| Robert Amor's Publications in 1992 |
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Amor, R. and Hosking, J. and Mugridge, W. and Hamer, J. and Williams, M. (1992) ThermalDesigner: an application of an object-oriented code conformance architecture, Joint CIB Workshops on Computers and Information in Construction, CIB Proceedings 165, Montreal, Canada, May, pp 1-11. |
Abstract: In an earlier paper an architecture was described for supporting code conformance applications based on Kea, an object-oriented functional language. Here we describe a prototype application, developed using Kea, for checking conformance with a thermal insulation standard. Called ThermalDesigner, this application incorporates an object-oriented building model, a graphical plan entry system for editing plans, and form-based interaction for obtaining non-plan information and supplying results to the user.
| Amor, R. and Hosking, J. and Groves, L. and Donn, M. (1992) Integrating Design Tools: Model Flexibility for the Building Profession, Symposium on Building Systems Automation - Integration, A/E/C Systems 92, Dallas, Texas, USA, 10-12 June, In Building Systems Automation-Integration, August, 1993, University of Wisconsin-Madison, pp 717-730. |
Abstract: The development of ICAtect, as discussed in the Building Systems Automation and Integration Symposium of 1991, provides a way of integrating simulation tools through a common building model. However, ICAtect is only a small step towards the ultimate goal of total integration and automation of the building design process. In this paper we investigate the next steps on the path toward integration. We examine how models structured to capture the physical attributes of the building, as required by simulation tools, can be used to converse with knowledge-based systems. We consider the types of mappings that occur in the often different views of a building held by these two classes of design tools. This leads us to examine the need for multiple views of a common building model. We then extend our analysis from the views required by simulation and knowledge-based systems, to those required by different segments of the building profession (e.g. architects, engineers, developers, etc.) to converse with such an integrated system. This indicates a need to provide a flexible method of accessing data in the common building model to facilitate use by different building professionals with varying specialities and levels of expertise.
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Amor, R.W. and Hosking, J.G. (1992) Defining Multi-Disciplinary Views of a Computer Model of Buildings, New Zealand Computer Science Research Students' Conference, Waikato University, Hamilton, New Zealand, 28-30 October, pp 7-14. |
Abstract: The emergence of international standards for the representation of building product data will have a major impact on the development of design analysis tools in the building industry. Many foresee this impact as being an increase in the number of design tools which are poorly suited to the actual methods of the users. This will force the user to design and interact with the computer in a predetermined manner, a manner which is determined by the information requirements of the particular design tool. One approach to alleviating this problem is the development, and maintenance, of multiple views of the building model as required by different disciplines in the building profession (eg. architects, engineers, developers, etc.). This solution will provide a flexible method of accessing information in product data models to facilitate use by different building professionals with varying specialities and levels of expertise.
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Donn, M. and Isaacs, N. and Amor, R. (1992) Generic Models in the Design of Solar Commercial Buildings, Proceedings of the Tenth International PLEA conference (Passive and Low Energy Architecture), Auckland, New Zealand, 19-22 August. |
Abstract: To promote the use of thermal simulation tools in the New Zealand environment (DOE2.1D and SUNCODE) a set of generic models were developed. These include: Standard data on building materials used in commercial buildings in New Zealand; Materials data collated into descriptions of standard buildings which are representative of commercial building `types'; Standard building model descriptions which are intended to provide an easy method for designers to start using either simulation program. As a further aid to the use of these two simulation programs standard weather files have been developed for 22 locations in New Zealand and the South Pacific. Production of these files from a base of up to 30 years' data for each location was a complex computer intensive statistical process. This process has produced not only `typical' years, but also data for hot and cold years. These are supplemented further by data for design evaluation which describes "hot and windy", "hot and calm" or "cool, calm and sunny" weeks in each location.