Generating designs for multi-family housing projects using physical simulations of design elements

Abstract

A design engine is configured to automatically generate and position design elements within designs for a multi-family housing project that corresponds to a parcel of land. Each design simultaneously meets local construction regulations while also meeting specific financial targets. The design engine generates a site model that reflects geometric attributes of the parcel of land, a building model that describes one or more buildings configured to occupy the parcel of land, and a parking lot model that describes a parking lot configured to occupy a remaining portion of the parcel of land. A design simulator executes various types of physical simulations with the site model, the building model, and/or the parking lot model to generate a vast number of different design options having widely varying configurations of design elements. The design engine evaluates these design options to identify those which balance compliance with construction regulations and achievement of financial targets.