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Ing. arch. Lukáš Kurilla, Ph.D.

2024, Proceedings of the 42nd Conference on Education and Research in Computer Aided Architectural Design in Europe, Brusel, European Association for education and Research in CAAD in Europe), p. 179-186), ISBN 9789491207389, ISSN 2684-1843

This paper extends our previous research on using memorable spaces displayed in virtual reality (VR) for learning while utilizing various memory techniques such as Method of Loci (MoL). For this method we need to identify design guidelines for an easily memorable space which provides enough opportunities to create mnemonic devices in order to make the method efficient. Therefore, we explored various design principles of memorable space and experimentally tested them with users to find patterns and verify their validity. Experiments focused on exploring composition, atmosphere and affordance of the space. Users were placing mnemonic devices in the VR environment and we observed and measured their behavior and usage of the given space. From gathered data we defined several design principles which were either predicted or discovered during the testing. We summarized our findings and outlined guidelines for designing memorable spaces and further research. Furthermore, data from the memory testing once again indicate efficiency of the method and ability of the users to memorize a long list of consecutive numbers.

2024, Proceedings of the 15th International Conference on Disability, Virtual Reality and Associated Technologies (ICDVRAT 2024), Praha, National Institute of Mental Health, Czech Republic), p. 123-125), ISBN 9788087142639

Patients with ADHD often face learning difficulties due to an inability to focus on a task, problems with organization and processing of information due to impairments in working memory. Various memory techniques such as Memory Palace or PEG system might help to overcome these difficulties, because they transform abstract disconnected information into interconnected visual memories. This study tests the possibility of practicing these memory techniques in the VR environment in order to make the memory techniques easy to use by individuals with ADHD.

2024, Proceedings of the 42nd Conference on Education and Research in Computer Aided Architectural Design in Europe, Graz, ECAADE), p. 167-174), ISBN 9789491207372, ISSN 2684-1843

The contemporary landscape of construction 3D printing of materials like clay or concrete mainly relies on planar slicing, which, regrettably, impose constraints on the realization of overhangs and cantilevered structures, thereby limiting architectural design flexibility and posing issues in fabricating intricate structures. In response to this challenge, we investigate the integration of non-planar slicing in the construction printing of structures featuring substantial overhangs. We present a novel approach to crafting print paths strategically, fragmenting the global overhang into discrete local segments. Additionally, we introduce self-balancing control to help the buildability within segments of the print path, elevating the stability of the freshly deposited concrete during the printing process. Our methodology redistributes a portion of the bending forces into tension forces oriented along the print path, thereby augmenting the structural integrity and buildability of intricate structures with overhangs and vaults. The efficacy of our method is demonstrated through a computational parametric model and a physical prototype. A comprehensive comparative analysis is conducted against conventional planar printing methods, encompassing metrics such as geometric accuracy, buildability, material efficiency, and print time.

2023, Urbanismus a územní rozvoj, 2023 (5), p. 26-35), ISSN 1212-0855

Tento text zkoumá možnosti využití umělé inteligence pro interpretaci aktivit ve veřejném prostoru měst. Aplikací neuronové sítě na kamerové záznamy, které po čtyři dny snímaly aktivity na Mariánském náměstí v Praze, jsou vygenerovány trajektorie jednotlivých uživatelů prostoru. Promítnutím jejich přesné polohy do půdorysu náměstí získáváme tzv. heatmapy pohybu osob, tedy zobrazení hustoty trajektorií. Výhodou tohoto přístupu je získání velkého množství informací o pohybu v celé ploše náměstí v dlouhém časovém úseku. Oproti standardnímu zkoumání metodou zúčastněného pozorování nebo pouhým počítáním osob, které projdou přes určený práh, jsou tyto informace nezatížené osobou výzkumníka, jsou přesné a mapují prostor jako celek. Pro komplexnější obrázek o využití prostoru jsme vyvinuli sémantický anotátor – nástroj, pomocí kterého výzkumník přiřazuje na základě kamerových záznamů aktivity osob k jednotlivým trajektoriím. Větší automatizace celého procesu by umožnila provádět složitější úlohy o hledání vztahu mezi daným místem a aktivitami lidí v něm.

2023, Digital Architectural Research - DARe, Białystok, Bialystok University of Technology Publishing Office), p. 322-345), ISBN 978-83-67185-54-7

The latest trends in computer graphics show that developers, in pursuit of the perfect image, are increasingly creating graphics that are difficult for the user to perceive. The struggle for impressive graphics has begun to raise questions among users more and more often, as graphic characteristics are infinitely approaching the level of hyper-realism, which in turn causes the phenomenon of underrealism and broken immersion in the virtual space. In connection with this, the question arises - Is there sufficient abstraction of the virtual reality object and space that has the same effect on user immersion as graphically more complex variants? This paper is mainly divided to three parts, in first part, before proceeding to the analysis of existing research and examples from various fields of computer graphics, a few necessary terms are explained at the beginning of the article. First of all, the differences between the feeling of immersion and the present by the user in virtual reality are determined, since the level of detail of the scene has a direct impact on the user’s perception of the virtual space. The second necessary concept is the uncanny valley phenomenon. This phenomenon determines that the realism of the avatar graphics can produce a negative impression on the user. In this work, avatars are considered as components of virtual scenes; therefore, their detailing is important at the level of visualization of the surrounding spaces in virtual reality. After introducing the necessary definitions, this article will discuss and analyze examples of different types of graphics of virtual scenes, such as architectural visualization, computer game graphics and animated movies. Each of these fields and industries in its own way affect the development and perception of computer graphics by the user, so it is important to pay attention to each one of them. The last part of this paper will focus mainly on the methodology of a future experiment, which is intended to be used to complete the main objective – find the level of detail and abstraction of virtual reality objects sufficient to achieve the necessary user involvement and sense of presence in a given space. It is important to note that research of a sufficient level of detail of virtual reality objects will solve several problems at the same time: it will help the creators of games and virtual environments to use hardware more efficiently and create less demanding products that will have the same impact on users as graphically more complex variants and will be more accessible to a wider group of users.

2023, Applied Sciences, 13 (8), p. 1-17), ISSN 2076-3417

The facility layout problem is one of the fundamental production system management problems. It has a significant impact on overall system efficiency. This paper introduces a new facility layout problem that allows for choosing from multiple variants of each facility. The need for choosing the most suitable selection from the facility variants while at the same time optimizing other layout quality indicators represents a new optimization challenge. We build on our previous work where single- and multi-objective evolutionary algorithms using indirect representation were proposed to solve the facility layout problem. Here, the evolutionary algorithms are adapted for the problem of facility variants, including the new solution representation and variation operators. Additionally, a cooling schedule, whose role is to control the exploration/exploitation ratio during the course of the optimization process, is proposed. It was inspired by the cooling schedule used in the simulated annealing technique. The extended evolutionary algorithms have been experimentally evaluated on two data sets, with and without the alternative variants of facilities. The obtained results demonstrate the capability of the extended evolutionary algorithms to solve the newly formulated facility layout problem efficiently. It also shows that the cooling schedule improves the convergence of the algorithms.

2023, eCAADe 2023 Digital Design Reconsidered, Graz, ECAADE), p. 519-526), ISBN 9789491207341, ISSN 2684-1843

The traditional method of data preparation for 3D printing, known as planar slicing, involves slicing the 3D model into horizontal layers and printing them gradually. This is the simplest option with the main parameter being layer height. However, this method has several limitations, including poor surface finish with stair-stepping contours of layers at steep angles and a necessity to print additional support structure for overhangs. Nonplanar slicing is a newer method that involves slicing the 3D model into non-horizontal layers with varying layer heights. This technique is mostly explored in plastics, with observed improvements in buildability, surface finish and reduction of cracking alongside the layers. In construction scale, non-planar printing is used primarily for achieving unique surface finish, or for printing on an uneven base. Its potential for improving buildability is still yet to be properly tested. This paper examines how non-planar layers can be derived with a help of force flow lines and how it affects the buildability. While printing overhangs, shear force can ultimately break the interlayer bond and layers can start deforming and sliding on top of each other, resulting in buckling, or even collapse. By guiding these forces into the bulk of layers instead of interlayer bonds, printing capabilities can be improved. Goal of this paper is to present how buildability of overhangs can be improved using non-planar slicing. Non-planar layers are derived from force flow line simulations done in Karamba3D. For printing we use clay, as a fast and simple prototyping method with the aim to later utilise our findings into concrete printing.

2023, Digital Architectural Research - DARe, Białystok, Bialystok University of Technology Publishing Office), p. 245-259), ISBN 978-83-67185-54-7

Learning in virtual reality (VR) is always happening in a certain digital space. Inspired by memory techniques such as Method of Loci AKA Memory Palace, we propose to use a VR 3D space as a form of Memory Palace which would enhance the learning process by attaching new knowledge to spatial experience. Aim is to create multi-sensory experiences and help people to form deeper memory traces of learned topics. To achieve desired efficiency we need easily remembered space, which would help to create rich episodic memory. It is also important for the environment not to disturb and attract too much attention from the learning topic. To find this thin line, we tested memorability of VR space through experiments with 9 different environments each deferring in the level of abstraction and detail of the scenes. Subjects walked through the environment in VR and were instructed to perform various memory tasks. Results show that an environment with a middle level of abstraction and detail was easiest to remember, since it achieved a certain level of newness while being well comprehensible.

2023, eCAADe 2023 Digital Design Reconsidered, Graz, ECAADE), p. 740-750), ISBN 9789491207341, ISSN 2684-1843

Learning in virtual reality (VR) is always happening in a certain digital space. Inspired by memory techniques such as Method of Loci AKA Memory Palace, we propose to use a VR 3D space as a form of Memory Palace which would enhance the learning process by attaching new knowledge to spatial experience. Aim is to create multi-sensory experiences and help people to form deeper memory traces of learned topics. To achieve desired efficiency we need easily remembered space, which would help to create rich episodic memory. It is also important for the environment not to disturb and attract too much attention from the learning topic. To find this thin line, we tested memorability of VR space through experiments with 9 different environments each deferring in the level of abstraction and detail of the scenes. Subjects walked through the environment in VR and were instructed to perform various memory tasks. Results show that an environment with a middle level of abstraction and detail was easiest to remember, since it achieved a certain level of newness while being well comprehensible.

2023, eCAADe 2023 Digital Design Reconsidered, Graz, ECAADE), p. 639-647), ISBN 9789491207341, ISSN 2684-1843

Due to their complex geometry, it is challenging to assess wind effects on the freeform, double-curved building facades. The traditional building code EN 1991-1-4 (730035) only accounts for basic shapes such as cubes, spheres, and cylinders. Moreover, even though wind tunnel measurements are considered to be more precise than other methods, they are still limited by the number of measurement points that can be taken. This limitation, combined with the time and resources required for the analysis, can limit the ability to fully capture detailed wind effects on the whole complex freeform shape of the building. In this study, we propose the use of neural network models trained to predict wind pressure on complex double-curved facades. The neural network is a powerful data- driven machine learning technique that can, in theory, learn an approximation of any function from data, making it well-suited for this application. Our approach was empirically evaluated using a set of 31 points measured in the wind tunnel on a 3D printed model in 1:300 scale of the real architectural design of a concert hall in Ostrava. The results of this evaluation demonstrate the effectiveness of our neural network method in estimating wind pressures on complex freeform facades.

2023, Digital Architectural Research - DARe, Białystok, Bialystok University of Technology Publishing Office), p. 225-243), ISBN 978-83-67185-54-7

This review paper summarises the current state of digital simulation methods used to analyse human behaviour in physical environments. It aims to identify why digital simulations of human behaviour are not yet commonly used by architects and urban planners and to provide a systematic review of available methods, software tools, their capabilities and limitations. It covers physical models, Space Syntax, virtual reality and dynamic simulation methods for pedestrian and occupant models. There are a number of most common decision-making processes for pedestrian and occupant models. Rule-based process involves predetermined rules or heuristics. Markov Chain uses probabilities and the current state to determine state transition. Goal Oriented Action Planning chains predefined activities to achieve a specified goal. In Narrative-based modelling a narrative governs agent behaviour. In Game-theoretic approach interactions are modelled as a game. Reinforcement Learning involves learning through rewards or punishments and Artificial Neural Networks learn from data and make predictions based on that learning. Although Artificial Neural Networks come with many benefits, such as high flexibility and the ability to handle uncertain and incomplete data, it is a relatively new field of research and it requires significant computational resources. Each process has its own strengths and limitations. Multiple algorithms or decision-making processes can be combined to achieve the desired simulation properties. There are multiple digital simulation software tools for pedestrian and occupant simulations. Some of them, such as SUMO, Aimsun, and MATSim, are optimised for transportation simulations but are not suitable to become auxiliary tools in the architectural design process. PathFinder is a software for simulating evacuation scenarios. Anylogic is a flexible user-friendly tool suitable for a wider range of applications. Tools like IES and CitySim are used for building performance optimisation. A game engine Unity is a suitable option for creating interactive and visually appealing models, however it requires programming knowledge. A simulation in a 3D environment is more complex and requires more computational resources, but it can bring more realistic results compared to simulations in 2D. The paper concludes with discussion about the reasons why digital simulation has yet not become a common tool in architectural practice.

2022

Hlavním cílem Centra bylo vytvoření národní platformy pro kybernetiku a umělou inteligenci propojením inovačních lídrů (excelentních výzkumných center a průmyslových partnerů) v oblasti robotiky a kybernetiky pro Průmysl 4.0, chytrých měst, inteligentních dopravních systémů a kybernetické bezpečnosti. Centrum tvoří čtyři univerzity, tři ústavy Akademie věd ČR a několik průmyslových partnerů, jejichž počet se postupně od roku 2019 rozrostl z 16 na 22 partnerů všech velikostí. Lze konstatovat, že realizace projektu NCK KUI probíhala v 2019-2022 v souladu s plánem, který schválila Technologická agentura České republiky, a bylo dosaženo všech vytyčených cílů a výsledků.

2022, ARCHITECTURE & PLANNING JOURNAL: The 10th International Conference of the Arab Society for Computation in Architecture, Art and Design, Beirut Arab University), p. 674-687), ISSN 2079-4096

With the advancement of augmented and virtual reality technologies both in scale as well as accessibility, the Metaverse (Stephenson, 1992, Hughes, 2022) has emerged as a new digital space with potential for the application of architectural creativity and design. With blockchain integration, the concept of the Metaverse shows promise in creating a “decentralised” space for design and creativity with rewards for its participants. As a platform that incorporates these technological components, does the Metaverse have utility for architectural design? Is there something truly novel in what the Metaverse brings to architectural computing, and architectural design? The paper constructs a qualitative knowledge graph that can be used for the evaluation of various kinds of Metaverses in and for architectural design. We use Design Science Research methods to develop the knowledge graph and its evaluative capacity, stemming from our experience with two Metaverses, Decentraland and Cryptovoxels. The paper concludes with a discussion of knowledge and practice gaps that are evident, framing the opportunities that architects might have in the future in terms of developing Metaverse(s).

2019

This report summarizes outcomes and achievements of project LEGO Adaptive Finalpack. The main goal of this project was to analyze the current LEGO production. The process is composed of the steps as follows: (1) definition of production recipe for a new product, (2) identification of time and cost parameters for individual production steps, (3) Long-term production planning, Short-term production scheduling, and (4) production. The main focus was on the identification of challenges that modular production lines can inject into the whole value chain. The final output of this activity was an innovation strategy for the next five years to transform the current fixed production line setup into an adaptive production environment.

2019

This report summarizes the outcomes and achievements of project LEGO Digital Prepack. The main goal of this project was to analyze the behavior of LEGO packing lines that produce Prapacks, i.e., plastic bags filled with LEGO bricks. The pre-pack lines are composed of three key types of components: Counting Machines, Scales, and case packs. The main attention was paid to the development od optimization method to improve the behavior of these components in terms of speed, reliability, and production quality.

2019, Industrial Applications of Holonic and Multi-Agent Systems, Wien, Springer), p. 173-188), ISBN 978-3-030-27877-9, ISSN 0302-9743

Facility layout problems, i.e., optimal placement of production units in a plant, become an inseparable part of manufacturing systems design and management. They are known to greatly impact the system performance. This paper proposes a new formulation of the facility layout problem where workstations are to be placed into a hall. Within the hall, obstacles and communications can be defined. Each workstation can have multiple handling spaces attached to its sides and oriented links can be defined between workstations. A new evolutionary-based approach to solve this facility layout problem is proposed in single-objective as well as multi-objective variant. The method is experimentally evaluated on a set of standard VLSI floorplanning benchmarks as well as on the data set created specifically for the proposed facility layout problem. Results show the method is both competitive to the state-of-the-art floorplanners on the VLSI benchmarks and produces high-quality solutions to the proposed facility layout problem.

2018

The goal of this research is to raise the interest of architects in the structural behaviour of the design in its conceptual phase. Therefore, this research deals with the development of a middleware - a bridging tool between the finite element (FE) solver (OOFEM) and the architectural modeller (Rhino3D), which will provide architects with an interactive FE analysis directly in the architectural modeller. However, architects are not typically trained to use expert FE analysis software directly. FE analysis is too complex and professional for users without the required structural knowledge. Thus, there is a problem with the correct modelling and interpretation of analytical results. Therefore, it is important to deal with the methods of FE analysis simplification for conceptual structural design, which will make FE analysis more accessible to architects. In this research, three methods of possible FE analysis simplification were developed. The first one - The rating system, evaluates the design as a whole with two scalar values, and thus informs architects about structural efficiency and identifies potential structural problems. Then, to uncover the identified structural problem in more detail, the second method - Levelling system, defines three levels of results simplification. This enables architects to extend their structural knowledge and understand the problems. The last method - The design tracker, allows architects to store and compare design alternatives created during the design process. Comparison of alternatives supports architects' decision-making and allows them to understand the impact of the change made in the design on its structural behaviour. The results of this research can be used to teach architects at universities as well as in practice for interdisciplinary cooperation between architects and structural engineers, especially in the conceptual design phase.