Mixed Reality in Architecture, Design, and Construction

Algorithmic design allows architects to design using a programming-based approach. Current algorithmic design environments are based on existing computer-aided design applications or building information modeling applications, such as AutoCAD, Rhinoceros 3D, or Revit, which, due to their complexity, fail to give architects the immediate feedback they need to explore algorithmic design. In addition, they do not address the current trend of moving applications to the cloud to improve their availability.
To address these problems, we propose a software architecture for an algorithmic design integrated development environment (IDE), based on web technologies, that is more interactive than
competing algorithmic design IDEs. Besides providing an intuitive editing interface which facilitates programming tasks for architects, its performance can be an order of magnitude faster than current algorithmic design IDEs, thus supporting real-time feedback with more complex algorithmic design programs. Moreover, our solution also allows architects to export the generated model to their preferred computer-aided design applications. This results in an algorithmic design environment that is accessible from any computer, while offering an interactive editing environment that integrates into the architect’s workflow.

Luna Moth: Supporting Creativity in the Cloud

Algorithmic Design (AD) uses computer programs to describe architectural models. These models are visual by nature and, thus, greatly benefit from immersive visualization. To allow architects to be...

Inside the Matrix: Immersive Live Coding for Architectural Design:

Algorithmic Design (AD) is a design approach based on the development of computer programs to describe architectural models. The programs’ outputs are digital architectural 3D models, which are visual by nature and, therefore, benefit from immersive visualization. Live Coding in Virtual Reality (LCVR) is a methodology for the interactive development of AD programs while immersed in Virtual Reality (VR), favoring a more intuitive development process for architectural designs. However, complex buildings tend to require complex AD programs and, despite the added visual aid, as programs grow in complexity, it becomes harder to understand which parts of the program were responsible for which parts of the model. Moreover, LCVR introduces a new level of complexity: interaction with both model and program in VR. This research proposes to ease the programming task for architects who wish to code their models in VR, by supporting program comprehension in the LCVR workflow with traceability and refactoring mechanisms. These features will help users interact with their designs from within the virtual environment.

Program comprehension for live algorithmic design in virtual reality

Algorithmic Design is an approach that uses algorithms to generate designs. These algorithms are built using either a Visual Programming Language (VPL) or a Textual Programming Language (TPL). In architecture, there is a clear propensity to the use of VPLs, e.g., Grasshopper or Dynamo, over the use of TPLs, e.g., Python or AutoLisp. In addition to all the user-friendly and interactive features that make VPLs more appealing to architects, most of them already integrate components for textual programming. In contrast, TPLs have not been as successful in incorporating visual features. Given the user-friendliness of VPLs and the relevance of TPLs for large-scale and complex designs, we discuss Visual Input Mechanisms (VIMs) in the context of TPLs. In this paper, we extend previous research in this area by exploring and implementing the most valuable VIMs in a TPL adapted for architectural design.

From Visual Input to Visual Output in Textual Programming

As many other areas of human activity, the architectural design process has been recently shaken by Virtual Reality (VR), as it offers new ways to experience and communicate architectural space. In this paper we propose Live Coding in Virtual Reality (LCVR), a design approach that allows architects to benefit from the advantages of VR within an algorithmic design workflow. LCVR integrates a live coding solution, where the architect programs his design intent and immediately receives feedback on the changes applied to the program; and VR, which means this workflow takes place inside the virtual environment, where the architect is immersed in the model that results from the program he is concurrently updating from inside VR. In this paper we discuss the possible impacts of such an approach, as well as the most pressing implementation issues. We offer a critical analysis and comparison of the various solutions available in the context of two different programming paradigms: visual and textual.

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Guilherme Santos

Papers

Immersive Algorithmic Design Live Coding in Virtual Reality