Computational methods in architecture
We are enhancing architectural design, analysis, and production through advanced digital methods.
We facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration to push the boundaries of computational techniques, contributing to the evolution of a more resilient and environmentally conscious built environment.
Working at the intersection of computation, architecture, and urbanism, we explore the ways algorithmic design thinking can enhance efficiency, innovation, and environmental responsibility. We prioritise collaboration and a commitment to a forward-thinking research agenda; interrogating the application of cutting-edge digital technologies to architectural and urban design and driving advancements in computational methodologies.
Areas of focus include digital form-finding, generative design methods, and digital fabrication, as well as artificial intelligence, machine learning, spatial analysis, graph theory, and topological analysis of architectural and urban environments.
Projects
- Enhancing the representation of architectural space in 3d modelling environments (02/09/2016 - 20/12/2019)
- Computing craft: Towards manufacturing of cob structures using robotically controlled 3D printing (02/01/2018 - 01/07/2019)
Meet the team
Lead researcher
Professor Wassim Jabi
- jabiw@cardiff.ac.uk
- +44 (0)29 2087 5981
Academic staff
Dr Simon Lannon
- lannon@cardiff.ac.uk
- +44 (0)29 2087 4437
Dr Aikaterini Chatzivasileiadi
- chatzivasileiadia@cardiff.ac.uk
- +44 (0)29 2087 0633
Dr Camilla Pezzica
- pezzicac@cardiff.ac.uk
- +44 (0)29 2087 5947
Professor Andrew Roberts
- robertsas@cardiff.ac.uk
- +44 (0)29 2087 4602
Postgraduate students
Publications
- Bleil De Souza, C. , Pezzica, C. and Hahn, J. 2024. Using bottom-up digital technologies in technical decision-making for designing a low-carbon built environment. In: Golubchikov, O. and Yenneti, K. eds. Smart cities, Energy and Climate: Governing Cities to a Low-Carbon Future. Wiley
- Huang, J. et al., 2024. Mapping pedestrian heat stress in current and future heatwaves in Cardiff, Newport, and Wrexham in Wales, UK. Building and Environment 251 111168. (10.1016/j.buildenv.2024.111168)
- Tadrak, W. , Patterson, J. and Chatzivasileiadi, A. 2023. Exploring the potential of scaling up Smart Local Energy Systems to transform clusters of housing: Insights from a case study in Wales, UK. Journal of Physics: Conference Series 2600 (2) 22011. (10.1088/1742-6596/2600/2/022011)
- Abd. Salam, N. N. and Lannon, S. 2023. Optimizing daylight and energy consumption for climate change adaptation: integrating an artificial neural network model with a multi-objective optimization approach. Presented at: The 1st International Online Conference on Buildings Online 24–26 October 2023. Published in: Arditi, D. ed. Proceedings of The 1st International Online Conference on Buildings. Vol. 53.Vol. 1. MDPI. , pp.37-37. (10.3390/IOCBD2023-15202)
- Alyahya, A. , Lannon, S. and Jabi, W. 2023. CFD simulation for opaque ventilated facades in hot arid climate based on literature review design parameters. Presented at: Building Simulation 2023: 18th Conference of IBPSA China 4-6 September 2023. Proceedings of Building Simulation 2023: 18th Conference of IBPSA. Vol. 18.Building Simulation 2023: 18th Conference of IBPSA: Building Simulation Conference. , pp.909-916. (10.26868/25222708.2023.1264)
- Alammar, A. and Jabi, W. 2023. Generation of a large synthetic database of office tower’s energy demand using simulation and machine learning. Presented at: 6th International Symposium on Formal Methods in Architecture (6FMA) 24-28 May 2022. Published in: Mora, P. L. et al., Formal Methods in Architecture. FMA 2022. Digital Innovations in Architecture, Engineering and Construction. Singapore: Springer. , pp.479-500. (10.1007/978-981-99-2217-8_27)
- Alymani, A. , Jabi, W. and Corcoran, P. 2023. Modelling the relationships between ground and buildings using 3D architectural topological models utilising graph machine learning. Presented at: 6th International Symposium on Formal Methods in Architecture (6FMA) 24-28 May 2022. Published in: Mona, P. L. et al., Formal Methods in Architecture. FMA 2022. Digital Innovations in Architecture, Engineering and Construction. Singapore: Springer. , pp.287-305. (10.1007/978-981-99-2217-8_16)
- Marcinkeviciute, D. and Jabi, W. 2023. Plausible layout generation using machine learning, evolutionary optimisation and parametric methods. Presented at: 6th International Symposium on Formal Methods in Architecture (6FMA) 24-28 May 2022. Published in: Mora, P. L. et al., Formal Methods in Architecture. FMA 2022. Digital Innovations in Architecture, Engineering and Construction. Singapore: Springer. , pp.251-268. (10.1007/978-981-99-2217-8_14)
- Chioni, C. , Pezzica, C. and Favargiotti, S. 2023. Territorial Digital Twins: a key for increasing the community resilience of fragile mountain inner territories?. Sustainable Development (10.1002/sd.2688)
- Lin, B. et al. 2023. The application of deep generative models in urban form generation based on topology: a review. Architectural Science Review (10.1080/00038628.2023.2209550)
- Mols, N. and Pezzica, C. 2023. Florentine streetscapes and their role in revisiting Palazzo Rucellai's urban façade hypotheses. Presented at: Nexus 2023, Relationships Between Architecture and Mathematics Torino, Italy 12-15 June 2023. (10.1007/s00004-023-00698-0)
- Alammar, A. and Jabi, W. 2022. Predicting cooling energy demands of adaptive facades using artificial neural network. Presented at: The 13th annual Symposium on Simulation for Architecture and Urban Design (SimAUD) with he Annual Modeling and Simulation Conference (ANNSIM) San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA 18-20 July 2022. 2022 Annual Modeling and Simulation Conference (ANNSIM). IEEE. , pp.656-669. (10.23919/ANNSIM55834.2022.9859413)
- Alymani, A. , Jabi, W. and Corcoran, P. 2022. Graph machine learning classification using architectural 3D topological models. Simulation (10.1177/00375497221105894)
- Alymani, A. et al. 2022. Classifying building and ground relationships using unsupervised graph-level representation learning. Presented at: Design Computing and Cognition’22 Glasgow, Scotland, UK 4-6 July 2022. Published in: Gero, J. S. ed. Design Computing and Cognition’22. Springer: Springer Nature. , pp.305-320. (10.1007/978-3-031-20418-0_19)
- Chatzivasileiadi, A. , Ampatzi, E. and Knight, I. 2022. Electrical energy storage sizing and space requirements for sub-daily autonomy in residential buildings. Energies 15 (3) 1145. (10.3390/en15031145)
- Xing, Y. , Lannon, S. and Eames, M. 2014. Exploring the use of systems dynamics in sustainable urban retrofit planning. In: Dixon, T. et al., Urban Retrofitting for Sustainability: Mapping the Transition to 2050. Abingdon and New York: Routledge. , pp.49-70.
Schools
Next steps
Research that matters
Our research makes a difference to people’s lives as we work across disciplines to tackle major challenges facing society, the economy and our environment.
Postgraduate research
Our research degrees give the opportunity to investigate a specific topic in depth among field-leading researchers.
Our research impact
Our research case studies highlight some of the areas where we deliver positive research impact.