Automated Compliance Checks for Instant Feedback
Complex Building Zone & Code Regulations
Often, building designs have to be modified, or when projects are already under construction they have to be re-planned or rescheduled because the designs prove to be insufficient in terms of code or building zone validation. Noncompliance with zoning and building codes may lead to inefficiencies in construction projects and drains on productivity.
Building codes (e.g. obstacle-free building) serve to secure important issues like fire safety or accessibility and often regulate details like width of aisles, doors opening directions or window heights.
In addition to the building codes, there are numerous other (municipal) provisions such as the construction zone regulations, which control the permissible construction volumes and uses of land. Those regulations differentiate between construction zones and specify things like maximum possible volumes for a site, as well as distances to forests, bodies of water or roads.
Cost- & Time-Consuming Due Diligence Checks
Nowadays, with a flood of new and evolving regulations and codes, no architect can have every single code or zone standard in his mind and consider every detail in the design process. In order not to curtail creativity a lot of architects blank out those regulations and codes but have to learn the hard way when authorities or construction management companies thwart their plans. To proceed, one almost requires a team of people to carry-out the required due diligence on every regulation and every code. If any of these constraints are infringed upon the result can be delays and higher costs, or worse.
Building Zone & Code Check Automation With Artificial Intelligence
In order to avoid these consequences and to make better use of the potential of buildings Archilyse has developed software, accessible through an API (Application Programming Interface), that allows automated and digitised compliance checks. Founded in 2017, the startup offers different forms of architectural analysis, simplifying both the planning and implementation processes.
The API of Archilyse can be used to conduct building code and planning zone checks. If changes are made to a building design, the application shows to what extent and where codes or building zone standards are violated. Additionally, the georeferencing of the building reveals hidden potential in the construction zone, for example whether additional floors can be added to a building. This allows for a better utilisation of the construction zones which becomes especially crucial for bigger cities where space is at a premium.
Finding Code Errors in Real-Time
Archilyse is built upon its API which can translate zone and building regulations from natural language into codes. The automatised regulations are then applied against the building models e.g. in IFC data files, which have been converted into 3D models and georeferenced. Archilyse performs simulations and analysis resulting in detailed compliance checks. This “DNA test” shows where drafts/designs violate standards and highlights potential issue areas.
Data to inform better performance
One decisive advantage is that the application can show code violations even if the verifier is not familiar with certain standards. Even for non-calculable codes like floor signaling the software can simplify verify processes via dialog boxes and questionnaires. The software also recognizes all objects that fall under a specific standard and also highlights other bodies with the same characteristics.
Data to enable faster performance
The individual building standards, which often differ from region to region, can be easily updated so that architects can ensure that there are no violations in ongoing projects. Even if building management companies which have the responsibility to guarantee compliances it is often the case that breaches occur in ongoing projects, due to the complexity of building zone standards and codes. Archilyse’s application has the potential to minimise cost and time consuming expert consultations and to develop projects faster during different design and realisation processes.
Technology to reduce implementation costs
With the API of Archilyse automated and computer-based compliance checks are now technically feasible and much faster than before. The digitised review of different sets of codes does not only saves the time of experts in manually checking the standards and ensuring that no standard is unmet but also makes sure that models are kept updated and free of incoherences.
Digitisation and the use of Machine Learning in architecture is still new but will, in the coming years, upturn the design, construction and engineering in real estate.
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