Automatic architectural 3D model generation with sunlight simulation

Abstract

Nowadays, 2D architectural design is provided with many good tools. But it lacks efficient tools that could help designers in early stages of a project for tasks such as virtual prototyping or 3D model simulation. The 3D model generation from 2D floorplans in general implies tedious manual effort. With a 3D model the designer could validate both the building structure and the space distribution. Natural lighting is also a basic feature in structures design as a correct sizing of the building openings allow a better exploration of daylight illumination, and consequently, could prevent artificial illumination needs. In this paper we present a tool that allows to obtain, in a highly automatic process, 3D architectural models from 2D floorplans. The system also provides sunlight simulation for visualization and interactive edition operations. It allows to re-model the openings of the structure with real-time sunlight visualization. The whole module can be integrated within a standard CAD architectural platform as a complement for fast virtual prototyping and validation designs in an early stage of the project. We present results showing its application for both conceptual designs and for a real building model.