Development of the layout method for a high-rise housing complex using parametric algorithm

Abstract

An algorithm-based parametric design method was developed to generate the layout of a high-rise housing complex with improved sunlight access and compliance with the relevant building code restrictions in South Korea. Integrated with computer-aided modelling and simulation, the algorithm automatically arranges multiple apartments according to their height, separation, the shaded area between adjacent buildings and setbacks from site boundaries. The algorithm was then implemented in three high-rise housing complexes across South Korea to validate its feasibility. In all three cases, the algorithm generated housing layouts that satisfied the considered building regulations and improved overall sunlight exposure conditions. Particularly, lower-density housing with fewer buildings or floors were found to be more effective in allowing sunlight access: more housing units were included in the longest sunlight exposure duration whereas fewer units were included in the shortest sunlight duration. The proposed parametric approach allows the effective execution of both diverse experiments in housing design layouts and assessments of layouts’ sunlight access conditions, enhancing sustainable decision-making in the design process.

Keywords

• parametric algorithm
• housing complex
• housing layout
• sunlight exposure