Stefan Boeykens

Bio: Stefan Boeykens is an academic researcher from Katholieke Universiteit Leuven. The author has contributed to research in topics: Building information modeling & Interoperability. The author has an hindex of 8, co-authored 28 publications receiving 260 citations. Previous affiliations of Stefan Boeykens include Urban Design Group.

Using 3D Design Software, BIM and Game Engines for Architectural Historical Reconstruction

Abstract: The use of digital tools has become a tremendous aid in the creation of digital, historical reconstructions of architectural projects. Regular visualization techniques have been used for quite some time and they still pose interesting approaches, such as following cinematic techniques [1]. While common visualizations focus on pre-rendered graphics, it is possible to apply Game Engines [2] for real-time architectural visualization, as witnessed by [3] and [4]. In the course of our teaching and research efforts, we have collected experience with several visualization and modeling techniques, including the use of gaming engines. While the modeling of qualitative geometry for use in regular visualization already poses an elaborate effort, the preparation of models for different uses is often not trivial. Most modeling systems only support the creation of models for a single amount of detail, whereas an optimized model for a real-time system will have fairly different constraints when compared to non-real-time models for photorealistic rendering and animation. The use of parametric methods is one usable approach to tackle this complexity, as illustrated in [4]. One of the major advantages of using parametric approaches lies precisely in the possibility of using a single model to generate different geometry with control over the amount of detail. We explicitly tackle this in a Building Information Modeling (BIM) context, as to support much more than purely 3D geometry and visualization purposes. An integrated approach allows the same model to be used for technical drawings in 2D and an optimized 3D model in varying levels of detail for different visualization purposes. However, while most Building Information Modeling applications are targeted to current architectural practice, they seldom provide sufficient content for the recreation of historical models. This thus requires an extensive library of parametric, custom objects to be used and re-used for historically accurate models, which can serve multiple purposes. Finally, the approach towards the historical resources also poses interpretation problems, which we tackled using a reasonably straightforward set up of an information database, collecting facts and accuracies. This helps in the visualization of color-coded 3D models, depicting the accuracy of the model, which is a valuable graphical approach to discuss and communicate information about the historical study in an appealing format. This article will present the results of different reconstruction case studies, using a variety of design applications and discuss the inherent complexity and limitations in the process of translating an active, evolving model into an environment suitable for use in a real-time system. Especially workflow issues are identified, as the translation of the model into the game engine should be repeated several times, when the model is further refined and adapted. This used to involve a large amount of repetitive work, but the current crop of game engines have much better approaches to manage the updating of the geometry.

A Case Study of Using BIM in Historical Reconstruction. The Vinohrady Synagogue in Prague

Abstract: This article refl ects on the digital reconstruction of the Vinohrady Synagogue in Prague, which was demolished in 1951. Based on an international collaboration through the Erasmus program, expertise derived from other Viennese synagogue reconstructions at TU Vienna was combined with a resource organization methodology developed at KU Leuven. The reconstruction process is carried out using BIM software, which poses some particular attention on the software methodology and model structure, but at the same time illustrates the added value of a BIM approach, when comparing with more traditional CAD modelling systematics. Of particular interest is the approach for modelling complex geometry, integrating with more traditional 2D documents and for visualizing reconstruction assumptions within the 3D model representation.

Improving architectural design analysis using 3d modeling and visualization techniques

Abstract: In Architectural Design and Education, it is common to refer to prior design cases. This is apparent in a teaching context, where students study existing projects, but also in a professional context, where reflection on existing design examples can inform the designer about possible solutions or as historic reference. With the increased usage of 3D techniques in visualization, simulation and Building Information Modelling, architects nowadays produce more and more designs as 3D models. While these models provide new means to visualize and interrogate the design, much of this potential is left unused, as the models are seldom shared to exchange design information. This article discusses results from the 3D reconstruction of exemplary building projects and sites from recent history. The reconstructions used widely differing techniques, from regular 3D modelling using CAD and visualization software, to extensive measuring and surveying techniques. These examples illustrate the added value 3D models enable, compared to traditional drawings or photographs. Even the structure and presentation of recent design projects can be improved using diagrams and overlays, capitalizing on the results of the 3D modelling efforts. In parallel, it is possible to improve and increase information about the design, by adding additional metadata to the 3D model. The “enrichment” of the 3D models make better structured information available, which can in turn, facilitate the retrieval and recovery of such models, when searching or browsing for design information through online repositories. The combination of these diverse techniques enables an increased accessibility of the inherent design information, which would not be established using each technique as such.

Custom digital workflows : a new framework for design analysis integration

Abstract: Flexible information exchange is critical to successful design-analysis integration, but current top-down, standards-based and model-oriented strategies impose restrictions that contradict this flexibility. In this article we present a bottom-up, user-controlled and process-oriented approach to linking design and analysis applications that is more responsive to the varied needs of designers and design teams. Drawing on research into scientific workflows, we present a framework for integration that capitalises on advances in cloud computing to connect discrete tools via flexible and distributed process networks. We then discuss how a shared mapping process that is flexible and user friendly supports non-programmers in creating these custom connections. Adopting a services-oriented system architecture, we propose a web-based platform that enables data, semantics and models to be shared on the fly. We then discuss potential challenges and opportunities for its development as a flexible, visual, collaborative...

Bridging Building Information Modeling and Parametric Design

Abstract: This article discusses some of the limitations in Building Information Modeling, by positioning and comparing it with Parametric Modeling. While inherently parametric, the common approach of utilizing BIM is mainly through labor-intensive modeling. The usability of BIM throughout the design process is strengthened, by improving the integration between both approaches.