Consistent Design of Geometries with multiple linked Semantics based on a Polyhedral Partition of Space

• Applicant: Professor Dr.-Ing. Wolfgang Huhnt
• Subject Area: Structural Engineering, Building Informatics and Construction Operation
• Term: since 2026
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 578449518

Geometric modeling is fundamental to all tasks in architecture and engineering disciplines. The ability to accurately represent and manipulate digital models is crucial for all processes from design through analysis, construction, fabrication, and operation. This research proposal addresses existing challenges in geometric and topological modeling of building models. It is based on a partition of space for modeling building components and spaces. The approach is based on a complete partition of the unbounded Euclidean space into domains. These can be convex or concave, bounded or unbounded, as well as simply or multiply connected. In contrast to existing approaches, this partition guarantees a model without gaps and overlaps. For manipulation, two basic operations are available: splitting a domain into two adjacent domains and merging two adjacent domains. The proposed project pursues two central objectives. First, it examines construction functionalities that are standard in today's digital modeling tools. These functionalities, such as the construction of an extruded solid, are systematically mapped to elementary operations of splitting and merging domains. The scientific challenge lies in developing efficient mapping rules that allow users to follow their familiar digital modeling workflow while benefiting from the advantages of space partitioning. The second objective is the integration of different semantic layers. The topological domains must be flexibly assignable to different semantic objects and properties. This enables both the modeling of physical components and various functional areas within a building, such as energy zones or WiFi coverage areas. The proposed project thus provides the scientific foundation for utilizing space partitioning in the construction industry. The approach bridges the gap between separately managed geometric and topological data on one side and semantic data on the other side, while maintaining topological consistency throughout. This forms the basis for robust, consistent and interconnected building models.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants