Illuminating Spaces: Deep Reinforcement Learning and Laser-Wall Partitioning for Architectural Layout Generation

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel deep reinforcement learning method using laser-wall partitioning to generate diverse, functional, and architecturally intuitive space layouts efficiently, bridging vector and pixel-based approaches.

Contribution

It presents the laser-wall partitioning technique and planning strategies, along with an open-source simulator, to enhance space layout generation with an explorative, human-like process.

Findings

RL-based laser-wall method produces diverse layouts

Generated layouts meet geometric and topological constraints

Approach offers flexible and intuitive space partitioning

Abstract

Space layout design (SLD), occurring in the early stages of the design process, nonetheless influences both the functionality and aesthetics of the ultimate architectural outcome. The complexity of SLD necessitates innovative approaches to efficiently explore vast solution spaces. While image-based generative AI has emerged as a potential solution, they often rely on pixel-based space composition methods that lack intuitive representation of architectural processes. This paper leverages deep Reinforcement Learning (RL), as it offers a procedural approach that intuitively mimics the process of human designers. Effectively using RL for SLD requires an explorative space composing method to generate desirable design solutions. We introduce "laser-wall", a novel space partitioning method that conceptualizes walls as emitters of imaginary light beams to partition spaces. This approach bridges vector-based and pixel-based partitioning methods, offering both flexibility and exploratory power in generating diverse layouts. We present two planning strategies: one-shot planning, which generates entire layouts in a single pass, and dynamic planning, which allows for adaptive refinement by continuously transforming laser-walls. Additionally, we introduce on-light and off-light wall transformations for smooth and fast layout refinement, as well as identity-less and identity-full walls for versatile room assignment. We developed SpaceLayoutGym, an open-source OpenAI Gym compatible simulator for generating and evaluating space layouts. The RL agent processes the input design scenarios and generates solutions following a reward function that balances geometrical and topological requirements. Our results demonstrate that the RL-based laser-wall approach can generate diverse and functional space layouts that satisfy both geometric constraints and topological requirements and is architecturally intuitive.