In The Pursuit of a Better Way Part II - Artificial Intelligence

IN THE PURSUIT OF A BETTER WAY A Research project challenging the status quo by exploring Democratic and Decentralised methods of design and construction through the application of Artificial Intelligence in architecture.

By Dev Desai

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his research is dedicated to all my mentors that have guided me throughout my academic years and beyond. I am but an amalgamation of all the knowledge, ideas and wisdom imparted to me by my mentors over the years and to them I am eternally grateful. The motivation for this topic arose while I was interning at Vo Trong Nghia Architects in Vietnam and at Toyo Ito Architects and associates in Japan, both of which left a lasting impression on me as a student of architecture and outlined the power, architecture has in shaping lives and building communities.

To both these offices I shall be indebted for their invaluable exposure and wisdom.

This research would not have been possible without the support and discourse of my guide, Pinkish Shah who helped me pursue my idea to its full potential.

His relentless efforts, suggestions and references have been crucial in building the argument for this research and to him I am truly grateful. Lastly, I would like to thank all the faculty members of Kamla Raheja Vidyanidhi Institute of architecture for their support and help.

DECLARATION OF AUTHENTICITY I, Dev Desai, declare that the ideas represented in this research are solely mine. I have adequately referenced all images and words wherever relevant to build my argument. I am well aware of the implications of Plagiarism and shall be held liable to disciplinary action if found to have engaged in any unethical practice.

Copyright under Government of India D.N : 6239/2020-CO/L

Dev Desai

The research explores the potential of Artificial Intelligence in Dweller determined dwellings, Visualisation technologies such as Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality to bridge the gap in perceiving space by dwellers and Computer Aided Manufacturing in decentralised and incremental methods of construction. The last phase of this book delves into identifying a site best suited for this intervention.

CONTENTS

1.

The Act of Participation

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2.

Democratic Approach to Design

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3.

Frameworks For Artificial Intelligence

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THE ACT OF PARTICIPATION This chapter delves into the impact of a participatory approach to architecture, exploring ways to express identity through digital customisation and seeking the potential of decentralised methods of building.

1.1

Ladder of citizen participation

1.2 Expression through digital customisation 1.3

Computer Aided Manufacturing

THE LADDER OF CITIZEN PARTICIPATION

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he methodology of design and the means of production have always been linked to the technological prowess of that specific period and wielded by those who influence it.

From the King commissioned churches reaching ever new heights with the invention of the flying buttress in the 16th century to the State funded Guggenheim museum in Bilbao designed using the parametric software, CATIA by Frank Gehry in the later part of the 20th Century, architecture has come a long way in conceptualising and realising spaces which were once unfathomable, but has veered off its social role of serving the people to becoming a tool for amassing capital.

Le Corbusier in his famous writings of the early 1920s took inspiration from the makers of cars, planes and steamships suggesting ways to deal with technologies of mass production and methods to exploit the assembly line. The paradigm shift from technologies of mass Production to those of mass customisation have no doubt given rise to the idiosyncratic, despite the identical housing block that abounds the cities of

the world as a reminder of an era which is irrelevant today. The concern however is not with the need for differentiation amidst a homogeneous urban from, but the expression of multitudes of identities that dwell in the city to influence their dwelling. The need of the times is the participation of citizens in shaping the cities of today and imbibing the values that will influence the cities of tomorrow.

The pertinent concern delves into the methodology which enables free expression and its implementation in the status quo.

The goal for us, as architects then is not to ‘Help’ communities but to ‘Enable’ them. “ When we do change to people, they experience it as violence, but when people do change for themselves, they experience it as liberation.”

-Rosabeth Moss Kanter In order to enable communities and citizens in facilitating design, we must start at what is ‘Strong’ within communities, not what is ‘Wrong’.

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articipatory architecture has played a key role in the development initiatives of villages and towns in Latin America, North America and parts of Africa for the past few decades. Yet, the controversial meaning of this participation lauds a top-down initiative of collaboration than a bottom-up distribution of power. Sherry R Arnstein in his essay ‘ A ladder of citizen Participation’ suggests that “There is a critical difference between going through the empty ritual of participation and having the real power needed to affect the outcome of the process.” and lists eight rungs of citizen participation.

CITIZEN CONTROL

The bottom rungs are Manipulation and Therapy where the real objective is not to engage the citizens in decision making but to educate and cure the citizens with the decisions which have been made for them. Informing and Consultation are rungs are emblematic of tokenism where citizens are heard but owing to a lack in power, their opinions are not assured to be implemented in the final decisions. Placation is simply a higher level of tokenism where the advise of the citizens initiates dialogue but does not guarantee action. It is only through Partnerships that citizens have a seat at the negotiating table or through Delegated power or Citizen control that citizens have the power to guide decisions and influence change.

PLACATION

Citizens are responsible for planning, policy making and management.

DELEGATED POWER Citizens hold majority of the seats in committees to make decisions.

PARTNERSHIP Power is redistributed through negotiations between citizens and power holders.

Citizens have the power to advice and opine but not to finally decide.

CONSULTATION Citizens limited only to neighbourhood meetings and public enquiries.

INFORMING

THERAPY

How do we ensure the just redistribution of power and its ability to enforce change?

Can the application of modern technology safeguard a democratic method of decision making and decentralised methods of design and construction?

MANIPULATIVE

Source : Author

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DIGITAL CUSTOMISATION AND COMPUTER AIDED MANUFACTURING

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echnological capabilities and its application have been pivotal in realising and conceptualising architecture, pushing boundaries of not only what can be produced but also of what can be imagined and conceptualised. The 1990s marked the paradigm shift from architecture of mass production to that of mass customisation.

Supplemented by Computer Aided Design (CAD) and the concept of the spline, it broadened the horizons of design. This was a technology meant to produce variations, not identical copies. Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) techniques helped to a great extent in realising the idiosyncratic. Since these technologies do not make use of stamps, moulds or dies, mass production of identical items does not amortise costs. Conversely, the mass production of variation costs the same.

Parametricism in the 1990s and early 2000s emerged as an avant garde design movement on the backbone of the digital movement and the production of affordable computers. The style of the spline or digital streamlining became the hallmark of the digital age of this period contradicting the rectilinear designs of the mechanical age which had

limited the scope of design prior to this point. The inherent lawfulness of physical processes, complexity and rigour that was otherwise unattainable conceptualised forms which were visually striking and produced architecture of spectacle. The built form which emerged out of this movement was emblematic of the technological prowess of the digital age and apart from being a veracious account of the architectural transition from mass production to mass customisation, it did little to express the desires, identities and aspirations of its end users.

In its very essence the digital era of mass customisation strives to democratise design to enable differentiation and its manufacturing technologies in decentralising the means of production.

It is only in recent years that computer aided manufacturing technologies have become ever more accessible and affordable, stimulating a new design and fabrication revolution. One where hierarchies of power and knowledge are destroyed, transforming a period of mass customisation into an era of mass collaboration and democratic decentralised production.

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Y - Axis

Y - Axis

Mechanical Age

X - Axis

X - Axis

Planar

surface

Geometric

Y - Axis

Y - Axis

Digital Age

Rectilinear

X - Axis

Spline

X - Axis

Mesh

Parametric Source : Author

revolution, succeeding the production line assembly that dominated manufacturing starting in the late 19th century. The accessibility of these technologies have democratized the means of production and futurologists have hypothesized that 3D Printing technologies will lead to a zero marginal cost society.

Numerical control (NC) machines have existed since 1940s and were based on existing tools modified to follow points fed into the system on a punched tape. With the advent of computers, these machines were augmented with analog and digital data from computers giving birth to the modern day Computer Numeric Control (CNC) machines. Additive manufacturing or 3D printing technology which evolved from its predecessor of the 1990s, Rapid Prototyping builds a three dimensional object from a computer aided design (CAD) model, usually by successively adding material, layer over another. Futurologist Jeremy Rifkin claims that digital fabrication technologies signal the beginning of a fourth industrial

Although in its formative years of research and development, the scope of additive manufacturing processes such as 3D printing in architecture offers sustainable, affordable and efficient construction possibilities with its ability to manoeuvre complexity 15

in variations. Large scale additive manufacturing (LSAM) or construction 3D printing (c3Dp) works by building a 3 dimensional structure from a computer aided design (CAD) model, by successively adding material layer by layer.

STEP 3

The machine is subservient to the craftsman enabling semi automation of details and design.

The variety of 3D printing methods such as the extrusion of concrete, wax and foam , Powder Bonding of polymers and Additive Welding of metals to realise complex forms and requirements have little to no wastage. Supplemented by its ability to utilize a wide range of materials, 3D printing in architecture can facilitate expression and variability to an extent unprecedented in history.

As these technologies become more accessible and enter the mainstream, it would spark a new wave of decentralised production, one which would restructure the hierarchies of power and authority and provide opportunities for creative dialogue, exploration and development.

STEP 2

Walls are extruded and spaces are sculpted.

In the case of urban housing, These tools can be deployed to enable a decentralised method of production and an incremental approach to design. It could afford variability and help to revive culture and tradition by working alongside artisans and craftsmen while at the same time ensuring sustainability, affordability and efficiency.

STEP 1

C.A.M machines are mounted on a predetermined lattice structure.

Source : Author

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HUMAN-ROBOT COLLABORATION

Institute of Computational Design EFFICACY

A team of ICD ( Institute of Computational Design and construction) researchers developed a collaborative robotic workbench with a set of technologies which would enable and enhance humanrobot collaboration in the building sector.

During the demonstration of its prototype in 2018 for Kuka Innovation competition, construction tasks were exchanged between human and robot utilizing the capabilities and strengths of each participant, such that the robotic arm executed precise tasks such as placing the elements in the correct order at the precise location while the builder executed task which required dexterity and process knowledge. An augmented reality user interface enabled the builder to directly manipulate and engage with the robotic arm making informed decisions.

In this manner, mechanised process could be guided, improvised and subsequent tasks could be modified.

The robotic arm undertakes a series of meticulous tasks such as sorting, identifying and placing elements in the correct position.

INTUITION An Augmented Reality user interface enables the craftsman to preview, plan and dispatch robotic instructions, modifying and improvising the tasks

VARIABILITY

The collaboration of the computer aided manufacturing and the craftsman and/or the dweller could reinforce a decentralised vision of design and construction which is intuitive while ensuring precision and efficacy.

The collaboration of the machine and hand enables variability in design opening many possibilities in the scope of architectural design and construction.

Source : ICD

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DEMOCRATIC APPROACH TO DESIGN This chapter explores the technologies needed to supplement a democratic approach to design.

2.1

Participatory Technology Development

2.2

The Fourth Industrial Revolution

2.3

The Mechanism of Artificial Intelligence

PARTICIPATORY TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT

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igital Fabrication methods are mere tools to bridge the gap between concept and realisation. They by themselves hold no value in determining spaces, rather facilitate the production of designs. Hence, the most crucial element in democratic decision making and design is the framework which enables the dweller in determining the dwelling. with the collapse of the digital economy and the dot-com bubble towards the beginning of the 21st century, many design professionals started to condemn the digital advancement in design as a symbol of excess, waste and technological delusion. But, when the dust finally settled and brought with it The Participatory Web it led to a new wave of internet based collaborations, interactivity, crowd sourcing and user generated content. The unprecedented rise of social applications and platforms such as facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Twitter and wikipedia among other was never mirrored by the design industry and the much anticipated shift from mass customisation to mass collaboration has not yet happened with a few exceptions and experiments such as Participatory GIS and to a certain extent, BIM softwares.

PARTICIPATORY G.I.S Participatory Geographic information systems combines the participatory learnings and actions (PLA) approach along with conventional GIS to empower local communities to understand and develop their environments better. PGIS combines a gamut of geo-spatial information management tools such as aerial mapping, participatory 3d mapping (P3DM), Global positioning systems (GPS) and satellite imagery to develop local maps. The practice integrates several tools and methods amalgamating socially differentiated local knowledge with ‘expert’ skills to promote interactive participation of stakeholders in generating and managing spatial information. It uses information about specific landscapes to facilitate broadly-based decision making processes that support effective communication and community advocacy which if ethically utilized can empower communities bolstering innovations and social change. Moreover, it could aid in preserving and protecting traditional knowledge of culturally sensitive information from external exploitation by restricting access to within the community.

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seem possible, it is highly unreasonable.

Take the example of a screw. If all screws in a dwelling were to be customised and made variable, all elements to which it shares its relationship such as the joints in a table, the wall mounted painting, the hinges of doors and openings or the connections in appliances, would have to be modified as well to be compliant, let alone the storage, transport and assembly of such variable parts. It is essential to retain the modularity of certain elements in architectural design and building construction for the sake of its feasibility and efficiency but at the same ensuring a democratic method of decision making and designing of element families. In the case of housing, this means that every member residing in the dwelling unit has the influence to sculpt their dwelling space, while every dweller of the habitat has a role to play in determining the community spaces within it.

The purview of PGIS in dwelling habitats could aid in connecting dwellers within a community, update any addition or subtraction of dwellings in a habitat, quantify the subsequent neighbourhood densities and ensure the provision of social and infrastructural amenities striving to create a safe and aware community.

PARTICIPATORY B.I.M Participatory softwares such as Building Integrated Modelling (BIM) which were developed alongside the Computer aided design (CAD) softwares of the 1990s posits that all the technical agents participating in design should collaborate using shareable information across the same software and that design decisions should be agreed upon by all the agencies involved in the construction and design process.

Participation in BIM based design is however limited to technical agents and those who determine design with the exclusion of the end user, communities and individuals. BIM exemplifies ‘Design by committee’ rather than ‘Design by community’. BIM is a small step in the larger direction of inclusivity and equality in decision making, where every citizen who architecture influences has a seat at the table. The adoption of Building integrated modelling by the design and construction industry has been reviled by the creative professionals as an attempt to re root the industry in an era of mass production and conformity. While the aspirations to mass customise all elements of architecture and building construction

Can architecture function as a large design social-media platform? Can it stimulate dialogue between communities and specialists in far reaching corners of the world learning from one another to resolve problems? Can communities in a district be connected with governmental agencies to advocate change? Can the opinions of all the dwellers within the community unanimously decide upon community activities and spaces? Can members of the family and other agencies engage to facilitate the design of dwellings?

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FOURTH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION AND THE MECHANISM OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

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ntil the early 2010s, the culture and economics of data were strangled by a permanent scarcity of supply; i.e. we always needed more data than we had. The 2010s and 2020s mark the beginning of an era of data surplus exploring the potential of artificial intelligence (AI), Machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL), along with other disruptive technologies such as Virtual reality (VR) and robotics commonly dubbed as the fourth industrial revolution. Preceded by the digital revolution of the 1990s and the industrial revolution of the 19th Century; the era of Machine intelligence broadens the horizons of not only how and what can be produced but more importantly, what can be imagined. While CAD produces faster versions of the pen and paper, AI and ML in Architecture produce faster versions of imagination, VR produces faster versions of visualization and computer aided manufacturing (CAM) enables mass production of variations. The fourth industrial revolution has the potential to not only radicalise the way architecture and aesthetics is imagined, but to also reimagine the potential role an architect has in shaping them.

The pursuit for a democratic design process which blend technical expertise to enable sustainable yet affordable dwellings, dynamic and individual processes to build a comfortable yet dense community points us in the direction of Artificial Intelligence in Architecture. Artificial intelligence traces its history in myths, desires and science fiction. In the 17th Century, Rene Descartes explored the possibility of depicting every rational thought as systematically as algebra or geometry. By the late 1930s and 40s, recent research in neurology had indicated that the brain was an electric network of neurons akin to a complex and meticulously connected set of wires. Nobert Wiener’s Cybernetics, Claude Shannon’s information theory and Alan Turing’s Theory of computation laid the foundations for digital computation.

Fifty years later in the 1990s which marks the first digital revolution, humans were still data poor. It is during the mid 2010s that the transition to data surplus took place, marking a new era in human history.

For the first time, we had more data than we needed, such a surplus of data fuelled the otherwise dormant Artificial Intelligence 22

humans are instinctive and intuition driven using fairly unreliable cognitive shortcuts or heuristics. The context within which decisions are made hence becomes important.

The way in which choices are framed and situated, who offer them and in what way, ultimately determine the decisions which are made. In the context of the digital marketplace, social platforms and data portals, engagement with algorithms in shaping how humans live their life. Decisions of daily living such as travel, food, shopping, work, recreation are determined by our interaction with digital algorithms where both the set of options to choose from and its framing are determined by the algorithm. According to Daniel Susser of Penn state university, the digital AI which supports everyday activity is designed to influence the decisions we make. This is synonymous with the digital marketplace where advertisers use cookies to track browsing activity which in turn suggests products in the marketplace influencing the context within which decisions are made.

research propelling it to ultimately influence domains of banking and finance, marketing, healthcare, among others.

The scope of artificial intelligence can put to use decades worth of data and build on new inputs to democratically determine dwellings with the intuition of the dweller to build sustainable but affordable, dense but comfortable and dynamic and individual habitats. It is important to limit the scope of AI to that of a guide and not the driver of design. Dwellings are made for the dwellers, and must be ultimately designed and determined by them. Our scope in AI is only to facilitate an easier route to bridge the technical know how with the free expression of architectural form. In this respect, it is crucial to determine the adaptive choice architectures of Artificial Intelligence and the ethics of its developers.

Who would be responsible for AI design algorithms? How will they manifest in User experience and interface? What would the quality of such an interaction be?

Rama Akkiraju from IBM Watson suggests two paths of creating Artificial Intelligence (AI), where the first option is a BLACK BOX, with no clear rationale behind its decisions, and the second is CLEAR BOX (explainable AI) with a clear reasoning behind its decision. AI needs a foundation, a core of ethics and values. AI which is less susceptible to malpractices and algorithms which act to serve the people it is intended towards.

Choice architectures are algorithms that increasingly determine in a wide variety of contexts, both the set of options to choose from and the way those options are framed.

Artificial intelligence and Machine learning make it possible to be tailored to individual choosers collecting information about their individual preferences, interests, aspirations and vulnerabilities to suggest favourable outcomes. Psychologist Daniel Kahneman argues that most decisions made by

According to Joseph Henrich, Steven Heine and 23

Ara Norenzayan, writers of ‘Most people are not WEIRD’, 96% of research in the scientific and digital world are working with 12% of the WEIRD population ( Western Educated Industrialized Rich Democratic) which suggest that generalizations in technology are biased and do not represent the rich diversity of the world. Architecturally, a trend which most developing nations follow mimicking western notions of living robs citizens of their identity. It is crucial that algorithms which determine the dwelling are culture centric. In this regard the best solution is to enable an open source platform which connects members of the community with specialised agencies to unanimously decide on the parameters most suitable to them.

The power of open source artificial intelligence in architecture, multitudes of readily available data sets and collaborations, the scalability of Building integrated Modelling and the ease of construction by computer aided manufacturing technologies, at the disposal of the dweller has the potential to radicalise the way we design, build and determine the cities of tomorrow.

BLACK BOX AI Indeterminate, hidden processes to generate solutions. User has no control over the outcome.

CLEAR BOX AI Democratic and transparent decision making process.

User influences the outcome.

The application of artificial intelligence in architecture is relatively very new and still mostly in its research and development phase. In this regard, it may be important to explain the technical aspect of mechanisms that would apply particularly in democratising architectural form.

Source : Author

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Synapses

Axon

Dendrites

The core of Artificial intelligence delves into the concepts of Artificial Neural Networks. The idea of Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) is based on the belief that the human brain can be imitated by a carefully determined connection of silicon and wires as neurons and dendrites. The working of the human brain is through nerve cells called neurons which are connected by cells called axons to dendrites. External stimuli is received at the dendrite which create electrical impulses travelling through the neural network. Neurons are capable of reacting to the stimuli or ignoring it. In a similar fashion, ANNs are composed of nodes (neurons) which are connected by links (axons) which are associated by a weight indicating the priority of it. Nodes accept input data from the user and the operation is passed to other neurons in the network.

The application of ANN in architecture is important in determining the most effective, sustainable and viable outcome from the input data by the user. For example, if the decision to be made is to reduce external sound disturbances in the interior space, the algorithm which has been trained with a certain data set, which is, either to shut the facade towards the sound disturbance with a wall or to change the orientation of the unit, or re-programme the layout to accommodate ancillary programmes towards the disturbance source or utilise an alternative material with the same configuration deploys these solutions through the neural network. But since no decision is in isolation to another, the algorithm

Input data

Output data

Source : Author

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Output Input

Processes

FEED FORWARD ANN

FEEDBACK ANN

Input

Processes

Generative design or iterative design solutions generates a certain number of outputs that meet certain constraints. It is a design exploration process. Designers input goals into the generative design software along with parameters using which the software explores all permutations of a solution. The number of outputs can be narrowed to provide only a limited number of efficient solutions for the user to choose from. Since the nature of Neuron Networks deployed is feedback Neural Networks, with each successive addition of parameter or constraint, the solution refines itself with every addition of data input.

Output

through ANN corresponds data from other parameters such as heat gain parameter, wind flow, sustainability impact, economic feasibility, among many more to modify or combine the pre-determined solutions so as to create the most favourable set of outcomes. The user finally chooses from these solutions or overrides the algorithm with another solution, in which case the process repeats itself. In order for the ANN to act as an assister and not a directer of design, Feedback Neural Networks are utilized.

Here, signals travel in both direction unlike feed forward Neural Network. These are dynamic networks where the state keeps changing to achieve equilibrium and remain in that state until the input changes. This type of Neuron network has the capability to interact with the user who determines the input data.

Source : Author

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FRAMEWORKS FOR ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE This chapter fleshes out the core parameters that aid the dweller in democratically designing their dwelling.

3.1

A.I Housing Methodology

3.2

Design User Interface

3.3

The Algorithm

A.I. HOUSING METHODOLOGY

(G.I.S mapping and volumetric to locate and select the habitat. Every addition of dwelling is updated.)

1.1 Location Selection

(Rooms requirements along with room adjacencies and configuration aid in developing an efficient dwelling module.)

DWELLER PARAMETER

LOCATION AND HABITAT

Under stated parameters briefly list down the methodology and steps in order to democratically design yet efficiently plan dwellings. Each step is followed by Generative choice architecture which enables the dweller to pick the most appropriate solution from the most efficiently generated iterations.

2.1 Room Type and sizes

Factors that influence the selection of a neighbourhood is the proximity to places of work, proximity of infrastructural and social amenities. Qualitative aspects of the neighbourhood, safety and affordability.

1.2 Habitat Selection Factors that influence the selection of the dwelling habitat is the density, social amenities, demographics, Qualitative aspects and affordability.

2.2 Room Configuration Typology Typology Typology Typology

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Corridor Attached Courtyard Periphery

2.3 Room Adjacencies

Source : Author

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(Open source G.I.S enables dwellers to add relevant context to habitats, facilitating preference for sound, visual and olfactory disturbances) (Government collaboration to utilise climate data and weather patterns can enforce sustainable dwelling, reducing operational costs and carbon footprint)

4.1 Sunlight

(Online product platform, Machine learning (M.L) enabled customisation and VR/AR visualisation enables dwellers to design the dwelling of their choice in their respective budgets)

CONTEXT PARAMETER CLIMATE PARAMETER INTERIOR PARAMETER

3.1 Auditory

5.1 Landscaping

Source : Author

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Transport (Permanent) (Railway, Airport, Vehicular Traffic) Construction (Temporary) Institutional (Periodical)

3.2 Visual

Natural Elements (Sea, hill,mountain ranges, plains) Urban Elements

3.3 Odour

Natural Elements Urban Elements (Factory, Sewage, Garbage, Vehicular)

Sunlight intensity Shadow analysis

4.2 Ventilation

Dominant wind direction Wind speed and strength Air Quality Index

4.3 Radiation

Solar Radiation Intensity

5.2 Civil Works 5.3 Electrical works 5.4 Plumbing works 5.5 Carpentry works 5.6 Paints and Finishes

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he world is now ever more connected, in a way no one would have ever thought possible.

There are nearly 5 Billion smart phone users with Indians being amongst the largest component of that demographic. According to a study conducted by the London School of Economics (LSE), 2.89 Billion individuals are connected to each other on any one form of social media. That number jumps to 3.8 Billion individuals who are connected via the internet.

India’s urban population as per the 2011 Census estimates 377.11 million inhabitants of which 293 million are active internet users. This figure accounts for nearly half of the country’s internet penetration for onefifth of the national population. According to a report published by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), India is expected to have 859 million smart phone users by 2022 with its maximum concentrations in urban centres and large metropolitan cities. With the promise of a dense and collaborative urban population, the scope of participatory GIS is manifold in mapping, determining and understanding neighbourhoods.

Integrated technologies with an interactive user-interface can enable citizens to select the location of the habitat they would prefer to reside in and the subsequent dwelling habitat. In order to acquaint potential dwellers with the qualitative aspects of the community, cross-platform messaging could connect the existing community with potential dwellers.

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WORLI CITY NAME : WARD NAME : CIVIC BODY: POPULATION: LAND AREA : HOUSEHOLDS: DENSITY :

Mumbai G-South M.C.G.M 599,039 10,0 Sq.km 121,000 45,793/sqkm

EDUCATION Number of schools : 10 Number of colleges: 08 Healthcare Number of hospitals: 14 Number of clinics : 18 TRANSPORTATION Railway stations : 02 Metro stations : 03 Bus stations (depot) : 02

Total Built capacity : 55% Habitat Plot Area(sqm): 300 Green to built ratio : 22% Habitat population : 60 This habitat is home to dwellers from U.P, Goa, West Bengal and Gujarat.

Social amenities include urban farming.

Click to interact with dwellers.

Hi! I am your design assistant and shall guide you through the process of designing your dwelling. This page will assist you in selecting the dwelling habitat of your choice.

Step 1 : Please select the ward within the city in which you would you would like to reside.

Step 2 : You may now select the dwelling habitat in the neighbourhood that best suits you.

For any further assistance feel free to reach out at any time.

USER 1 : I feel we should select something

in Worli. Not only is it close to the office, but the seafront is quite close as well.

USER 2 : I agree!!

USER 3 : How about Bandra? Its a great place to hang out during the weekends.

USER 4 : Im going to go for Worli too. I

like the vibe of the place. As for Bandra, the sea link is close by. It should get you there in no time.

USER 2 : Hey! What do you feel about this

habitat? The Goan diaspora is going to make me feel right at home.

USER 1 : Sure. 45% vacancy. That should

allow us ample space and make it affordable too.

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Source : Author

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dwelling which is incremental in its approach to design and within a dwelling habitat that evolves dynamically in response to demand provides a solution to building only what is required and paying for only what is built. In such a manner affordability and access is manifested by balancing the dwellers needs along with aspirations within the financial limitations of the dweller.

The methodology of designing the dwelling commences with the selection of required rooms, spaces and dimensions by the dweller, extrusions to determine volumes and a cursory placement of furniture.

Integrated and linked to a Building Information modelling (BIM) library, the preliminary placement of furniture guides the dweller by determining the minimum offsets and distance around them. Selection of building materials determines wall thickness and the method of construction.

Openings such as doors and windows determine circulation while ancillary programmes determine hierarchy of spaces.

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This page will assist you in determining the various rooms and spaces you need for your dwelling along with the material for construction.

Step 1 : Please Add a room type and specify the programmes for the same along with the choice of material for construction.

ROOM TYPE

LIVING ROOM

LIVING ROOM

PLAN

Please select the material for construction.

ISOMETRIC

Step 2 : You may also provide a cursory furniture layout along with the position for openings.

Step 3 : You may now adjust the dimensions and add ancillary programmes wherever relevant.

For any further assistance feel free to reach out at any time.

ADDITIVE C.A.M 3-D Printing with recycled concrete polymer (200mm).

USER 2 : I will need my own room. I might be getting married within a year

USER 3 : 'USER 1' and I will be sharing

Click for more information

BEDROOM N2

a room.

BEDROOM N2

PLAN

ISOMETRIC

Please select the opening type and dimension.

USER 1 : We

also need to tick the incremental option since we might want to ultimately fragment the space into separate rooms.

USER 4 : Can I join you both? I am thinking

of making a loft for my living space.

USER 3 : Absolutely! Also during one of

my trips to Tokyo, I came across the concept of Sento, which is a shared bathing facility. We can save money by not building separate bathing areas.

#ERROR :VALUE INSUFFICIENT Double click to adjust the dimension.

KITCHEN PLAN

USER 2 : Cool! Lets use the saved money

to add a small steam room. Once I get married I'll add a separate bath area for myself.

KITCHEN

ISOMETRIC Please select the primary and ancillary programme.

Click the plus to add ancillary programmes in relation to the room type.

1. Pantry 2. Dining 3. Laundry

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Source : Author

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he organisation of rooms and ancillary programmes, whose plan and volume have been individually determined can make use of commonly prevalent organisational strategies of the region. Corridors as a means of connector between programmes or a compact planning approach where programmes spill into the other, a courtyard around which rooms are organised or a peripheral circulation. Each of these strategies have embedded within it, cultural values and significance. The dweller however is not limited to these options, but can introduce an alternative method of organisation in lieu of any of the organisation typologies.

Programme adjacencies are determined by the dweller’s relationship with spaces.

The dweller through layers of subconscious individual history, experiences, values and culture which ultimately determine preferences is adept at sculpting the form and determining the functional adjacency of his/her dwelling through intuition.

In this regard it is crucial to regulate certain freedoms regarding placement of service cores, easements and respect to neighbours.

Democratically determined adjacencies offers a dynamic approach to design and authenticity in planning.

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This page will assist you in determining organisational strategies for your rooms and the subsequent programme adjacencies.

Step 1 : Please select the organisation strategy that best suits your dwelling from the given options or develop your own using the draw tool at the bottom of the page.

CONFIGURATION

Step 2 : Drag and connect programme clusters to determine adjacencies

For any further assistance feel free to reach out at any time.

ROOM TO ROOM compact organisational strategy minimizes floor area by spilling one programme into the other. Circulation is through spaces in the dwelling.

USER 2 : I feel a compact room to room

organisation should be the most efficient in our case.

USER 3 : Sure!

Lets adjacencies.

start

with

the

USER 4 : Isn’t this a little confusing?

Lets ask our design assistant for help!

OPERATOR You should separate your wet and dry areas and it would be nice to connect the urban farm to your living room and bedrooms. It will get the fresh breeze in and add some visual comfort.

USER 1 : Yes. I agree.

USER 3 : I feel we should let the lobby be central and connect our bedroom to it.

USER 4 : Yes. That should work well.

Drag and connect the programme cluster to the desired cluster to determine adjacency relationship between programmes.

Double click the bubble to alter the plan and volume.

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abitat Context plays an important role in ascertaining spatial hierarchies, and in planning spaces that respond to their context. Open source Participatory GIS can aid in identifying auditory, visual and olfactory elements which are either a source of pleasure or discomfort. Artificial intelligence algorithms can work to provide greater access to elements of desire while simultaneously adopting generative strategies to block disturbances. Let us take the example of Auditory disturbances in the neighbourhood. These can be classified into permanent sound disturbances which includes a metro station and traffic congestion. Temporary sound disturbances caused by construction activity in the vicinity and Periodical sound disturbances caused by institutions such as the bells of a school, an evening market, etc.

Generative algorithms that use Adversarial neural networks strive to block discomforting sound by adopting one or a combination of the following strategies, thicker walls on the facade incident to the sound source, modification of form so as to reflect the sound, suggestive re-organisation of programmes in the plan so as to align rooms with a relative low priority level (storage rooms, toilets, etc) towards the source of the sound disturbance or the suggestion of urban farms supplemented with adequate flora towards the facade incident to the sound to act as a sound buffer.

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This page will assist you in determining the various contextual sensory elements you would like the dwelling to respond to in the desired intensity.

Step 1 : Please identify elements of AUDITORY preference and discomfort in the context of your habitat.

CONTEXT

AUDITORY VEHICULAR TRAFFIC

INSTITUTIONAL

(Permanent source)

(Periodical source)

Noise range: 50 - 70 DB

Noise range: 70 - 80 DB

VISUAL

CONSTRUCTION

METRO STATION

(Temporary source)

(Permanent source)

Noise range: 90 - 110 DB

OLFACTORY

Noise range: 75 - 90 DB

Step 2 : Please identify elements of VISUAL preference and discomfort in the context of your habitat.

Step 3 : Please identify elements of OLFACTORY preference and discomfort in the context of your habitat.

USER 1 : All the auditory elements in the

context are discomforting. What you feel about Visual?

USER 3 : Sea view is definitely a preference VEHICULAR TRAFFIC noise intensity peaks from 08 to 11 am and from 06 to 09 pm.

but overlooking a construction site is a discomfort.

USER 4 : For me, The adjoining park is a

preference. What about olfactory?

USER 2 : I like the smell of the sea, but

the STP in the east is going to be a huge discomfort in the monsoons.

USER 1 : Wouldn't summers bring a pungent fish smell as well from the fish drying tradition at the koliwada?

The smell is quite discomforting for me.

USER 3 : Traffic reduces the Air quality and it has this peculiar smell which I cant bear.

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n order to set priorities and determine spatial hierarchies, it is important to identify the intensity of each element of discomfort and pleasure in the habitat context. In the case of auditory elements, this can be perceived through augmented audio and for visual, through virtual reality. For dwellings situated towards the lower part of the habitat and that perceive crowds as disturbance, integrated Location Artificial intelligence which make use of GPS locations of mobile users to augment crowd density maps, circulation patterns can enable dwelling form to respond accordingly.

In the status quo of a homogeneous urban context, it is extraneous to mimic and respond to the architectural form of the context, rather it is essential to respond to the spatial and sensory elements that influence living to reinforce authenticity of urban form and enable a democratic approach to design.

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This page will assist you in determining programme hierarchies and tolerance levels for each programme in the dwelling in relation to the selected contextual sensory element.

CONTEXT

Step 1 : Please select the sensory element you wish the dwelling to respond to.

AUDITORY VEHICULAR TRAFFIC

INSTITUTIONAL

(Permanent source)

(Periodical source)

Noise range: 50 - 70 DB

Noise range: 70 - 80 DB

VISUAL

CONSTRUCTION

METRO STATION

(Temporary source)

(Permanent source)

Noise range: 90 - 110 DB

OLFACTORY

Noise range: 75 - 90 DB

Click on the programme bubble to assign in ascending order, its priority in response to the context.

Step 2 : Select a programme cluster and determine spatial hierarchies in the order of its priority.

Step 3 : Determine the tolerance of each programme in the cluster towards the selected element.

For any further assistance feel free to reach out at any time.

USER 4 : I am a very light sleeper so Im

going to rate my loft 2/10 for tolerance.

USER 1 : Me too.

USER 2 : I sleep like a baby, so it doesn’t bother me much. Im going to rate it 3/10 for my tolerance.

USER 3 : The urban farm can be more

tolerant to the sound. When we add the flora, it will act as a buffer.

USER 4 : Yes! That’s a great idea.

USER 1 : I feel even the toilets and

bathing area can have a higher tolerance. We aren’t going to be using them continuously all day.

USER 2 : Yes I guess that applies to my Rate on a scale of 10 the tolerance of each programme in relation to the selected sensory element in the habitat context.

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balcony as well.

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enerative iterations through Artificial intelligence algorithms offer the dweller with the three most optimized outcomes based on the dweller's input data and preferences. Optimization is characterized by the accommodation of all the rooms and programmes using the preferred organisational strategies, adjacencies and programme priorities determined by context parameters in the minimum structural grid volume while leaving adequate room for incremental growth and expansion. The dweller however is not bound and restricted by only three outcomes, rather the outcomes generated can be re-run multiple times to satisfy the dweller or can be over ridden by the dweller or the architect with an alternative design iteration. Integrated with virtual reality ,the dweller is better able to visualize dwelling space, with the capability to modify volumes and sculpt spaces. In such a manner, spaces can either be designed intuitively by the dweller or the architect or be generated by the algorithm drawing upon the values of the dweller combined with efficiency.

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This page will enable you to choose from a set of three optimally generated outcomes.

If you are unsatisfied, you may click the re-run icon at the bottom or override the algorithm with your design using the draw tool.

CONTEXT

Step 1 : Select the iteration that best suits your needs and desires.

A

A

B

C

C'

ITERATION A

ITERATION B

ITERATION C

ITERATION C'

Compact planning with the service core through the central lobby area. Expansion of Bedroom 2 is accounted for.

Compact planning with the service core through a larger central lobby. Expansion for Bedroom 2 is accounted for.

Linear planning with the service core outside the dwelling. Minimum area utilized with scope of expansion for Bedroom 2.

Nuanced iteration C' as determined by the dynamic sculpting of programmatic volumes.

B

C

Step 2 : You may explore the layout and volume iterations through virtual reality making any adjustments you deem fit.

For any further assistance feel free to reach out at any time.

USER 4 : I like option B. Looks quite neat USER 2 : The issue is that if a dwelling

comes over us, the lobby would be a dark space.

USER 3 : Not just that, but in both A and

B we dont have direct access to the urban farm. I feel C works the best.

USER 1 : Yes. I agree. You should walk

through the spaces in virtual reality. Option C feels the most spacious.

USER 2 : Yet it occupies the least grid area as well. So option C it is.

USER 4 : I feel something is missing. So Im going to modify my loft to my liking.

USER 1 : Go ahead!

LIVING ROOM KITCHEN DINING AREA PANTRY ROOM LAUNDRY AREA LOBBY BEDROOM 1

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he placement of the selected dwelling iteration in the habitat is influenced by the design and volume it occupies in the structural grid space, the orientation and position of the dwelling with respect to other dwellings in the habitat and the construction method adopted. Structural grid volumes can either be confined within the limits of an extruded space above the habitat's plot area or extendible in which case, dwellings overhang beyond the plot area. This introduces the concept of air rights. In habitats abutted by streets and infrastructural amenities, whose built volume is restricted by its utility, the air rights can be purchase from the respective government agencies to afford a dynamic and authentic urban form.

Methods of construction include Computer aided manufacturing technologies to construct dwellings or the conventional method of building through manual labour or a collaboration between the two, namely between the craftsman and machine. In either case, the methodology of construction would ideally commence by the installation of the structural lattice. The structure affords stability by behaving as a three dimensional lattice of vierendeel girders. Finite element analysis (FEA) of the structure ensures the stability of the habitat with the addition of every new dwelling. An on site 3D printer which makes use of a sustainable concrete polymer aids in the precise construction of the dwelling.

Pioneers in the field are Texas based ICON and COBOD who make use of recycled construction wastes to rebuild structures. The role of the craftsman is specialised to crafting finishes, furnishings and fixtures.

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This page caters to the technical and legal aspects related to the execution of your dwelling design.

Step 1 : Select the position of the default lattice grid volume of the selected iteration in the Habitat.

CONTEXT

Step 2 : Select the apropos construction method you would prefer to adopt.

CONFINED

HIGHER

COLLABORATIVE

AIR RIGHTS

EXTENDIBLE

INTERMEDIATE

3D PRINTING

MAINTENANCE

LOWER

MANUAL LABOUR

TAXES

COLLABORATIVE

For any further assistance feel free to reach out at any time.

USER 2 : I can't understand the concept of

MACHINE + CRAFTSMAN Integrated construction method utilizing the accuracy and efficiency of additive manufacturing processes to construct the bare shell while encouraging the skills of the craftsman in detailing faรงades, furnishings and finishes.

Step 3 : Approve the construction cost along with any other fees that you may incur.

Air rights.

BUILT AREA

BUILT VOLUME

Built area of the dwelling in relation to the lattice grid floor area is 75%.

Occupied volume of the dwelling in relation to the lattice grid volume is 30%.

OPERATOR If you exceed the volumetric extrusion of the habitat plot, It incurs the tariff of air rights, which, simply put is buying the air space to accommodate your dwelling.

USER 1 : Oh! So in our case, we will be

buying the air rights over the road ?

GRID VOLUME

OPERATOR Yes. Precisely. Rights can be purchased from the MCGM.

Overhang lattice grid beyond the habitat plot boundary to accommodate the dwelling ensues air rights to be purchased from either neighbouring plot or from civic bodies in case if plot is abutted by public infrastructure.

USER 3 : Well, that clears the doubt. Also

EXTENDIBLE LATTICE

GREEN-BUILT

EXTENDED GRID

The ratio of green and open space (farms) in relation to the built area is 30%

The ratio of extended grid lattice in relation to the confined volume is 25%

45

I feel 3-D printing will be the cheapest and fastest method of building.

USER 4 : Yes thats true, but it would

result in a sterile and cold built form. Lets select a collaborative method of construction instead.

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limate responsive architecture is crucial in reducing operational costs of dwellings while ensuring comfortable spaces for living.

The design utilizes data on the region's weather patterns and accounts for factors like seasonality, intensity of sun, wind, rainfall and humidity. Parameters that guide design are in relation to the dwellers preference over each climatic parameter. Three crucial parameters are taken into consideration, namely sunlight, Solar radiation and ventilation.

Generative adversarial networks (GAN) in Machine learning algorithms that validate the outcomes using a training data set of favourable design variables for each climatic parameter suggest iterative solutions to optimize the facade, wall thickness, modification to form and adjustments to openings. The degree to which each outcome in the training data set is utilized in the validation dataset to ultimately determine the final outcome is a direct result of dweller preference of each programme cluster in relation to the respective parameter. For example, in the case of adequate sunlight, the dweller indicates the preference for each programme cluster in terms of an intuitive rating. The training dataset uses independent design variables such as expansion of openings, provision of a skylight, opacity of the facade material and modification of form.

Classifiers correlate data obtained from other climatic parameters such as Solar radiation and wind to suggest the best three outcomes.

Akin to the context parameter, the iterations generated can be over ridden by the dweller or the architect to create a feedback neural network to test the design for its climatic responsiveness.

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This page enables you to determine the climatic response of each programme clusters within the dwelling to subsequently enforce modifications to material thickness, faรงades and suggestive modifications of the plan.

CLIMATE

SUNLIGHT

EXPANSION OF OPENINGS

SKYLIGHT

OPACITY FACADE

OF

RADIATION

EXTRUSION OF MATERIAL

HORIZONTAL LOUVRES

MATERIAL U-VALUE

FLORA

VENTILATION

EXPANSION OF OPENINGS

VERTICAL FINS

CROSS VENTILATION

STACK VENTILATION

FORM MODIFICATION

Step 1 : Select a programme cluster in the dwelling which you would like to test for its climatic response.

Step 2 : Determine the preference of each programmatic cluster in regards to the climatic parameters.

For any further assistance feel free to reach out at any time.

USER 2 : The radiation visualization made me realize the amount of heat my room is going to trap. I am going to prioritize ventilation.

USER 3 : My work entails the use of

light so im going to prioritize sunlight.

USER 1 : We should increase the preference for thermal radiation on our urban farm. The good things is that the south sun is directly incident on it. We could utilize this.

USER 4 : Yes. For sure.

USER 2 : The kitchen and laundry area Rate the intensity in which the programme cluster must respond to each climate parameter.

needs ventilation and direct sun to dry clothes.

Click to enter into VR mode to evaluate thermal radiation in the dwelling.

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terations generated test the design for reduction in artificial energy dependence, and the efficiency of building material in achieving the most favourable outcome.

Integrated with visualisation tools, the dweller can test each iteration in terms of its aesthetic attributes tweaking the same as per their desires. Quantitative analysis of the climatic parameters ensures efficiency whereas supervised machine learning algorithms with the aid of the dweller, suggest qualitative modifications of the form. A reduction in the dependence on energy to make living spaces comfortable, aids in reducing the operational costs of the dwelling, making it more affordable and inclusive.

The method of over-riding the algorithm requires the input of data from the dweller which in turn makes use of a feedback neural network in the machine learning algorithm to test it against climate parameters to enforce design. These work to modify and adapt an input design to better suit the climate in which the dwelling is located.

In this regard, the identity of the dweller can be manifested by a sketched design, or be referenced to a vernacular design from the dwellers origin, or be borrowed from a gamut images available on the internet or designed by the architect.

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This page will enable you to choose from a set of three optimally generated outcomes.

If you are unsatisfied, you may click the re-run icon at the bottom or override the algorithm with your design using the draw tool.

CLIMATE

Step 1 : Select the iteration that best suits your needs and desires.

A

B

C

C'

ITERATION A

ITERATION B

ITERATION C

ITERATION C'

Minimal use of material to respond to the climate primarily during times of maximum dwelling occupancy.

Use of vertical fins of varying sections to respond effectively towards maximizing sun light and ventilation.

Combination of systems designed louvres and fins to counter thermal radiation and maximize light and cross ventilation.

Nuanced iteration C' as determined by modifying design elements.

A

B

C

Step 2 : You may explore the climatic response iterations through virtual reality making any adjustments you deem fit.

For any further assistance feel free to reach out at anytime.

USER 3 : Option C has an Indian character.

Since I am originally from Rajasthan, it reminds me of the Hawa Mahal, but I'm going to tweak it a bit to my liking.

USER 2 : I feel the design is much richer

than the other two. But I want to add my Goan influence to it.

USER 1 : Option C will reduce the energy dependence for cooling by 75%.

Its C for me too.

USER 4 : Im not too convinced with the design of the pergola. What do you feel?

USER 3 : Yes, I guess we can space out the members a bit more.

USER 2 : Viewed my room through VR. It has the most amazing shadows.

40%

reduction in energy needs and operational costs

60%

reduction in energy needs and operational costs

75%

75%

60%

60%

material efficiency in response to climate.

reduction in energy needs and operational costs

material efficiency in response to climate.

material efficiency in response to climate.

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he notion of community cohesion is an essential element in inclusive housing.

A world which is ever more connected through technology and social media platforms, has undermined the importance of social interactions. It is not the number of online friends that matter, rather the interpersonal social bonds that individuals share with each other in the community. In the pursuit of a better way of living, habitats can reinforce community bonds through shared activities and spaces. Urban farms in dwellings not only strives to share responsibilities and increase social bonds, but also supplements as a source of income and reduces the dependence on external sources for food.

Farming of indigenous species is the most sustainable, requiring low maintenance yet higher yield. Neighbourhood level Sewage treatment plants can supplement upto 50% of agriculture water requirements (case study : Israel) while composting can aid in replenishing the soil.

Other community spaces in the dwelling habitat may include co-working spaces respecting the changing trends of the 21st century way of life where the threshold between work-live spaces tend to blur.

Value lies in mixed use habitats that blend the 'live spaces' with institutions, retail, social spaces, cafes, etc. The proportion of which may vary.

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This page will enable you to choose from a wide range of native flora species for your urban farm or urban garden.

INTERIOR

Step 1 : Determine the type of landscape you wish to incorporate.

Step 2 : We suggest the selection of indigenous species for your farm for easy maintenance and sustainability.

HERBS

FRUITS

VEGETABLES

FLOWERS

GRASS

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Coriander Basil Curry Mint Carom

Guava Banana Lemon Aamla Apple

Cabbage Pepper Tomato Carrot Spinach

Hibiscus Jarul Marigold Peacock Champa

Lawn-grass Meadow Bamboo Corn Cenchrus

Step 3 : We suggest the selection of indigenous species for your farm for easy maintenance and sustainability.

For any further assistance feel free to reach out to our horticulture expert.

USER 1 : Can we plant a banana tree?

Firstly, I like bananas and they seem to be relatively easier than the others.

USER 4 : Sure. Lets supplement it with some fragrance flowers.

How about Champa? Its aesthetically pleasing as well.

USER 2 : I spoke to the neighbours, they

D W A R F CAVENDISH

would be interested in growing cabbages with us.

Maximum height of this variant of bananas is between 2 to 3 meters. These trees are water intensive and the cropping cycle takes 10 months.

That being said, the dwarf Cavendish is relatively easy to grow and maintain.

USER 1 : Yes. That would be great.

USER 4 : For the grass, lets consider lawn

grass. We can partly use the farm as a garden as well.

USER 3 : For landscaping and determining the correct positions I feel we must approach a specialist. I have never farmed before!!

OPERATOR Glad to help ! We shall make a few layouts and send it to you.

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SURFACES

CARPENTRY

PLUMBING

ELECTRICAL

CIVIL

G

enerative Adversarial Network (GAN) is a class of machine learning systems capable of synthesizing data from a training set to produce new data with the same attributes.

Favourable outcomes in the case of context and climate parameters deploy these algorithms.

Its application however is most evident in designing facades, fixtures and furnishings.

For example, let us consider that design of the facade from the selected climate parameter needs to be influenced from Goan culture

and heritage. The dweller inputs key words into the search engine "Goan"; "geometric"; "stained glass"; "window". The search yields a set of relevant data. Akin to the working of 'captcha' where one selects images of the same type, the dweller selects the apropos designs from the data set. GANs generate iterations from the selected data sets so as to adapt to the facade opening. The process continues until the dweller is ultimately satisfied with the outcome.

Gradients

Real

Generator

Real

Sample

Discriminator

Sample

Input data set

Optimized Solution

54

This page will enable you to determine the fixtures, furnishings and finishes that you wish to implement in your dwelling.

INTERIOR

Step 1 : Please select each parameter to determine design, select fixtures and furnishings.

Step 2 : Visualisation tools shall assist you in conceptualising spaces.

Step 3 : Walk through every space in your dwelling to make the final checks and adjustments.

FLOORING

FIXTURES

SANITARY WARE

FURNITURE

PAINT

CLADDING

ACCESSORIES

FITTINGS

FACADE

TEXTURE

ROOFING

WHITE GOODS

WHITE GOODS

VARNISH

For any further assistance feel free to reach out to our interior design expert.

Type Keywords in the search bar

"Goan Influence" ; "Timber louvres" ; "Window" ; "Shutters"

USER 2 : I am so happy with the result of

"Goan Influence" ; "Geometric" ; "Window" ; "Stained Glass"

the stained glass panelling and louvred windows. You should try the Machine learning plugin.

USER 1 : Yes. looks very interesting.

SEARCH

GENERATE

USER 3 : By the way, I was going through

Select the preferred options from each list and click Generate

RESET

the Bill of Quantities for Plumbing, Do you feel we should opt for a different WC model?

USER 4 : Let me go back to it and compare other manufacturers.

USER 1 : I am going to start selecting LIST OF ITEMS RATE QTY.

TOTAL

SANITARY WARE WATER CLOSET

4020

02

8040

WASH BASIN

2520

03

7560

PILLAR COCK

3240

02

6480

HEALTH FAUCET

800

02

1600

SHOWER HEAD

3775

02

7550

BATH SPOUT

1710

03

5130

MIXER SPOUT

1915

01

1915

SANITARY APPLIANCES STEAM CABIN 9250

01

9250

1

7

HINDWARE S-100 (20100) HINDWARE VIENNE(10038)

colours for my room in VR. Any Colour suggestions?

USER 2 : Umm.. how about beige? Does it look good?

USER 1 : Oh nice ! subtle and nice. Let me see which brand has the best rates for this shade.

SANITARY FITTINGS HINDWARE F450002CP HINDWARE F160013CP HINDWARE F160077CP HINDWARE F460006CP HINDWARE F110025CP

THERMO SANITATIONS S1123 2

3

4

5

6

8

9

10

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PROGRAMME ADJACENCIES

Scripting the A.I Algorithm on Grasshopper for Rhino.

THE ALGORITHM

Selection of programmes, respective area and extrusions can be determined along with programme adjacencies.

The script shows an error if the cumulative dwelling area exceeds certain structural and financial threshold, hence, warning the dweller.

56

FLOOR PLAN GENERATOR Optimises the organisation in the minimum lattice grid area.

Certain other parameters such as orientation, attractor points, etc can be also designed for.

The scipt runs to maximize the floor space in a confined lattice grid area.

CLIMATIC RESPONSE

Climatic parameters such as sunlight radiation and wind are tested. Thereafter the design is optimized to either minimize or maximize selected parameters.

OPTIMISATION

The Context Parameter can be integrated with GIS and a few subparameters of climatic response such as air quality index, visibility and fog. Another route of realising it by co-relating solutions with rating numbers. For example, all responses to sound can have a set number of design solutions. The degree to which it is enforced corresponds to a certain number value input by the dweller.

STRUCTURAL F.E.A AND MEMBER DESIGN.

Structural finite element analysis determines regions in stress which can be designed for using this generative script.

INTERIORS While GANs can enable in producing authentic designs, the script on the right can enable scaling and positioning the generated design in the given space. eg: fitting the stained glass in the facade grid.

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U

rban villages offer an insight into a way of living that is being obliterated by western adopted notions of quality living.

Asian cities which boast of a rich cultural heritage and socio cultural dynamics manifested in spatial form must derive value from them to guide the future. Here we must learn from the past from a higher vantage point. Can we amalgamate the technological prowess of the 21st century with the timeless values in housing?

The application of Artificial Intelligence in architecture celebrates dweller determined dwellings, democratising architecture, which supplemented with affordable and sustainable Computer Aided Manufacturing technologies strives to decentralize the otherwise rigid and restrictive methods of construction.

Architecture of the habitat must respond to the challenges of the 21st century not only in the incremental and flexible approach to design it encourages but also in striving to strengthen communities. In this regard, habitats must offer multitudes of possibilities in function, programmes and spaces. Affordability manifested through a direct co relation of demand and supply in evolutionary habitats challenges the status quo of real estate where speculation precedes valuation.

Although the application of artificial intelligence in architecture is in its nascent stage, it is axiomatic that in the decades to come, it shall radicalise architecture as we know it and pave the way for renewed methods of design and construction.

59

REFERENCES

CHAPTER 1 : LADDER OF CITIZEN PARTICIPATION 1. Russell Cormac . 'Sustainable Community development' . TEDx Exeter uploaded 16 May 2016.

2. Arnstein R Sherry . 'A ladder of citizen participation' . JAIP Volume 35, July 4 1969, Pages 216, 217, 218 CHAPTER 2 : DEMOCRATIC APPROACH TO DESIGN 3. Goldhill Olivia . 'Humans are born irrational, and that has made us better decision makers' .

Published March 4 2017. https://qz.com/922924/ humans-werent-designed-to-be-rational-and-weare-better-thinkers-for-it/ 4. Susser Daniel. ' Invisible Influence' AIES January 2019. Page 2 and 3 5. Ozenc Kursat. ‘Culture meets Artificial Intelligence’ Accessed at https://medium. com/ritual-design/culture-meets-artificialintelligence-a2ad6dc82bb7 6. Heinrich Joseph. ‘The Secret of our success’ Accessed through Podcast Episode 16; Conversations with Tyler.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1.

Alexander Christopher. ‘Timeless way of Building’. Accessed on 23rd July 2019

‘Vertical Village’. (Accessed : 2nd September 2019)

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Accessed on 23rd July 2019

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Accessed on 17th July 2019

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Harari Noah. ‘Homo Deus’ Accessed on 6th August 2019 10. M.V.R.D.V. ‘The why factory’; ‘Porocity’;

13. Kurosawa symbiosis’

Kisho.

‘From

metabolism

to

14. Carpo Mario. ‘The second digital turn’ ; ‘The alphabet and the algorithm’ 15. Heidegger Martin . ‘Being and time’ 16. Donovan Alexander . ‘ Five ways artificial intelligence is changing architecture’ Accessed at http://interestingengineering.com/5ways-artificial-intelligence-is-changingarchitecture (Accessed : 2nd September 2019) 17. Haagen Sanna . ‘ Dwelling typologies’ Accessed at https://issuu.com/aad_lund/docs/ assignment_2 (Accessed : 12th September 2019) 18. Blunden Fabian . ‘ Do It Yourself urban strategy’ Accessed at https://issuu.com/ fabienneblunden/docs/diy_initiative_urban_

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