Knowledge‐Based Approach to Overall Configuration of Multistory Office Buildings

Abstract

A knowledge‐based system (KBS) is described that generates space layout alternatives for multistory office buildings taking into account flexibility and functionality, as well as constraints imposed by the owner and codes. A methodology for the generation of rectangular floor plans at different levels of detail is also presented. The layout alternatives generated include information regarding the number of stories, dimensions of a typical floor, and the size and location of the service core, with space allocated for different components such as elevators, mechanical risers, and the service area. Multidisciplinary design criteria, such as flexibility of rental areas, compatibility with structural system, general energy efficiency, etc., are extracted from a variety of sources in the literature and considered in the generation and evaluation of layouts. This KBS module for space layout is part of an integrated design system for multistory buildings to assist at the preliminary design stage.