BIM and Multi-Agent Distributed Constraint Optimization

A new prototypal support system for building and architectural design is presented. The system in based on BIM and distributed multi-agent optimization technologies in order to create a support tools that can cooperate with the designer in the definition of optimal solutions. BIM tools let the Designer create models that explicit performances of building object, identify and resolve conflicts. Some experimental systems have shown the possibilities offered by the integration of BIM technologies with multiagent based systems, to model goals, constraints and performances, and verify choices against design objectives supporting the designer in the definition of "satisfactory" but not "optimal” solutions. The compliance with requirements does not guarantee "optimal" solutions in which the performance levels assume the highest possible values. In order to allow the designer to explore the set of solutions characterized by "optimal" performance, a prototype based on multi-agent systems and Distributed Constraint Optimization is under development at the KAAD Laboratory of the University of Rome “La Sapienza”( KAAD-LAB). The prototype system allows to define design goals that the designer choices need to maximize or minimize modelled as a Multiagent System where each agent represents a specific requirement. Each agent can interact with the BIM model making the changes needed to achieve maximum or minimum values for performances allowed by the simultaneous interaction with other agents. Depending on the results obtained with the system under development will be experimented the emerging techniques of "voting" inspired by the social sciences that represent a new frontier of Distributed Constraint Optimization.