A knowledge-based system for computer-aided architectural design for energy savings and thermal comfort

Abstract

This paper describes EKSPRO, a knowledge-based system integrating a 3-D computer-aided design system for materials, heating, ventilation, lighting equipment, building codes and occupational health regulations, and design guidelines user-defined by architects and engineers. The system features an object-oriented predicate logic knowledge representation, and interfaces with calculation packages (CAD, thermal balance, illumination, daylight).

Intelligent critic system for architectural design

“…FPDX will then check each room to see if they meet government sunlight requirements. The syntax and structure of the FPDX rules are very similar to that of the KB-1 building safety rules found in the EKSPRO system [33]. The FPDX critic rule-base contains encoded interpretations of Hong Kong government regulations provided by the Buildings Ordinance Office and the Buildings and Lands Department.…”

“…IDX rules are similar to KB-2 rules of EKSPRO [33] which also uses Prolog to encode design knowledge. However, the rules encoded in IDX reasons with object placement within an apartment, whereas the KB-2 rules propose placement of heating, ventilation, or air conditioning systems.…”

“…Our research approach is to gradually improve the intelligence of ICADS by incrementally adding additional critic modules that offer expertise in different areas of architectural work [41]. The critic modules are very similar in concept to the knowledge worlds implemented in EKSPRO [33].…”

“…ICADS is closely related to research performed by Pau and Nielsen [33] in a system called EKSPRO, a knowledge-based system for architectural design considering energy saving and thermal comfort. This system selects layouts, materials and equipment to improve heating and lighting while minimizing total energy costs.…”