Papers by Luisa Gama Caldas
Operative generative design using non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA-II)
Automation in Construction, Nov 1, 2023
Synthesizing Novel Spaces for Remote Telepresence Experiences
2022 IEEE International Symposium on Mixed and Augmented Reality Adjunct (ISMAR-Adjunct), Oct 1, 2022
Data-Driven Shading Systems: Application for Freeform Glass Facades
arXiv (Cornell University), Mar 31, 2022
Fig. . Mutual Scene Synthesis from three input rooms in a telepresence scenario. The system calcu... more Fig. . Mutual Scene Synthesis from three input rooms in a telepresence scenario. The system calculates optimal alignments to maximize mutual functional spaces, and furthermore generates a synthetic scene which incorporates the mutual functions with contextual placement of augmented objects.
Interface(s) entre Arquitectura e Engenharia: A invenção do problema e a criação de novos processos tecnológicos
Este texto mostra, através de três obras no domínio da arquitectura, engenharia e escultura a afi... more Este texto mostra, através de três obras no domínio da arquitectura, engenharia e escultura a afinidade existente entre a criação de conceitos e a invenção de processos tecnológicos que os materializam
This paper examines a different design approach called integrated. The term “integrated” has a du... more This paper examines a different design approach called integrated. The term “integrated” has a dual utilization in this study. The first use refers to the integration of form and building performance. The second use refers to the integration of interrelated and diverse building performances involving multiple disciplines. The integrated design approach analyzes and evaluates several interrelated design systems involving different disciplines in the early design phase. The goal of the approach is the generation of design alternatives guided simultaneously by two basic objectives: the aspiration for form exploration and the satisfaction of the performances of interrelated systems.
Construction Innovation
Purpose The paper aims to investigate the comfort-related performances of an innovative solar sha... more Purpose The paper aims to investigate the comfort-related performances of an innovative solar shading solution based on a new composite patented material that consists of a cement-based matrix coupled with a stretchable three-dimensional textile. The paper’s aim is, through a performance-based generative design approach, to develop a high-performance static shading system able to guarantee adequate daylit spaces, a connection with the outdoors and a glare-free environment in the view of a holistic and occupant-centric daylight assessment. Design/methodology/approach The paper describes the design and simulation process of a complex static shading system for digital manufacturing purposes. Initially, the optical material properties were characterized to calibrate radiance-based simulations. The developed models were then implemented in a multi-objective genetic optimization algorithm to improve the shading geometries, and their performance was assessed and compared with traditional e...
Synthesis and generation for 3D architecture volume with generative modeling
International Journal of Architectural Computing
Generative design in architecture has long been studied, yet most algorithms are parameter-based ... more Generative design in architecture has long been studied, yet most algorithms are parameter-based and require explicit rules, and the design solutions are heavily experience-based. In the absence of a real understanding of the generation process of designing architecture and consensus evaluation matrices, empirical knowledge may be difficult to apply to similar projects or deliver to the next generation. We propose a workflow in the early design phase to synthesize and generate building morphology with artificial neural networks. Using 3D building models from the financial district of New York City as a case study, this research shows that neural networks can capture the implicit features and styles of the input dataset and create a population of design solutions that are coherent with the styles. We constructed our database using two different data representation formats, voxel matrix and signed distance function, to investigate the effect of shape representations on the performance...
This paper describes a studio experiment developed with the aim of exploring the design and fabri... more This paper describes a studio experiment developed with the aim of exploring the design and fabrication of complex architectural forms using ceramic elements. History has examples of double-sided curved forms built in ceramics. Such examples would not fulfill ...
This paper describes research carried out to develop a parametric urban shape grammar for the Zao... more This paper describes research carried out to develop a parametric urban shape grammar for the Zaouiat Lakhdar quarter of the Medina of Marrakech, in Morocco. The goal is to create the basis for a system that could capture some features of the existing urban fabric and apply them in contemporary urban planning
This paper describes a studio experiment developed with the aim of exploring the design and fabri... more This paper describes a studio experiment developed with the aim of exploring the design and fabrication of innovative roof systems based on ceramic tiles using digital technologies. History is rich in examples of the use of ceramic roof tiles since the ancient world. Today’s systems derive from such ancient systems and fall into several basic categories depending on the form of the tiles and how they interlock. These systems present acceptable functional performances due to centuries of refi nement, but as they have suffered little formal evolution in recent centuries, to respond to modern needs they require complex layering and assemblies. Recent technological evolution has emphasized the optimization of the tile production process in terms of time saving and cost reduction, and the improvement of product quality in terms of material homogeneity and durability. Little attention has been paid to the tile form and the roof system as a whole, including the assembly process. As a resul...
Before selecting new windows for a building, consideration of what types of windows will work opt... more Before selecting new windows for a building, consideration of what types of windows will work optimally to improve building energy efficiency is paramount. In this decision process, three key factors are fundamental to assess windows performance: Visual Transmittance (VT), Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), and U-factor. However, using low SHGC windows may decrease the building cooling loads, but has the potential to increase both heating and light loads due to the coatings, tints, and films applied to achieve the low SHGC. This paper introduces a genetic algorithm optimization approach to the selection of these three important window properties for the goal of energy efficiency, based upon the glazing product database of the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC). End energy use and savings associated with the optimized window properties are compared with baseline models. The findings of this research will benefit designers, contractors, suppliers, property owners and researc...
Painting with Light: A Generative Design System for Daylighting Design
Lecture Notes in Computer Science, 2006
GENE_ARCH is an evolution-based Generative Design System that uses adaptation to shape energy-eff... more GENE_ARCH is an evolution-based Generative Design System that uses adaptation to shape energy-efficient and sustainable architectural solutions. The system applies goal-oriented design, combining a Genetic Algorithm (GA) as the search engine, with DOE2.1E building simulation software as the evaluation module.
Proceedings of CAADRIA, 2001
Abstract. A new generative design system based on a genetic algorithm is tested within the framew... more Abstract. A new generative design system based on a genetic algorithm is tested within the framework of Alvaro Siza's School of Architecture at Oporto, Portugal. The system works over a detailed three-dimensional description of the building and uses natural lighting and overall ...
Fatores Associados Às Fluências Verbais No Idoso Sob Resposta Social do Distrito de Coimbra
Journal of Solar Energy Engineering, 2003
Many design problems related to buildings involve minimizing capital and operating costs while pr... more Many design problems related to buildings involve minimizing capital and operating costs while providing acceptable service. Genetic algorithms (GAs) are an optimization method that has been applied to these problems. GAs are easily configured, an advantage that often compensates for a sacrifice in performance relative to optimization methods selected specifically for a given problem, and have been shown to give solutions where other methods cannot. This paper reviews the basics of GAs, emphasizing multi-objective optimization problems. It then presents several applications, including determining the size and placement of windows and the composition of building walls, the generation of building form, and the design and operation of HVAC systems. Future work is identified, notably interfaces between a GA and both simulation and CAD programs.
This dissertation dwells in the interstitial spaces between the fields of architecture, environme... more This dissertation dwells in the interstitial spaces between the fields of architecture, environmental design and computation. It introduces a Generative Design System that draws on evolutionary concepts to incorporate adaptation paradigms into the architectural design process. The initial aim of the project focused on helping architects improving the environmental performance of buildings, but the final conclusions of the thesis transcend this realm to question the process of incorporating computational generative systems in the broader context of architectural design. The Generative System [GS] uses a Genetic Algorithm as the search and optimization engine. The evaluation of solutions in terms of environmental performance is done using DOE2.1E. The GS is first tested within a restricted domain, where the optimal solution is previously known, to allow for the evaluation of the system's performance in locating high quality solutions. Results are very satisfactory and provide confidence to extend the GS to complex building layouts. Comparative studies using other heuristic search procedures like Simulated Annealing are also performed. The GS is then applied to an existing building by Alvaro Siza, to study the system's behavior in a complex architectural domain, and to assess its capability for encoding language constraints, so that solutions generated may be within certain design intentions. An extension to multicriteria problems is presented, using a Pareto-based method. The GS successfully finds well-defined Pareto fronts providing information on best trade-offs between conflicting objectives. The method is open-ended, as it leaves the final decision-making to the architect. Examples include finding best trade-offs between costs of construction materials, annual energy consumption in buildings, and greenhouse gas emissions embedded in materials. I would like to thank the several institutions that contributed to funding this research: The Fundagao para a Ciencia e a Tecnologia, Praxis XXI program, Portugal; the Fundagao Cultural Luso-Americana, Fulbright program; the V. Kahn-Rassmussen Foundation; and MIT, through a Rosenblith Fellowship. This work is first dedicated to my parents. To my father, who has always guided me through life with his clarity of view, his sharp mind and his uncompromising honesty. To my mother, who has that kind of wisdom that one only gains if one passes through life with sensitivity and awareness. Then to my sisters and brother, Ana, Gabe and Miguel, for always being there for me. And to those late night talks with Miguel, drinking whiskey and talking about all kinds of things, some of them so important for this thesis, until four or five in the morning. I would like to thank Les Norford, my advisor, for always believing in my ideas and my work, making me come to MIT, and for all the valuable advice he gave me throughout this academic endeavor; Bill Mitchell, for bringing a precious contribution to this research drawing from his extensive knowledge of the field and theoretical background; Julie Dorsey, for looking at my work with her inquisitive mind and forcing me to face the higher-level questions; Peter Testa, for his creative advice and conversations about the use of generative systems in architecture; Alvaro Siza, for accepting to participate in this research and providing all the necessary information; Jorge Bastos and the late Frederico George, for pushing me towards doing this Ph.D.
A design optimization tool based on a genetic algorithm
Automation in Construction, 2002
Genetic Algorithms (GAs) are applied as a generative and search procedure to look for optimized d... more Genetic Algorithms (GAs) are applied as a generative and search procedure to look for optimized design solutions in terms of thermal and lighting performance in a building. The GA is first used to generate possible design solutions, which are then evaluated in terms of lighting and ...
Building Simulation Conference proceedings
The energy simulation of buildings with complex curved envelopes is still a difficult task. Altho... more The energy simulation of buildings with complex curved envelopes is still a difficult task. Although an accurate building representation is desirable for energy analysis, a refined mesh representation of (double)curved facades still requires a significant modeling effort for building energy simulation and in most cases the resulting models entail a simulation overhead that is incompatible with design times. This becomes more relevant in fully automated parametric and building energy optimization studies, where a computer program is responsible to instantiate several variations of a building energy model from parametric conceptual building masses. In such settings, it is mandatory that the generated simulation models are valid (i.e., without errors and with accurate building representation) and it is desirable that they are efficient (i.e., fast to run). To answer these challenges, this paper presents a computational tool that automatically simplifies the geometry of complex curved building envelopes for energy simulation. The tool is based on two heuristics-one that post-rationalizes building surfaces and another that samples large energy models and isolate and simulate their most representative parts. We tested our approach in two building masses with complex curved envelopes. The results show that the two heuristics, either combined or applied separately, are able to generate valid and fast building energy models with minimal impact on simulation output.
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Papers by Luisa Gama Caldas