plot allotments, byexperiencing VR simulations of the planned architectural space; (4) enabling CSCW using web_based VR technologies toinvolucrate other consulting professionals, as well as authorities; etc.

03.3. Digital measurement

Methods and techniques in renovation work are being investigated as part of ongoingresearch at the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar (SFB524 - "Collaborative research center 524„Materials and Structure in Revitalization of Buildings”). A sub-group (SFB524 - D2„Planning-Relevant Digital Building Surveying and Information System“) is currentlyinvestigating the possibilities of computer-aided building surveying and of jointcommuncation platforms for engineering disciplines (www.uni-weimar.de/sfb: May 2001).The objective is the development of a general approach for the renovation of buildings.Reliable and informative documentation is an essential pre-requisite for planning withexisting buildings. If documentation is not available, then building surveying, despite itscost, presents a real alternative for providing accurate plan information. A look at currentcomputer aided surveying systems reveals a serious lack of IT-support for surveying andthe preparation of the collected information for further use in later planning stages.

Planning-relevant building surveying includes not only the measuring of the building’s geometry, but also any furtherinformation relevant for planning such as qualitative information, multimedial information and structural interconnections(Donath and Petzold, 1997).Based upon an empirical examination of existing computer-aided planning software and IT-solutions as well as geodetictools, the following requirements for planning-relevant building surveying have been identified:▪ Support for the entire building surveying processes, the measuring of the building in different levels of abstraction (models),and the transformation of the model (i.e. from on-site ‘sketch’ to 3D-model),▪ On-site survey-model building together with plausability checking,▪ The combined collection and surveying of different forms of information, such as formal data (descriptive), informal data(multimedial information) nnd stuctured data,▪ Immediate support for the creation and modification of ordering structures (structured building systems),▪ The import of ordering structures (basis structures),▪ The possibility to adjust the geometric representation,▪ The flexibility to allow the use of various surveying systems, such as tachymetry, photogrammetry, vectorisation etc. ,▪ Preparation of the collected data in an information system,▪ Presentation of the data in different presentation forms.

The concept comprises a set of tools for the computer-aided architectural surveying of buildings. The individual tools form acontinuous, evolutionary and flexible system providing support from the initial site visit to the appropriate presentation of thedata for further use. The system is intended to support the professional surveyor with a structured surveying method, thepost-processing and the analysis of the data. Each of the tools covers a different aspect of the surveying process.

Fig. 06 surveying system

The following modules have been conceived to support the entire building surveyingprocess:▪ The module Initial Site Visit: an approximate representation of the principal spatial andconstructional elements in sketch form.▪ The survey module: surveying methods supported include the use of reflectorlesstachymeters and/or reflectorless motorised tachymeters with additional measuring by handas well as photogrammetry. Implemented in two prototypes: SAM, which is a structuregenerator for the creation of spatial and element data, and Freak 2000 which is a sketch-based three-dimensional geometry generator.▪ The structuring module: Tools are provided for transferring the surveyed buildingsurfaces into constructional elements.

Two other modules cover the evaluation and preparation of the collected planning-relevant data (formal, informal andstructural data):▪ documentation and presentation (for example the creation of room and building logs)▪ information module (information system in the Internet) [DONATH 01]

03.4. AR & VR systems

As an extension of digital measuring, Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality combinedtechniques allow the superimposition of real and mapped images, synchronizing the virtualmodel with the real-world situation. Reducing the differences in degree of detail, topologyand geometric values between how the building was found on site, and how it would beconventionally, geometrically represented. AR concept offers the possibility of combiningseveral tasks in one (different measuring techniques, digitizing, mass and volumecalculation and transfer to a facility management system) and to integrate separateorganizational steps (survey, transfer to CAD, planning, structural calculation, etc).

The surveyor sees the existing data in a see-through overlay. Lay-people involved in thebuilding process, such as clients or prospective purchasers, often have difficultiesunderstanding and translating 2D-architectural representations, scale-models or evenscreen-based computer-aided architectural representations into real three-dimensionalspatial situations. [DONATH, 01*]

03.5. Online user planning-tool

Thanks to digital technology, the mass market of the 20th century is giving way to a market of one. The automation thatmade cloned cars and clothes ubiquitous is being replaced by technology that allows a staggering degree ofindividualization. Customers can communicate directly with manufacturers via the Internet, and their instructions can beabsorbed into production at little--if any--extra cost. This so-called mass customization has profound implications for manytraditional manufacturers. [BRADY 00] Modern technologies, such as configurators, modularity, and flexible manufacturing systems, try to achieve mass productioncost even on infinite variety.

The main principle here is to produce the parts instead of the total, and by means of a flexible operative system enable theuser to complete easily the total based on its own decisions.

As we stated in the second part of this report, most difficulties presented in the implementation of progressive housingprograms are related to operational factors, due mainly to the fact that the state institutions are unable to manageconventionally, a progressive and diverse program that operates with certain automation and standardization of techniquesand parts, but also at the same time generates diversity; interprets the user preferences and its necessities, adapts to thespecific cultural and environmental conditions, be flexible in its further use and transformation possibilities (enlargement orre-organization), considers adaptability to dynamic aspects of the household; but mainly that it still is inexpensive; so that it iseconomically attainable for the poorer low-income groups. Here ICT applications could become a great contribution.

Fig. 07 Sam & Freak2000prototypes

Fig. 08 AR-VR see-throughoverlay

At the InfAR - chair for computer science in architecture, Bauhaus-Universität Weimar, athree year-old research promoted by the Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung(Federal Ministry for Education and Research) has been carrying out an on-line design toolfor low-cost housing in Germany, that enables the user to chose among vaired alternativesthe most convenient spatial configurations and their costs. The goal must be, to managedifferentiated offers for different objective - and demand-groups, to open the real estatemarket also for low-income groups. [DONATH 00] If we focuse this idea at the progressive housing program, which is based on self-planningand self-construction processes, i.e. the user's complete participation into the planningprocess of its house, it also arises the question:Why not to provide our user with an appropriate tool to support him ?

One that integrates appropriate architectural criteria to user's real necessities and possibilities. A user-friendly tool thatmanages design solutions accurate to the local construction norms, already modulated according to the materiality andconstructive techniques available in the local market, and responsive to user’s cultural data.Imagine a tool that gives parts that are easy to combine, to assemble, to modify, to expand, to visualize, and the user selectssome of them, gives the tool some personal data about its organization and hosehold composition, and gets a designsolution for its specific case. As simple as to be able to explore in an easy way more and diverse possible solutions, it wouldmotivate user’s creativity, but at the same time assuring the feasibility of the construction and the official approval of theproject by the authorities.

Attempting to trace the design requirements of such a tool, and the benefits of its application to support progressive housingprogram in Chile, three questions were formulated: (1) which are the main technical and operative lacks in the self-planningprocess of the PHP ?; (2) what kind of information the user should give, and what kind the tool should ? (see table 2); and (3)what properties and benefits should give us such a tool, and of what way? (see table 3)(1) To find answers to the first question, please refer to the second part of this report.

(2) authorities output client input tool output

property_data real_time 3D_visualizationanthropo_data walk_through

program suggestionsspace configuration suggestions

PHP (Progressive Housing Program)data base:-plans, including 3D models of thecurrent projects-regulations-internet server-consultants

housing_data

costs calculation

(3) properties by means of obtaining

-inmediate identification of the case-better adaptation to locationcircumstances-optimisation of sunlit-identification of available infrastructure-consideration of neighbourhoodrelations between neighboring houses

context inclusion -on_line linked to official data base-evaluation of inmediate context

-harmonicer spatial relations within theresidential group-better hierchization of needs-suggestions for following rooms-optimisation of the programneighbourhood relations between spaces-consideration of house evolution-individualization of the case

integrated user_data -on_line client’s input-inclusion of user activity-inclusion of household composition-consideration of family growth-proto_programming

-identification with the house (psychol.)-easier to assemble-easier to combine-easier to adapt

-modular units-auto_adaptable spatial modules

-maximizing land use-official pre_approved project-acceleration of legal procedures

pre_designed rooms

-regulations-based-incorporated into the legalframework -acceleration of construction process

Fig. 09 online client-tool

-optimization the neighbourhoodrelations between rooms-easier to understand (scale)

-function_based

-easier to furnish -faster costs calculation-easier to build-better programming of constructiontasks and times-previous estimation of the costs andtime-feasibility of the project / building-choices adjusted to reality

previous calculation of construction costsand –time

-materiality_based space modules -considering standarisedconstruction elements andtechniques

-evaluation of concrete possibilities-3D instantaneous visualisation (VRML)-quick obtaining of information

visible information -user friendly interface-working with 3D_models-web_based-integration of ICT to the model -100% of interactivity

-improvement of the official cadasters -exact and real info-transparency-less bureaucracy

creation of a updateable data base -saving the final products (built)-storing the data into an officialserver

-quality assurance

To make architectural design as effective as possible the social aspects as well as the technicalaspects have to be combined when researching and also applying new technology in this area.We prefer at this point to explain the functionality we are searching for, by giving practicalexamples. We are focused on an informatic system where it should be enough to insert the nameof the settlement and plot number to get from the tool its size, position, sunlight, availableinfrastructure, type of initial unit given, etc. The tool should suggest architectural solutions coherentto the current situation of the plot with regard to the neighboring houses (e.g. keeping sunlight, andventilation when users built higher houses between adjacent plots). We are aware that it isimpossible to get a complete update of such data, mainly because that built difficultly will beidentical to that planned, however the tool could calculate the possibilities by assuming the worstpossible case. For instance, information about household composition should serve the tool tosuggest which room-function should be the next to be built (in cases where parents and childrenare living together in one room), or in the case of being two families living together (something veryusual in this chilean socio-economic sector), the space layout could suggest two independentaccesses and a disconnected configuration with separate enclosed structures for inhabiting.

We are convinced that such a tool, not only will grant great support to low-income households, butrather it will also serve the Progressive Housing Program as a measuration, registration andevaluation instrument and in general to improve design methods for future progressive housings. Itcould be a practical use of high technology in the improvement of living standards of people withscarcer resources in Chile and a neccesary advance in the social housing planning.

03.6. Functional planning

The architectural design process begins with the intuitive construction of a first formalimage of the project, which is very diffuse due to its high degree of abstraction. Almost atthe same starts the analysis of the specific requirements of the project, which consists at itsfirst stage, in the identification and description of the specific activities that shall be carriedout into the building. These activities are defined partly by the user and partly byrequirement patterns of paradigmatic buildings (e.g. hotels, schools, hospitals, etc.). It isabout giving place (stattfinden) to these activities and it is what we call architecturalprogram. The positioning of each one of these places identified from a functional point ofview, is described in an organizational scheme that has the goal of optimizing the activitiesflow. This optimization is described by a diagram. Parallelly other organizational layouts aredesigned depending on other factors such as: morphological aspects, geometric

structuring, the hierarchical gradation of spaces, the circulation structure and the relationship with the environment, amongothers depening on the designer's decision.

Fig. 10 PrePlan

Architects use this method to separate information in layers, which can be graphically described, which suopse to have theabbility to be easily translated into architectural plans (ground plans, façades, axonometries, etc). Usually the segmentationof the information provides modularity.It is also like a 3D map, which can describe the proceedings of the design process.Under that perspective, this map can also be used to check the intermediate stages of the design process.

Troubles begin when trying to share these graphs, the degree of abstraction added to diverse textual, symbolic and numericdata, makes impossible to build an understandable function-model. The interpretations become endless. The need exists ofbeing able to manage a single model that contains all the acquired data. The model, in its simplest form, is the segmentationof knowledge into relevant and coherent units (or chunks) to be retrieved for manipulation. Each piece represents a part inthe hierarchical structure of an entire idea or image. [Yee 95]When dealing with big projects, these diagrams (maps) form complex network-structures, which are hard to manage and toevaluate. Otherwise explained, those layers of information that were good for facilitating the task of analysis of activities in abeginning, become afterwards impossible to join in an unique model again.Models in early phases of architectural design have some special features like fuzziness, abstraction and unformaliseableinformation. Therefore, the models have to be structured in a way that it becomes possible to interpret and evaluate buildingmodels during this long period. [STEINMANN 97]

At the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar begun in 1991-98 a research focused at a CAAD-system concept called PrePlan,developed for the integration of varied tools to support the early phases of architectural design. A prototype consisting inthree tools was implemented by the tool FunPlan (functional design), InfPlan (authoring and retrieval of informal modelsextensions) and NetGen (generation of node positions from topological relations at the functional specification).[STEINMANN 97]

FunPlan provides the designer a decisions basis, as well as for the checkup of this decisions, by making case-basedknowledge available (1)formal knowledge: classification scheme of design domain and interrelated structures, and(2)informal knowledge: texts, pictures, examples, multimedia information. The principal item is the preparation of formalknowledge in the sense of a class-system taxonomy of the design domain. [HUEBLER 94]

04. Conceptual CAAD system for the user-involved planning of progressive housing in Chile.

Introduction

This chapter presents briefly the bilateral research project, currently developed at the InfAR Bauhaus-Universität Weimar.We will describe here the fundamentals of our research regarding to the previously described researches and its conclusionsabout the new digital technologies and techniques application in the support of architectural planning processes, as well asan overview of the current situation with repect to its possible implementation in Chile.Our current research deals with the implemention of modern ICT (Information and Communication Technology),technologically and technically oriented to a CAAD-system concept for supporting the user-involved planning of progressivehousing in Chile.

04.1. Framework

The idea is to develop an integrative system consisting in a set of tools such as: VR systems, digital measurementtechniques and AR-VR combined techniques, online user planning-tools, and functional-oriented planning applications, inorder to generate a CAAD-system concept to support diverse instances and participants of the planning process of low-income housing. The integration and implementation of the different techniques and its benefits into a modernized point ofview about the planning of low-income housing, will help to develop a new methodoloy for public housing programs as wellas new design methods, in order to obain more efficiency in both.

The economy of resources may be the first issue in developing countries, but due totransculturization phenomena the access to some modern technologies is not as prohibitiveas one could think. The eventual critic about being ICT too expensive for the poorer low-income housing, is refuted in the case of Concepción (the oldest of the country), where70% of the low-income population have cable-TV, and the shared efforts prove in fact that ahigh percentage of these groups can build houses of proper size, good details, annexedsmall shops of goods and services, but they fail in fact in the architectural coordination.

At a first approach the implementation of such technologies into the poorer low-incomegroups might be considered unfeasible, but the truth is that the use of high-technology bythese groups, already for a considerable time is a fact. The true observed problem showsthat this technology is mostly used for entertainment purposes and not for informative ones.Some of the latests studies about this theme carried out in the USA, regarding to thefederal government’s developing program NII (National Information Infrastructure), realizedthat media technologies are rarely used as a tool with which the common people canmanufacture any valuable product in order to facilitate their economic uplift.

Fig. 11 low-incomesettlement in Concepción,Chile.

04.2. Field and lab explorations

The field explorations pursue to detect lacks and availabilities of the state-of-the-art Technology and the low-income housingproduction process in Chile. Cross comparison with the german field-tested experience, allows anticipation to possibleoutcomes, in order to perfect a specific evaluation- and application methodology.

The lab explorations of several computer-aided systems, tools and advanced techniques point out their qualities and specificrequirements in order to perform their integrative combination within a system.

“To facilitate on-line procedures and to generate virtual spaces of attention.” [MINVU 01*]Due to the great extensions of territory in Chile, the web_based VR systems could present great comparative advantages fora faster and detailed evaluation of new bid project sites, by the project partners and authorities. Furthermore, VR immersivetechniques will incorporate higher clarity and transparency to the whole planning process of public housing. The VR_basedsimulation of evolution alternatives of low-income housing developments, will allow to take in advance and at diverse scales,relative measures to: the care of the environment, the protection of resources, the populational growth, the expansion of thecity, the use of public space, the dynamic extension of households, amog others.As it was previously mentioned, regarding to the public housing planning the analysis instance and evaluation of diversedesign alternatives remains minimized; we believe that the incorporation of VR techniques will stimulate the development ofthat instance.

Digital measuring for surveying existing contexts proposed for future projects, to obtain reliable information, directly referredto the planning-system and stored into a data base. AR-VR techniques will enable authorities to evaluate quality degree ofbuilt projects.

The design and implementation of an online user planning-tool to support user’s self-planning and self-construction ofprogressive housings, become relevant as also feasible. In fact, the user-involved strategies for public housing in Chile havegiven advantageous results compared to other housing programs applicated, so for that reason the authorities are veryinterested in developing new strategies inside this frame.Besides, the International Data Corporation (IDC) has newly estimated that at the end of this year there will be in Chile oneand a half million computers. Chile has experienced a strong increase in the incorporation of computers into the households.In fact, in 1998 only 6,2 of each a hundred chileans had a computer, what means that in an only three year-old term thepenetration has grown in 55%. A very interesting factor that has facilitated the massification of the computers is the fall ofprices that have been experienced in the last years. Last year the nominal values of these devices fell in 16,5% in thiscountry. [SOFTEL 01] The use of Internet by low-income families for specified tasks will improve the self-help procedures and the communicationbetween them and the autorities. By more democratic means, it will motivate their integration to modern society, especially ofthe younger groups. Introducing the mass customization concept to social housing will revitalize the real state market of low-income housing in Chile.

The use of an activity-/ space model description technique through a functional-oriented planning will improve designmethods, speeding up the planning and construcion processes of massive housing. Activity-/ space modelling techniquesprovide modularity, facilitating faster evaluation of greater variety of design alternatives. The feasibility to combine, toassemble and to modify the space units, by means of a modularization, incorporates bigger flexibility to the design processand also to the final product. The incorporation of building’s functionality into spatial design secures feedbak of realibleinformation in an efficient design-review loop. The responsiveness of spatial configuration to user’s specific organizationmakes effective the satisfaction of the user's requirements.

A massive utilization of a standarized application will increase the data bases, as well as its accessibility and understanding.Official cadasters will be more accurate, providing reliable information about the real situation. Communication betweenarchitects and engineers will improve, by making information visible and evident.

The development of an integrated planning support system to be used by different participants involved in the low-incomehousing planning process, such as architects/engineers, authorities and users, will create an efficient auto-sustentablenetwork.

05. Previous conclusion

Based on our experiences with the state-of-the-art computer technologies, and looking at the constraints of the applicationfield, namely low-income housing, we are sure that the integration of modern technologies, within a realistic, alive and criticalsituation is not the only one way to solve it.

06. Bibliography

Quotations in order of appearance.

Chapter 1

[InfAR 01] Professur Informatik in der Architektur, Bauhaus Universitaet Weimar; “Thesen des InfAR 2001“, interndocument, Germany, 2001.

[GARCÍA 93] García, Rodrigo; “¿Viviendas Diseñadas por Computadora?", Revista Vivienda vol. 4, INFONAVIT,México, 1993.

[SARIYILDIZ 97] Sariyildiz, S.; Völker, H.; Schwenck, M.; “Improving CAAD by applying integrated design supportsystems and new design methodologies”, Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on ComputerAided Architectural Design Futures, Munich, Germany, 1997.

Chapter 2

[UNCHS 01] United Nations, Centre for Human Settlements; “Latin America and the Caribbean”,http://www.unchs.org/habrdd/latin.html, 2001.

[MINVU 01] Ministerio de Vivienda y Urbanismo, Gobierno de Chile; “Catastro de campamentos y asentamientosirregulares”, official web-site of the chilean government (www.minvu.cl), Chile, 2001.

[GUTIERREZ 93] Gutierrez, Francisco; García, Rodrigo; Bollinger, Elizabeth; “A multi-cultural exchange for low-incomehousing”, Proceedings of the 4th International Symposium of Baden-Baden, 1993.

[MINVU 01*] Ministerio de Vivienda y Urbanismo, Gobierno de Chile; “Objetivos de gestion y políticas 2001-2006”,official web-site of the chilean government (www.minvu.cl), Chile, 2001.

[MAC DONALD 87] Mac Donald, Joan; “Vivienda progresiva”, Ed. Corporación de Promoción Universitaria (CPU), Santiagode Chile, Chile, 1987.

Chapter 3

[DONATH 98] Donath, Dirk; Kruijff, Ernst; Regenbrecht, Holger; “Virtual Design Studio 1998- a Place2Wait: Using aVRAD system in a Virtual Design Studio”, Proceedings of Education in Computer Aided ArchitecturalDesing in Europe, 1998.

[DONATH 01] Donath, Dirk; Petzold, Frank; Richter Katharina; Thurow, Torsten; “Planning-oriented building surveying:modules in the computer aided architectural planning process of existing buildings”, material for theProceedings of Education in Computer Aided Architectural Desing in Europe, 2001.

[DONATH 01*] Donath, D.; Beetz, J.; Grether, K.; Petzold, F.; Seichter, H.; “Augmented reality techniques for designand revitalization in existing built environments” SFB 524 project, InfAR-computer science inarchitecture, Bauhaus Universitaet Weimar, Weimar, Germany, 2001.

[BRADY 00] Brady, Diane; Kerwin, Katie; Welch, David; Lee, Louise; Hof, Rob; “Customizing for the Masses: Digitaltechnology lets you order exactly what you want”, Industrial Management, Businessweek Online(www.businessweek.com), March 20, 2000.

[DONATH 00] Donath, Dirk; Linse, Gundula; “Wohnungsbauanalyse“, technical report 07.03.00 for Wohnungsbau-2000: Preiswerter Wohnungsbau durch innovative Verbindung von Planung, Baustellen- undBaustofflogistik auf der Basis moderner Informations- und Kommunikationstechnologien, projectpromoted by the Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung, Professur Informatik im Bauwesen undProfessur Informatik in Architektur und Raumplanung, Bauhaus-Universitaet, Weimar, 1999-2002.

[YEE 95] Yee, Susan; “A Computational Model for Parti Diagrams“, Draft Paper II, 4.299 Thesis Pre-preparation,MIT Department of Architecture – Design Inquiry, USA, May 19, 1995.

[STEINMANN 97] Steinmann, Frank; “Generalised models and computer aided modelling in early stages of architecturaldesign”, Ph.D. dissertation, Bauhaus-Universitaet, IDN: 951713302, Weimar, 1997.

[HUEBLER 94] Huebler, R.; Steinmann, F.; “Beitrag zur computerunterstuetzung frueher Phasen des architektonischenEntwurfs“, Internationales Kolloquium Ueber Anwendungen der Informatik und der Mathematik inArchitektur und Bauwesen, Weimar, Germany, March 16-18, 1994.

[SOFTEL 01] International Exhibition on Information Technology Telecomunications and Internet (Softel 2001),Santiago de Chile, Chile, July 25-29, 2001.

Reference

[1] Pohl, Jens; Chapman, Art; Pohl, Kym; “Computer-Aided Design Systems for the 21st Century: Some DesignGuidelines”; 5th International Conference on Design and Decision-Support Systems for Architecture and UrbanPlanning, Nijkerk, The Netherlands, August 22-25, 2000.