Exploring Ideas in Complexity for Turning the

Architectural Diagram Into an Interactive

Information Model.

Qutaibah Hamadah,

Illinois Institute of Technology.

Abstraft This paper reports on a research project to bring computational

support to early architectural design workflows. This is proposed through
augmenting the traditional spatial diagram with layers of computation, and
information technologies. It presents an overview of an approach that embraces
graphs (networks) as the bases for this important development.
Keywords: Design Process, Graphs, Diagrams, Information Modeling.

1 Introduction

Architecture design is an interactive process, fundamentally based in the realm of

information modeling. In this age of unprecedented technological advancements,
information modeling is predominately associated with digital practice. Nevertheless,
this study asserts that study drawings, namely sketches and diagrams are the most
fundamental information modeling medium. In fact, increasing studies on design
process and methodologies confirm that during early design exploration, designers
typically embrace sketches and diagrams, as their preferred modeling medium [1][2].
Modeling here refers to the fundamental process of establishing and articulating
relationships between the various design components.

Figure 1: Examples of architectural study drawings, sketches and diagrams.

 The diagram lies at the center of architectural spatial exploration. However, In
recent decades, the constant influx in design knowledge coupled with the increasing
requirements for rapid and reliable information integration, began to expose
significant limitations of traditional diagrams, undermining their role as modeling
medium for contemporary design workflows. This is especially evident in larger
projects involving multiple functions. In light of such limitations, Building
Information Modeling (BIM) has been developed. However, BIM is not suitable for
early design exploration due largely to their rigid and interrupted workflows.
The shifting nature of design practice towards a complex information processing
and manipulating activity have prompted urgent demands to investigate alternative
media for early design phases. A prominent approach focuses on augmenting the
cognitive and developmental capacities of study drawings with layers of interaction,
computation, and information technologies. This study takes a similar direction,
however, with a special interest in examining modeling strategies from the emerging
field of complexity. In particular, it looks at the prospects of graphs as a vehicle for
turning the traditional spatial diagram into an interactive building information model.
The thesis of this study is based on the premise that using graph data-structures and
their visual representation to turn traditional diagrams into interactive information
models will improve the spatial and formal information modeling capacities of the
traditional diagram during the conceptual phase of architectural design. This thesis
will be investigated through the development of CBIM; a prototype for a conceptual
building information modeling environment that turns the traditional architectural
spatial diagram into an interactive information model.

2 CBIM

CBIM, though similar in principle to existing BIM systems, presents a novel

approach for interfacing with the underlying information-model. Unlike existing
BIM systems where designers typically interact with discrete representations of
building components such as walls, columns, slabs, etc. CBIM gives focus to spatial
considerations represented through a simplified abstract notation, inspired by bubble
and blocking diagrams. This proposed shift in building information modeling
approach is implemented using graphs (networks). Graphs here, refer to the prolific
logical or mathematical system comprised of nodes and connecting edges. Presently,
the research is focused on using graphs for modeling and representing spatial aspects
of the design issue, including architectural program components, and information
about adjacencies, spatial organization, and geometric form.
3 Workflow

Modeling begins with the designer inputting the various architectural-program

elements, represented as nodes, and the various spatial relationships between nodes
represented as edges. This particular workflow is a close abstraction of bubble
diagramming, working with limited set of syntactical elements, suppressing details
and focusing on the broader context of the project. Once the information model is in
place, the designer is able to analyze various spatial and formal aspects of the
proposed design solution. Ideally, this computational diagraming medium would be
developed to support and facilitate the range of conceptual design activities for
different building types. However, in favor of focusing the scope of this study, the
information modeling workflow is currently limited to spatial and formal design
considerations related to service-core-planning of mixed-use mid-rise buildings.

Figure 3: The graph underlies massing and planning activity during concept design.

4 Conclusion

Within this focused context of investigation, this study hopes to contribute

knowledge that deepen our understanding of diagrams and its important role in
architectural design. On the other hand, it hopes to assist in paving the path for a new
class of diagraming media; one that lends its self to the interactive, collaborative, and
information-intensive requirements of contemporary design workflows.

References

1. Cross, N. (2006). Designerly ways of knowing. London, Springer.

2. Herbert, D. M. (1993). Architectural study drawings. New York, Van Nostrand Reinhold.