Design of a construction management data visualization environment: A top-down approach

Explored in this paper is the topic of designing a construction management (CM) data visualization environment with emphasis on its use for supporting the time management function during the planning and execution phases of construction projects which are characterized by sizeable volumes of data of different types. A brief overview of recent construction data visualization work is first provided. Then, as part of a top-down design approach, we introduce concepts and useful terminology related to a structured way of thinking about analytical reasoning and visual analytics, and their relationship with construction management functions. The focus of the latter then shifts to how a construction data visualization environment can support project participant analytical reasoning needs for the management of time, specifically planning/predicting and monitoring/diagnosing/controlling construction conditions and time performance. A case study of aspects of an actual project examined using the construction data visualization environment developed to date is then presented. Purposes served include demonstrating the breadth of support that can be offered for reasoning by such an environment, and providing a test case for demonstrating the kind of evaluation process one should engage in to assess how well an environment conforms to the requirements set out for it. Time management functions treated for this case study include assessing quality of a baseline schedule, assessing actual vs. planned construction conditions and time performance, and assessing reasons for deviations. An evaluation of the current environment is then made to assess conformance/non-conformance with the requirements established for it and to identify worthwhile extensions to it. The paper concludes with a discussion of lessons learned from work performed to date, and their application to create a more comprehensive visualization environment that supports multiple CM functions.     

People as place-making coordinate: A methodology for visualizing personal spaces

The present research introduces the Activity Counter Maps (ACM) as a methodology for visualizing people's social spaces, arguing that accurate representations of these spaces are crucial for understanding the role of human activity as a place-making coordinate. The ACM were tested in two case studies conducted in Ueno Park (Tokyo). The first case study is focused on the visualization of the intensity of activity in the totality of the park. The second case study is focused in two sub-places of the park, generating representations of people's personal spaces combined into a three-dimensional “Common social space”. The research concludes with the analysis of the generated visualizations and their potential for incorporating place-variables into the digital design process.     

Knowledge-Based System Development Tools for Processing Design Specifications

Code-compliance checking in any engineering design process is typically a nonsequential activity that requires extensive data managmenkt and decision making. Knowledge-based system methodology can be applied to solve some of the problems in processing code specifications that could not be addressed by traditional procedural programming languages. Many software development tools are currently available to assist in the development of knowledgte-based systems for specific applications. The characteristics of each tool vary with the knowledge representation and inference methodologies, and differ with the user interface and other features for development. An evaluation of seven knowledge-based system development tools is presented in this paper. The suitability of each development enviornment for design assistance by processing code specifications is investigated by means of prototype design applications. A brief descrioption of the features of each development too, implementation details of prototype applications, and a qualitative comparison of the tools on the basis of suitability to process design code spacifications are presented.     

A New Bottom-Up Process: The Rural Urbanization Driven by E-Commerce in China

Rural urbanization driven by e-commerce is a new bottom-up urbanization process originating in the information era.The systematical restructuring that this process brings about in the social life,economic environment,and physical space of the countryside,which is reflected in characteristics such as the leaping non-agriculturalization of employment,the comprehensive modernization of rural life,and the intensive spatial urbanization.Obviously,there are many common features between this new process and the old one in the past three decades,but progresses also exist.The distinctions of the countryside,such as a low-cost entrepreneurial environment,local non-agricultural industry,and resources of specialty agricultural products,are manifested in the process.Combined with the Internet and e-commerce by the rural grassroots entrepreneurs,they enable rural area to break the location constrains and join in the national even global industry division,and further realize the leaping development of scale and function.Meanwhile,the capital and talents back to the rural areas are an important guarantee for the upgrading of rural development.Consequentially,the developing and planning idea of smart shrinking is necessary for the rural urbanization process driven by e-commerce in China.     

基于POE研究的校园开放空间改造性规划——以北京大学为例

使用状况评价（POE）是系统描述和评价建成环境的实证性研究方法。它关注空间和环境的使用效能和利用方式，并为规划设计项目提供科学依据。我国正处于高校校园建设高峰时期，POE研究可以被视为灵活、交互式的设计反馈过程，它使得未来的校园建设能够更好地满足使用者需求。以北京大学为例，从户外公共空间行为活动、动态交通、绿地使用适宜性等几方面对校园环境进行POE研究，并在此基础上提出规划改造策略与建议，为创造充满活力、“以人为本”的校园开放空间体系提供依据。     

Visualization in environmental management: beyond the buzz word

Environmental management is a scientifically and procedurally complex task requiring the involvement of a range of disciplines. Increasingly this process is being rendered more tractable through the application of geographic information systems (GIS) technology. When such systems are effectively integrated with biophysical modelling software a spatial decision support system can be achieved. The outputs of such a system are often in the form of visualizations, i.e. a sequence of graphics (perhaps of unit length and possibly including text), designed to meet specific communication objectives. This paper describes general requirements for the design of visualizations.     

High-speed visualization of time-varying data in large-scale structural dynamic analyses with a GPU

Large-scale structural dynamic analyses generally produce massive amount of time-varying data. Inefficient rendering of these data seriously affects the quality of display of and user interaction with the analysis results. A high-speed visualization solution using a GPU (graphics processing unit) is thus developed in this study. Based on the clustering concept, a key frame extraction algorithm specific to the GPU-based rendering is proposed, which significantly reduces the data size to satisfy the GPU memory requirement. Using the key frames, a GPU-based parallel frame interpolation algorithm is also proposed to reconstruct the complete structural dynamic process. Particularly, a novel data access model considering the features of time-varying data and GPU memory is designed to improve the interpolation efficiency. Two case studies including an arch bridge and a high-rise building are presented, confirming the ability of the proposed solution to provide a high-speed and interactive visualization environment for large-scale structural dynamic analyses.     

基于POE研究的城市公园规划设计——以橘子洲公园为例

国内传统城市公园规划设计多从景观美学以及游憩的角度作为规划与经营的方向,大都以决策者为导向的方式进行,而对于是否符合使用者的需求以及发展的原则并没有太多的着墨。本文以长沙橘子洲公园为例,从景观设计维护、人际关系、休憩设施、厕所满意度、自然生态水池满意度五个方面对公园进行POE研究,并在此基础上提出规划改造策略与建议,为创造生态活力、“以人为本”的城市公园提供依据。     

基于空间行为的数字几何空间建造 上海卜石艺术馆改造设计

文章通过介绍卜石艺术馆的改造,探讨了空间行为塑形在建筑设计方法上的应用。指出建筑师在对人的行为过程进行推演和模拟时,形成了几何折叠的空间界面,这种反向生形手法,是一个自下而上的过程,也是在数字性能化设计中所用到的设计逻辑,这种逻辑同时又作为建造方式的指导,给予建筑师实现多维空间创造的可能。     

绿色建筑设计课中的能源与环境教育探讨

在当今能源与环境问题日益加剧的背景下,如何在建筑学专业教育教学中,有效启发学生提出与之相关的设计策略和措施,成为引发更多关注的研究课题.文章通过传统建筑设计与绿色建筑设计特征的比较分析,结合绿色建筑设计课教学的实践经验,从“观念”和“方法”教育的角度,对绿色建筑设计课中与“能源”和“环境”密切相关的具体问题进行了探讨,旨在对相关建筑教育理论及实践的发展提供参考.     

参与式社区环境更新研究 ——以广州盐运西社区微改造工作坊为例

本文以社区公共空间环境品质提 升为目标,自上而下与自下而上相结合,从日 常微观的视角,以艺术为媒介,通过工作坊 的形式,在盐运西社区组织可视化、互动的 社区艺术活动和社区景观艺术空间塑造,小 尺度的设计介入等方式探索社区环境更新途 径,发掘社区历史文化价值,自下而上培育居 民对社区的归属感和认同感,尝试建立多方 共同参与社区建设机制。     

Assessing the capability of construction processes to realize building designs

The capability of processes should be assessed during their development. If assessment reveals that a process is not capable of meeting design requirements, that process should be improved until reassessment indicates that it is capable. This proactive approach can radically reduce non-conformances. Existing methods of assessment depend upon the sampling of process data. Such methods are well-established and well-documented. They provide the foundation for statistical process control (SPC) and can be applied to most processes including those used in the construction of buildings. However, there are several reasons why sampling data to assess construction process capability can be extremely difficult. In this paper, the limitations of existing assessment methods are outlined. Then, a new assessment method is introduced and results from a preliminary field study are reported. Next, the key features of the new method are discussed. In conclusion, guidelines for its successful introduction are provided.     

A methodology for mobile crane lift path checking in heavy industrial projects

Industrial projects are constructed in the form of prefabricated modules that are transported to sites for installation, a process which enhances efficiency and productivity. As these prefabricated modules become heavier, proper lift planning is essential for onsite efficiency and safety. One aspect of the heavy lift study is to check the path feasibility for specific lifted modules. Current practice in path checking process is tedious and prone to errors. This paper proposes a generic method for mobile crane lifting binary (yes-or-no) path checking. The methodology calculates the minimum and maximum crane lift radii based on capacity and the crane's configuration, which are then modified considering site constraints. The modules' erection orders are also taken into consideration, and a configuration space approach is used to simplify the work space. The modified radii and simplified work space are merged with the lifted module pick area for path checking. The methodology is incorporated into a computer module for automatic calculation and visualization. A case study involving an industrial project is provided for validation and to highlight the designed computer module's essential features.     

Extracting knowledge on the links between the water body stressors and biotic integrity

Multi-metric indices of biological integrity (IBIs) are most frequently created by examining single biological metrics along gradients of environmental degradation, and then combining multiple metrics using "best professional judgment" to characterize and calibrate stressor-response relationships. We aim to provide an efficient data analysis and visualization tool to assess the simultaneous effects of anthropogenic stressors on the fish population through the fish metrics and the associated Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI). Kohonen's self-organizing feature maps (SOM), unsupervised neural networks, are employed to pattern the sampling sites in the state of Ohio based on similar metrics characteristics. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) allows us then to draw conclusions about the role of the environmental variables in maintaining the perfect abode for fishes. Different visualizations superimposed with SOM clustering are realized to explore the complex interrelationships in the aquatic system and aid watershed managers to comprehend the effects of the environment on the fish.     

高陡边坡稳定性评价与优化设计集成技术研究

为提高复杂地质条件下高陡边坡建模、稳定性评价与优化设计的准确性和效率,依托城门山铜矿高陡边坡,提出了一套融合地形信息、地质信息与力学信息的集成技术。充分利用已有地质数据,应用Dimine数字采矿软件系统平台,提出基于勘探线地质剖面建立高陡边坡三维地质模型的方法,实现复杂岩体的三维可视化。对三维地质模型进行剖切运算获得计算剖面,转换为AutoCAD绘图交换文件,导入Slide边坡稳定分析软件,实现数据文件在地质建模和力学分析软件之间的无缝传递。自动搜索求解计算模型的最小安全系数和临界滑动面,实现复杂地质条件下高陡边坡稳定性评价。最后,提出了一种基于二分法的边坡结构参数严格优化方法。     

‘Involve me and I’ll understand’: creative capacity building for participatory design with rural Cambodian farmers

Abstract

Participatory design (PD) has proven successful in the design of technologies in Western markets and shows promise as a method for humanitarian technology development. However, there have been few studies of PD in developing markets. In general, these studies have noted several process challenges due to cultural, societal and geographical differences. These challenges are restricting the widespread use of PD approaches for, and with underserved communities, and in turn reducing the long-term impact each project could make. This article presents findings from the implementation of creative capacity building workshops in rural Cambodia. Findings include suggested refinements to the design process; the need for flexible delivery methods; and the development of guiding questions for understanding the participant and ensuring appropriate educational content. The workshops show promise as a methodology for enhancing designer–participant collaboration in PD.     

Linking BIM and Design of Experiments to balance architectural and technical design factors for energy performance

To transform the existing energy systems towards renewable energy sources, buildings need to use less energy, use energy more efficiently and harness local renewable energy sources. For the design of energy-efficient buildings, building energy simulation of varying sophistication is commonly employed. Types of simulations range from simple, static calculations to sophisticated dynamic simulation. Especially for building retrofit many assumptions on construction, material etc. have to be taken, which increases the uncertainty of simulation results. In conjunction with simulation, methods of Building Performance Optimization are increasingly employed. They are able to identify best performing designs however do not provide insights on the mechanisms and interdependencies of the different design factors, which are most valuable to make informed design decisions. We present a methodology that aims to provide a better understanding and create knowledge about the influence and interactions of different architectural and technical design factors on building energy performance of a specific design task. For this purpose, we introduce Design of Experiments (DoE) in an integrated design workflow using the Design Performance Viewer (DPV) toolset, combining Building Information Modeling (BIM), distributed dynamic simulation and statistical analysis of the extensive simulation results. The experiments created using the methodology allow to identify the strength of effects and interactions of different design factors on selected performance indicators. We apply the methodology on an office retrofit case, introducing a factor scatterplot for result visualization, development and comparison of retrofit strategies. We further evaluate its potential to identify high performing strategies while balancing architectural and technical factors and their impact on energy performance.     

Knowledge-assisted BIM-based visual analytics for failure root cause detection in facilities management

Facilities managers need to identify failure cause–effect patterns in order to prepare corrective and preventive maintenance plans. This task is difficult because of the complex interaction and interdependencies between different building components. Standardization based on Building Information Modeling (BIM) provides new opportunities to improve the efficiency of facilities management (FM) operations by sharing and exchanging building information between different applications throughout the lifecycle of the facilities. This paper aims to utilize BIM visualization capabilities to provide FM technicians with visualizations that allow them to utilize their cognitive and perceptual reasoning for problem solving. It investigates a knowledge-assisted BIM-based visual analytics approach for failure root-cause detection in FM. For this purpose, the inspection and maintenance data of Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) are integrated with a BIM. Moreover, various sources of building knowledge such as fault trees and relationships between components are formally represented. These resources are used to create custom visualizations through an interactive user interface which helps in exploiting the heuristic problem solving ability of field experts to find root causes of failures in a building.     

Guidance for crystal ball gazers: developing a code of ethics for landscape visualization

Computer visualization of landscapes in three or four dimensions constitutes a “crystal ball” capable of showing us views into the future. This paper discusses the risks of the growing but unstructured use of these landscape visualizations as a popular decision-making and public communications tool in planning. The author argues that we need to establish a framework for guidance and supporting resources for the use of landscape visualization, including accepted procedures, training, appropriate databases, and a communication network for users. In particular, it is argued that the preparers of visualizations — whom we can think of as the “crystal ball gazers” who conjure up and interpret the imagery — need to be governed by a code of ethics for defensible landscape visualization.Drawing on research on visualization effectiveness and validity, as well as anecdotal evidence from professional practice, the paper identifies potential problems associated with emerging visualization technologies, and reviews the needs for, progress toward, and potential benefits of a support infrastructure for visualization preparers and presenters. A framework for guidance and support of visualization practitioners is proposed, in the hope of improving the chances of ethical practice and scientific validity in the use of these systems. Pending more comprehensive findings from the considerable body of research which is needed on this subject, an interim code of ethics is presented, for consideration, testing, and amendment by other researchers and users. It is suggested that such a code include broad principles and guidance on ethical conduct in producing visualizations, presenting them to viewers, and analysing responses to them from users as feedback.Implications for future research and practice are provided, with an emphasis on the urgent need for researchers to monitor and evaluate the use and influence of landscape visualizations in practice.     

Visualisation in architecture,engineering and construction (AEC)

In the architecture, engineering and construction industries, computer visualization usage can cover the whole lifecycle of a product from presentation of initial concepts to the final stages of production and can also extend to maintenance issues. Three-dimensional walkthroughs can be created from hand drawn sketches at the very early stages of the design process. Three-dimensional models can be used by design teams to communicate design intent to client and users and to compare and evaluate design options. During more advanced stages of design, three-dimensional representations can be used to check the integrity of services coordination, accessibility and maintainability. During construction, visualization can facilitate the interpretation of design details by site operatives. The concept of visualization is not limited to modeling physical objects but can extend to the representation of abstract data sets of the type obtained from simulation programs used in performance assessment or from Computation Fluid Dynamics (CFD) applications. This paper will review the application of visualization in the process of design and construction and then present findings from three research projects that made use of some of these techniques at various stages of the process: for collaborative working during concept design stage, for design development and marketing in the house building sector, and for the modeling of design details during the construction stage.