Dynamic space ordering at a topological level in space planning

In this paper, we shall be dealing with the problem of space layout plannin g. We present an approach based on an intermediate topological level with a dynamic space ordering (dso) heuristic. Our software ARCHiPLAN proceeds th rough a number of steps. First all the topologically different solutions, w ithout presuming any precise dimension, are enumerated. Next, we may evolve in this topological solution space, and than refine some of them to form c onsistent geometrical solutions. For each topological solution chosen, the optimising geometrical solution is determined from a cost, useful surface o r wall length. By using a dynamic space ordering heuristic in the topologic al level the enumeration time has been reduced. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science L td. All rights reserved.