ANALOGY BETWEEN ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN PROCESS AND THE DOCUMENTATION OF ARCHITECTURAL WORKS

Our primary goal is to establish a 3D acquisition methodology for the documentation of architectural works. To reach our objective, it is essential to take account of the diversity of the information sources related to the built objects. Dimensional data cannot load exhaustive geometrical model. Furthermore, architectural modelling cannot be summed up by acquisition of the object geometry alone. However, combining acquisition with organization and management of different kinds of data has a high potential for producing built work documentation. To approach efficient management of different data sources, we focus on the architectural know-how. Thus, we study the integration of data according to increasing levels of detail. At the beginning of the building design process, few elements are fixed, but the layout of the building and its general shape is already defined. We have a global representation but not very detailed. The complexity increases in the successive stages. During documentation, the quantity of information rises according to a similar principle: from global understanding through detailed analyses of elements to acquisition of details. Structuring information related to a built work according to increasing levels of detail offers several advantages. The division of data integration into identified stages can induce an acquisition methodology. Furthermore, the combination of 3D data with other type of information in a single interface allows a rationalization of the building modelling stage. The modelling approach by simple model enrichment gives the possibility to efficiently manage the complementation related to the increasing levels of detail. Our proposal is thus based on comparing the building design principles with the building modelling methods, to obtain a model as complete as possible and still consistent with the construction process.