Anahita Khodadadi

University at Buffalo, The State University of New York | SUNY Buffalo

This article presents a generative design exploration methodology utilized to assist designers in problem structuring and decision-making in a multi-disciplinary setting. This novel design exploration methodology is based on the hybridization of a genetic algorithm (GA) and the Theory of Innovative Problem Solving (TRIZ). This methodology allows in...

Twenty years have passed since UNESCO launched a forum on Open Education Resources (OER) for Higher Education in Developing Countries to reduce educational barriers by providing students and informal learners with free information resources [1]. Despite the support of many institutes and governmental agencies, awareness of OER is still low across d...

This paper presents a computational design exploration method called GA+TRIZ, which aids designers in defining the design problem clearly, making a parametric model where pertinent variables are included, obtaining a series of suitable solutions, and resolving existing conflicts among design objectives. The goal is to include the designer's qualita...

This textbook is prepared explicitly for students seeking a degree in an Architecture program and taking an introductory course in structural engineering. It is assumed that students referring to this textbook have a minimum background in math and physics. Therefore, principal concepts are explained using visual demonstrations, videos, graphics, an...

This study addresses the relationship between the geometry and structural performance of branching columns using an example case based on a square grid shell supported by four branching columns. The branching columns are configured with three levels of members, bifurcating into four members as each member branches upwards. A range of solutions is p...

This paper discusses the effectiveness of engaging students with a “design challenge” to bridge the two common sectors of lecture-based courses and design studios in architecture curriculum. This study is set out to describe the planning and implementation of a typical design challenge and critically review its capacity in conveying as-needed techn...

This paper represents a series of design alternatives for a mid-rise apartment complex, inspired by the configuration of Habitat 67, where the prefabricated modules seem to be stacked chaotically. Unlike Habitat 67, where prefabricated reinforced concrete panels are used for construction, the apartment complex in this project is to be built by stru...

In several fields of studies, audiovisual tutorials have been employed to convey teaching materials to students. Video tutorials significantly contribute to demonstration-based training where the student acquires the knowledge, skills, and attitudes by observing some easy-to-follow examples of performing a task. Although video tutorials are widely...

When an architectural design problem is stated, it may take several iterations to evaluate the design alternatives, modify the problem statement and the corresponding solutions and make the final decision. The recursive essence of an architectural design procedure and the designer’s tendency to explore further possibilities increases the use of ite...

A design task usually begins with a conceptual design phase where requirements and objectives are defined and synthesized into design alternatives. Although there have been successful accomplishments in developing computational methods and tools in the conceptual design of spatial structures, the initial step of problem structuring needs more consi...

A design task usually begins with a phase where requirements and objectives are defined. Then, it continues through a creative and iterative process of generation, evaluation, and modification of design alternatives until the design team is satisfied. The main objective of this paper is to expand the concepts of interactive multi-objective design i...

This paper presents a study on timber-based plate-shell domes with a set base diameter and a variety of topologies using different combinations of perforation ratios. Using a combination of geometry generation and performance optimization, parameters of folds, depth of folds, height of dome and the effect of perforations on structural efficiency, i...

Learning architectural design is usually a cooperative and problem based activity. The major proportion of a student's curriculum includes courses which are taught with a similar approach. In contrast, some other courses like structures tend to be more theoretical and lecture based. Studies have indicated that the students cannot maintain their att...

Shading screens have been used as daylight control systems, which also play a role as design elements of transparent facades. A façade’s configuration can be an explicit representation of its functions. There are multiple functions within a building and sometimes a dominant function imposes one configuration to the whole system; in this case, a rep...

The main objective of this research is to develop a form exploration technique based on parametric form generation using concepts of Formex algebra and evolutionary optimization based on ParaGen approach. Accordingly, the design process of the lattice towers with polygon bases is studied. The focus of this research is to demonstrate the ability of...

This paper illustrates the use of a computational form-finding method called ParaGen which aids the designer in the exploration of arrays of good solutions. Although the method is guided by a multi-objective optimization program, the goal is to promote the exploration of the solution space based on designer selected combinations of performance obje...

The main objective of this research is to demonstrate a form exploration technique based on parametric form generation and evolutionary optimization. Accordingly, the design process of a truss bridge is considered, and two types of form-finding methods are presented, numer-ical modeling with computational analyses on one hand versus physical modeli...

Architects and artists in Islamic countries have created special architecture and artworks based on their geography, lifestyle, and historical background while attempting to respond to the newly emerged objective and subjective goals. Therefore, architectural prototypes, patterns, decorations, applied technologies are different in each Islamic coun...

In this paper the forms of the traditional Iranian masonry domes are reviewed and classified into four main categories. These categories consist of the ellipsoidal, simple pointed, multi-curved pointed and conical domes. Also, for each category of domes relevant historical buildings are presented. Furthermore, for each category a parametric formex...

This book is about historical ornamentations applied in Iranian architecture. In particular, the book addresses those types of ornamentations that function more than attractive and beautiful decorations. These types of ornamentations are known as “Āmood” in the literature of Iranian traditional architecture. Some Āmood types operate as thermal or m...