I think most people will have heard of generative design by now; the algorithmic and iterative design process whereby many design options can be generated to help find optimal solutions.
I would like to see a similar approach applied to services coordination. Maybe call it Generative Coordination. Given that coordination is hierarchical and rules-based, a generative approach seems fitting.
I realise this is a non-trivial idea, but here are some points around how I envisage this working.
- This process is a separate task to clash detection, and therefore needs its own space where the results can be viewed without affecting the work in progress Revit models.
- You define the rules:
- Which disciplines
- Discipline priority
- Possibly applying it to certain zones/levels in the building, or systems
- Set minimum sizes of elements for consideration
- By how much can elements be moved, to avoid extreme movement changes
- Respect any clearance zones for movement and equipment access
- The results can be reviewed, and then tabled for discussion in a coordination meeting.
- Any elements that can't be repositioned very well will be surfaced as a clash result.
- And for all agreed outcomes, push these into the Revit models where the elements are automatically moved into their new positions.
- Restart the next generative coordination cycle.
