A user interface for parametric architectural design reviews

Abstract

Architectural form and performance are affected by the designer's graphical representation methods. Parametric CAD systems, as design and representation tools, have become ubiquitous in architectural practice and education. Literature in the area of parametric design reviews is scarce and focused within building inspection and construction coordination domains. Additionally, platforms marketed as design review tools lack basic functionality for conducting comprehensive, parametric, and performance-based reviews. We have developed a user interface prototype where geometric and non-geometric information of a Building Information Model were translated into an interactive gaming environment. The interface allows simultaneous occupation and simulation of spatial geometry, enabling the user to engage with object parameters, as well as, performance-based, perspectival, diagrammatic, and orthographic representations for total spatial and performance comprehension.