publications

Analysis of shape grammar application as a tool for urban design

M. Mandić, B. Tepavčević, 2015. Environment and Planning B: Planning and Design,   volume 42, pp. 675-687

Abstract: In the past decade a certain number of studies have suggested that shape grammars and their capability for producing alternative solutions represent an adequate tool for overcoming complexities regarding urban design. In this paper we present a critical analysis of various approaches to shape grammar application in urban design. The aim of this research is to provide an insight into the current state-of-the-art developments and give a critical evaluation on the basis of the criteria of interactivity and flexibility in the approach. We identify two main concepts of grammar application in urban design and outline their characteristics. We conclude that a generic or context-independent approach to shape grammars can provide high levels of flexibility and interaction with the user. This, coupled with their ability to encode different layers of information, facilitates their use for design exploration and problem solving in an urban context.

Online version of article: Analysis of shape grammar application as a tool for urban design

 

Design and Fabrication with Industrial Robot as Brick-laying tool and with Custom Script Utilization

Raković M., Jovanović M., Borovac B., Tepavčević B., Nikolić M., Papović M., IEEE International Conference on Robotics in Alpe-Adria-Danube Region, September 3-5, 2014. Smolenice, Slovakia

 

Abstract: This paper presents methodology and implementation of parametric architectural design of brick-laying walls fabricated by industrial robotic arm. As a design tool Grasshopper is used, a visual programming editor that runs within the Rhinoceros 3D CAD application. Grasshopper offers a range of objects for creating parametric models including brick-laying walls. However it lacks the ability of integration with fabrication tools. To overcome this problem, a custom C# script has been developed. As the fabrication tool, the ABB-IRB 140 robotic arm is used. Thus the C# script is written in such a way to obtain the RAPID code for controlling ABB industrial robots. The C# script enabled automated generation of RAPID code in accordance to the Grasshopper generated geometries of walls. The RAPID code is firstly tested in simulation environment, afterwards is used to control the robot to fabricate various types of walls.

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Design and Fabrication with Industrial Robot as Brick-laying tool and with Custom Script Utilization

Procedural Modeling in architecture based on statistical and fuzzy inference

B. Tepavčević, V. Stojaković,  Automation in Construction, 2013. Vol. 35. pp.329‐33.

 

 

Abstract : In this research, we used a group of sacral buildings on the territory of Vojvodina. 3D mass models that are similar to the real world buildings are automatically generated via CGA Shape Grammar programming rules.The results demonstrate that coupling procedural modeling with fuzzy and statistical analysis enables generation of infinite number of buildings representing the typical appearance of an architectural type and their variations, which is a reliable reproduction of characteristics of the real world buildings. We also demonstrate the application of this approach in the simulation of architectural heritage appearance.

Online version of article:

Procedural Modeling in architecture based on statistical and fuzzy inference

 

Representation of Non-Metric Concepts of Space in Architectural Design Theories

B. Tepavčević, V. Stojaković, 2014. Nexus Network Journal, Vol. 16. No.2,  pp. 285-297.

 

Abstract :The concept of space is one of the most important parts of architectural theory. There are many theories of space in architecture which can be examined from different point of views including mathematics and philosophy. In a mathematical sense, most of the architectural space theories deal with the three-dimensional Euclidean geometry. However, the development of the contemporary architecture has been marked with some other geometric concepts as well. New concepts of space, different from the three-dimensional Euclidean space, have had an impact on architecture since the beginning of the twentieth century. Moreover, in the past two decades growing interest toward a non-metric conception of spaces, where a notion of distance is not relevant, emerged in the theory and design of some contemporary architects. In this paper the relationship between non-metric conception of spaces and architectural design theories are analyzed and evaluated in order to show and the extent to which they are related.

 

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Representation of Non-Metric Concepts of Space in Architectural Design Theories

Image-based surveying and modeling of the unprotected architectural heritage – a case study of st. Rudolf’s church

V. Stojaković, I. Bajšanski, 2013.  Proceedings of XXIV Cipa Symosium – 2013, INSA, Strasbourg, France, pp. 295-300

Abstract: The aim of this paper is to present image-based recording of the unprotected architectural heritage in threat and its advantages integrating different modeling methods. Considering the construction problems in unprotected buildings we applied variations of low-budget image-based 3D modeling reconstructions techniques and built the complete virtual 3D reconstruction of highly damaged church of St. Rudolph in Banostor. The resulting model reveals many construction and design details that can not be perceived by a simple observing.
In this paper, the importance of integrating a variety of measuring and modeling methodologies in order to achieve digital reconstruction of the unapproachable ruined building is demonstrated. The paper describes survey techniques and workflow, focusing on advantages as well as problems and limitations of each method.

Online version of article: Image-based surveying and modeling of the unprotected architectural heritage – a case study of st. Rudolf’s church

Architectural Scale Models in Digital Age – Design and Representation

Stavrić M., Šiđanin P., Tepavčević B., , Springer Verlag, 2013.

 

 

About the book: A major challenge in the age of advanced digital technology and parametric design in architecture is making physical models of complex geometric shapes and their multiple structural connections. This approach requires new modeling strategies, technology and methods which are covered in this book. Complex geometric forms generated using virtual media can be tested and validated only by means of physical models, and so can their practical application be controlled. The complexity of contemporary architectural design bids the mastery of new methods of producing scale models, which opens a new chapter in the field of modeling, and which is the focus of this book. Along with the traditional methods forming a basis for modeling, this book presents the principles of digital NURBS modeling, parametric modeling, digital support to modeling, and model manufacturing, complete with a number of tutorials, practical advice and examples found in architectural practice today.

 

Online version of article:

Architectural Scale Models in the Digital Age

 

Visualization of the Centre of Projection Geometrical Locus in a Single Image

Stojaković V., Popov S., Tepavčević B. 2013.DOI 10.1111/cgf.12254 Computer Graphics Forum Vol. 33. Issue 1. pp. 52‐63.

 

Abstract: Single view reconstruction (SVR) is an important approach for 3D shape recovery since many non-existing buildings and scenes are captured in a single image. Historical photographs are often the most precise source for virtual reconstruction of a damaged cultural heritage. In semi-automated techniques, that are mainly used under practical situations, the user is the one who recognizes and selects constraints to be used. Hence, the veridicality and the accuracy of the final model partially rely on man-based decisions. We noticed that users, especially non-expert users such as cultural heritage professionals, usually do not fully understand the SVR process, which is why they have trouble in decision making while modelling. That often fundamentally affects the quality of the final 3D models. Considering the importance of human performance in SVR approaches, in this paper we offer a solution that can be used to reduce the amount of user errors. Specifically, we address the problem of locating the centre of projection (CP). We introduce a tool set for 3D visualization of the CP’s geometrical loci that provides the user with a clear idea of how the CP’s location is determined. Thanks to this type of visualization, the user becomes aware of the following: (1) the constraint relevant for CP location, (2) the image suitable for SVR, (3) more constraints for CP location required, (4) which constraints should be used for the best match, (5) will additional constraints create a useful redundancy. In order to test our approach and the assumptions it relies on, we compared the amount of user made errors in the standard approaches with the one in which additional visualization is provided.

Online version of article:

Visualization of the Centre of Projection Geometrical Locus in a Single Image

Shape grammar in contemporary architectural theory and design

Tepavčević B., Stojaković V., 2012. , Facta Universitatis Series: Architecture and Civil Engineering Vol. 10, No 2, 2012,   pp. 169‐ 178.

 

Abstract: In the past decade, digital technologies had a great impact on contemporary architectural practice, design and theory. CAD/CAM technologies opened up new opportunities by allowing design and production of complex geometric shapes. One of the first applications of computational process in architecture was based on using shape grammars, a rule-based expert systems in artificial intelligence generating geometric shapes. Early applications of shape grammars in art and architecture started shortly after its invention during the 70ies and 80ies of the XX century, however, their potential as a generative design tool still has not been fully exploited in practice. Despite their popularity in academic circles, shape grammars have not found a widespread place/usage in computer aided architectural design. Role of shape grammar as a generative design and analysis tool and their influence on contemporary architectural design and theory are examined in this paper. Also, new and ongoing issues concerning shape grammars are discussed in order to indicate further directions of their usage.

 

Online version of article:

Shape grammar in contemporary architectural theory and design

 

Mathematical concepts of space in contemporary architecture

Tepavčević, V. Stojaković, 2012, Nexus Ph.D. Day.Relationships between Architecture and Mathematics, Ed. Michela Rossi, McGraw Hill Education (Italy), str. 81‐87, ISBN978‐88‐386‐7333‐7.

 

Abstract: The notion of space has a crucial role in the theory of architecture. Although the dominant concept of space has, for architects, been associated with the three-dimensional Euclidean space for centuries, the development of the contemporary architecture has been marked with some other geometric concepts as well. In this research the influence of geometric concepts of space on the theory of design and representation in architecture are examined. The paper systematically describes, analyzes and evaluates the claims of individual architects who applied concepts of space different from the three-dimensional Euclidean in their design.

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Mathematical concepts of space in contemporary architecture

Single Image Ambiguity and Adjustment of Cultural Heritage Modeling Approach

Stojaković V. and Tepavčević B., 2011. Education and Research in Computer Aided Architectural Design  in Europe ‐ eCAADe  Ljubljana, Slovenia, pp. 99‐106.

Abstract: The objective of this research is to point out the deficiency of the modeling from a single image and give suggestion for the improvement. In the domain of cultural heritage visualization, single image modeling is mainly used to recover the scene shown in the historical photographs. In this paper, some common ambiguities in the area of the historical architectural environments are highlighted. In most approaches user is the one to introduce and choose constraints, and therefore he must have control over the ambiguity problems. We propose suggestions about how to adjust the single-image-based modeling in order to minimize chance for irregular 3D shapes to emerge due to ambiguity. Simple examples are used to illustrate how ambiguity of a single image can affect the models veridicality, which are the common mistakes that inexperienced user can make and how and when they can be corrected.

Online version of article:

Single Image Ambiguity and Adjustment of Cultural Heritage Modeling Approach