Cumincad : CUMINCAD Papers : Search Results

CumInCAD is a Cumulative Index about publications in Computer Aided Architectural Design
supported by the sibling associations ACADIA, CAADRIA, eCAADe, SIGraDi, ASCAAD and CAAD futures

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_id	e336
authors	Achten, H., Roelen, W., Boekholt, J.-Th., Turksma, A. and Jessurun, J.
year	1999
title	Virtual Reality in the Design Studio: The Eindhoven Perspective
source	Architectural Computing from Turing to 2000 [eCAADe Conference Proceedings / ISBN 0-9523687-5-7] Liverpool (UK) 15-17 September 1999, pp. 169-177
doi	https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.ecaade.1999.169
summary	Since 1991 Virtual Reality has been used in student projects in the Building Information Technology group. It started as an experimental tool to assess the impact of VR technology in design, using the environment of the associated Calibre Institute. The technology was further developed in Calibre to become an important presentation tool for assessing design variants and final design solutions. However, it was only sporadically used in student projects. A major shift occurred in 1997 with a number of student projects in which various computer technologies including VR were used in the whole of the design process. In 1998, the new Design Systems group started a design studio with the explicit aim to integrate VR in the whole design process. The teaching effort was combined with the research program that investigates VR as a design support environment. This has lead to increasing number of innovative student projects. The paper describes the context and history of VR in Eindhoven and presents the current set-UP of the studio. It discusses the impact of the technology on the design process and outlines pedagogical issues in the studio work.
keywords	Virtual Reality, Design Studio, Student Projects
series	eCAADe
email
last changed	2022/06/07 07:54

_id	ce11
authors	Bradford, J., Wong, W.S. and Tang, H.F.
year	1997
title	Bridging Virtual Reality to Internet for Architecture
source	Challenges of the Future [15th eCAADe Conference Proceedings / ISBN 0-9523687-3-0] Vienna (Austria) 17-20 September 1997
doi	https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.ecaade.1997.x.m9r
summary	This paper presents a virtual reality interface tool which allows a user to perform the following action : 1.Import design from other CAD tools. 2.Assemble an architecture structure from a library of pre-built blocks and geometry primitives dynamically created by user. 3.Export the design interactively in VRML format back to the library for Internet browsing. The geometry primitives include polygon, sphere, cone, cylinder and cube. The pre-built blocks consist of fundamental architecture models which have been categorized with architectural related style, physical properties and environmental attributes. Upon a user’s request, the tool or the composer, has the ability to communicate with the library which indeed is a back-end distributed client-server database engine. The user may specify any combination of properties and attributes in the composer which will instantly bring up all matching 3-dimensional objects through the database engine. The database is designed in relational model and comes from the work of another research group.
keywords	Virtual Reality, Architecture Models, Relational Database, Client-Server
series	eCAADe
email
more	http://info.tuwien.ac.at/ecaade/proc/bradford/bradford.htm
last changed	2022/06/07 07:50

_id	c5a0
authors	Bradford, J., Wong, W.S., Tang, A.H.F. and Yeung, C.S.K.
year	1997
title	A Virtual Reality Building Block Composer for Architecture
source	CAADRIA ‘97 [Proceedings of the Second Conference on Computer Aided Architectural Design Research in Asia / ISBN 957-575-057-8] Taiwan 17-19 April 1997, pp. 51-59
doi	https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.caadria.1997.051
summary	Design is a complex and time consuming process. One way to simplify the design process is to use pre-build blocks for commonly known parts instead of creating them again with CAD. To give the designer an immediate 3D view of the design, designing in virtual reality is a good choice. This paper presents a virtual reality interface tool which allows a user to assemble an architecture structure from a library of pre-built blocks. The library is a distributed client-server database.
series	CAADRIA
email
last changed	2022/06/07 07:54

_id	2423
authors	Morozumi, M., Takahasi, M., Naka, R., Kawasumi, N., Homma, R., Mitchell. W.J., Yamaguchi, S. and Iki, K.
year	1997
title	The Levels of Communications Achieved Through Network in an International Collaborative Design Project: An Analysis of VDS ’96 Project Carried Out By Kumamoto University, MIT and Kyoto Institute of Technology
source	CAADRIA ‘97 [Proceedings of the Second Conference on Computer Aided Architectural Design Research in Asia / ISBN 957-575-057-8] Taiwan 17-19 April 1997, pp. 143-152
doi	https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.caadria.1997.143
summary	This paper reviewed the process and the achievements of a five-week-long virtual design studio project the authors carried out with three universities in Japan and the United States in the summer of 1996, in which there was no communication among team members other than network media. After analyzing the use of communication tools in different situations of design communication, and the level of communications achieved in this project, the authors concluded that the present network technology could provide sufficient levels of communication, if only participants could put forth some amount of extra effort for communication among team members.
series	CAADRIA
email
last changed	2022/06/07 07:59

_id	9e13
authors	Seward, D.W., Scott, J.N., Dixon, R., Findlay, J.D. and Kinniburgh, H.
year	1997
title	The automation of piling rig positioning using satellite GPS
source	Automation in Construction 6 (3) (1997) pp. 229-240
summary	The paper is divided in two parts. Part one describes the Stent Automatic Pile Positioning and Recording system (SAPPAR) which was launched in November 1994. The system utilises a Trimble satellite global positioning system (GPS) to assist rig drivers in accurately positioning the rig over a pile position without the need for setting out. Advantages of the system include: cost savings by removing the need for site survey staff; faster set-up times over pile positions; increased accuracy - the system can reliably position the rig to within ± 25 mm; removal of problems resulting from damage to setting out pins; constant monitoring of pile position; and Links to CAD for data input and as-built drawings. Part two describes a further development of the system in collaboration with Lancaster University and Casagrande, the Italian rig manufacturer. The aim of the research is to fully automate the final positioning process. This represents one of the first uses of GPS for real-time automation. The system hardware components include: ultra-compact PC104 processor cards for a compact and robust embedded system; minimum sensing on the rig to minimise cost and maximise robustness; and limit sensors to facilitate on-board safety. The control algorithms were developed on a fifth-scale model in the laboratory using an innovative and new approach to the design of model based control systems. The importance of careful consideration of safety issues is stressed and conclusions are drawn based on the early findings from preliminary field trials.
series	journal paper
more	http://www.elsevier.com/locate/autcon
last changed	2003/05/15 21:23

_id	6537
authors	Wang, W. and Gero, J.S.
year	1997
title	Sequence-based prediction in the conceptual design of bridges
source	ASCE Journal of Computing in Civil Engineering 11(1): 37-43
summary	This paper explores the application of a machine learning technique in knowledge support systems in civil engineering design. It presents a sequence-based prediction method for engineering design and demonstrates its utility in the conceptual design of bridges. The basic idea of sequence-based prediction is that the most recent numbers of similar design cases are used in predicting the characteristics of the next design and more recent cases are given stronger influence on decision making in the new design situation than older ones. This paper develops a model of sequence-based prediction and carries out a number of experiments using it. It is then applide to a set of standard data and the results of using a sequence-based prediction method are compared with other methods. The empirical results show the potential applications of the method in engineering design.
keywords	Machine Learning, Time
series	journal paper
email
last changed	2003/05/15 21:45

_id	060b
authors	Af Klercker, J.
year	1997
title	A National Strategy for CAAD and IT-Implementation in the Construction Industry the Construction Industry
source	Challenges of the Future [15th eCAADe Conference Proceedings / ISBN 0-9523687-3-0] Vienna (Austria) 17-20 September 1997
doi	https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.ecaade.1997.x.o8u
summary	The objective of this paper is to present a strategy for implementation of CAD and IT in the construction and building management#1 industry in Sweden. The interest is in how to make the best use of the limited resources in a small country or region, cooperating internationally and at the same time avoiding to be totally dominated by the great international actors in the market of information technology. In Sweden representatives from the construction and building management industry have put forward a research and development program called: "IT-Bygg#2 2002 - Implementation". It aims at making IT the vehicle for decreasing the building costs and at the same time getting better quality and efficiency out of the industry. The presented strategy is based on a seminar with some of the most experienced researchers, developers and practitioners of CAD in Sweden. The activities were recorded and annotated, analyzed and put together afterwards. The proposal in brief is that object oriented distributed CAD is to be used in the long perspective. It will need to be based on international standards such as STEP and it will take at least another 5 years to get established. Meanwhile something temporary has to be used. Pragmatically a "de facto standard" on formats has to be accepted and implemented. To support new users of IT all software in use in the country will be analyzed, described and published for a national platform for IT-communication within the construction industry. Finally the question is discussed "How can architect schools then contribute to IT being implemented within the housing sector at a regional or national level?" Some ideas are presented: Creating the good example, better support for the customer, sharing the holistic concept of the project with all actors, taking part in an integrated education process and international collaboration like AVOCAAD and ECAADE.
keywords	CAAD, IT, Implementation, Education, Collaboration
series	eCAADe
type	normal paper
email
more	http://info.tuwien.ac.at/ecaade/proc/afklerck/afklerck.htm
last changed	2022/06/07 07:50

_id	acadia23_v1_136
id	acadia23_v1_136
authors	Alima, Natalia
year	2023
title	InterspeciesForms
source	ACADIA 2023: Habits of the Anthropocene: Scarcity and Abundance in a Post-Material Economy [Volume 1: Projects Catalog of the 43rd Annual Conference of the Association of Computer Aided Design in Architecture (ACADIA) ISBN 979-8-9860805-8-1]. Denver. 26-28 October 2023. edited by A. Crawford, N. Diniz, R. Beckett, J. Vanucchi, M. Swackhamer 136-143.
summary	The hybridization of architectural, biological and robotic agencies Situated in the field of architectural biodesign, InterspeciesForms explores a closer relationship between the fungus Pleurotus ostreatus and the designer in the creation of form. The intention of hybridizing mycelia’s agency of growth with architectural design intention is to generate novel, non-indexical crossbred designed outcomes that evolve preconceived notions of architectural form. Mycelium are threadlike fibrous root systems made up of hyphae, that form the vegetative part of a fungus (Jones 2020). Known as the hackers of the wood wide web (Simard 1997) mycelia form complex symbiotic relationships with other species that inhabit our earth. Michael Lim states “Fungi redefine resourcefulness, collaboration, resilience and symbiosis” (Lim 2022, p. 14). When wandering around the forest to connect with other species or searching for food, fungi form elaborate and entangled networks by spreading their hyphal tips. Shown in Figure 1, this living labyrinth results in the aesthetic formation of an intricate web. Due to the organisms ability to determine the most effective direction of growth, communicate with its surrounding ecosystem, and connect with other species, fungi are indeed an intelligent species with a unique aesthetic that must not be ignored. In drawing on these concepts, I refer to the organism’s ability to search for, tangle, and digest its surroundings as ‘mycelia agency of growth’. It is this specific behavioral characteristic that is the focus of this research, with which I, as the architect, set out to co-create and hybridize with.
series	ACADIA
type	project
email
last changed	2024/04/17 13:58

_id	eb53
authors	Asanowicz, K. and Bartnicka, M.
year	1997
title	Computer analysis of visual perception - endoscopy without endoscope
source	Architectural and Urban Simulation Techniques in Research and Education [Proceedings of the 3rd European Architectural Endoscopy Association Conference / ISBN 90-407-1669-2]
summary	This paper presents a method of using computer animation techniques in order to solve problems of visual pollution of city environment. It is our observation that human-inducted degradation of city environmental results from well - intentioned but inappropriate preservation actions by uninformed designers and local administration. Very often, a local municipality administration permits to build bad-fitting surroundings houses. It is usually connected with lack of visual information's about housing areas of a city, its features and characteristics. The CAMUS system (Computer Aided Management of Urban Structure) is being created at the Faculty of Architecture of Bialystok Technical University. One of its integral parts is VIA - Visual Impact of Architecture. The basic element of this system is a geometrical model of the housing areas of Bialystok. This model can be enhanced using rendering packages as they create the basis to check our perception of a given area. An inspiration of this approach was the digital endoscopy presented by J. Breen and M. Stellingwerff at the 2nd EAEA Conferences in Vienna. We are presenting the possibilities of using simple computer programs for analysis of spatial model. This contribution presents those factors of computer presentation which can demonstrate that computers achieve such effects as endoscope and often their use be much more efficient and effective.
keywords	Architectural Endoscopy, Endoscopy, Simulation, Visualisation, Visualization, Real Environments
series	EAEA
email
more	http://www.bk.tudelft.nl/media/eaea/eaea97.html
last changed	2005/09/09 10:43

_id	a726
authors	Belblidia, S. and Perrin, J.P.
year	1997
title	Level-of-Detail Visualization of Architectural Models
source	CAAD Futures 1997 [Conference Proceedings / ISBN 0-7923-4726-9] München (Germany), 4-6 August 1997, pp. 831-836
summary	The work presented in this paper aims to use level-of-detail representation in realizing interactive walkthroughs or ignoring useless details in large architectural models. In order to choose the right representation of a model, we have to evaluate the error committed when using a simplified version instead of the full description of an object. This error depends on the object deformation during the simplification process but also on the importance of this object in the current viewing conditions. This "visible" error is used with different visualization strategies to find the model representation which satisfies either a quality criterion or a cost condition.
series	CAAD Futures
email
last changed	2003/11/21 15:16

_id	823f
authors	Bignon, J.C., Halin, G. and Humbert, P.
year	1997
title	Hypermedia Structuring of the Technical Documentation for the Architectural Aided Design
source	CAAD Futures 1997 [Conference Proceedings / ISBN 0-7923-4726-9] München (Germany), 4-6 August 1997, pp. 843-848
summary	The definition of an universal structuring model of the technical documentation is arduous, indeed utopian considering the great number of products and the diversity of relative information. To answer this situation we are trying to develop a general approach of the documentation. The document is the base entity of documentation structuring and it represents a coherent informative unit. We propose a model of document hypermedia structuring. This model allows the definition, the presentation, the navigation and the retrieval of general information on building products by a document manipulation. It is associated with a hypermedia design method adapted to document management. This method proposes, after the identification of the user, three phases of hypermedia definition : data definition, navigation definition and user interface definition. The model of a hypermedia structuring of the technical documentation proposed in this article is at once independent of available information on products, open, and makes easier the addition of new navigational functions.
series	CAAD Futures
email
last changed	2003/11/21 15:16

_id	817b
authors	Bong, C.W. and Wang, Y.C.
year	2002
title	A Shape Compactness Measurement Indexing with Fuzzy Multicriteria Decision Making Approach
source	CAADRIA 2002 [Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Computer Aided Architectural Design Research in Asia / ISBN 983-2473-42-X] Cyberjaya (Malaysia) 18–20 April 2002, pp. 093-100
doi	https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.caadria.2002.093
summary	Compactness of a district or zone is determined by considering its appearance and the area of dispersal of the district (Altman, 1998) and it is used as a characteristic to describe shape (Shiode, 1998; Knight, 1997). However, existing compactness measurement used to assess district plans in redistricting applications are vague and imprecision although there are more than thirty over Euclidean or non-Euclidean measurement methods. Therefore, this paper presents an integrated shape compactness measurement indexing with a fuzzy multicriteria decision making approach (FMCDM) to enhance the measurement of shape compactness. An experiment is conducted in order to verify the practically of the proposed model to improve existing compactness measurement method.
series	CAADRIA
email
last changed	2022/06/07 07:54

_id	2b38
authors	Bradford, J., Wong, R. and Yeung, C.S.K.
year	1997
title	Hierarchical Decomposition of Architectural Computer Models
source	CAADRIA ‘97 [Proceedings of the Second Conference on Computer Aided Architectural Design Research in Asia / ISBN 957-575-057-8] Taiwan 17-19 April 1997, pp. 197-203
doi	https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.caadria.1997.197
summary	Architectural models can be represented in a hierarchy of complexity. Higher level or more complex architecture structures are then designed by repetitively instantiating libraries of building blocks. The advantages are that the object can be achieved in modular fashion and any modification to the definition of a building block can be easily propagated to all higher level objects using the block. Unfortunately, many existing representations of architectural models are monolithic instead of hierarchical and modular, thus, making the reuse of models very difficult and inefficient. This paper describes a research project on developing a tool to decompose a monolithic architectural model into elementary building blocks and then create a hierarchy in the model representation. The tool provides a graphical interface for the visualization of a model and a cutting plane. An associated algorithm will then automatically detach parts of the model into building blocks depending on where the user is applying the cutting plane. Studies will also be made on dividing more complex models employing spherical and NURBS surfaces.
series	CAADRIA
email
last changed	2022/06/07 07:54

_id	ccc0
authors	Braithwaite, G., Radford, A., Huang, E. , Chang, T.W., Jones, D., Woodbury, R. and Sweeting, R.
year	1997
title	The Computer Modeling of Development Proposals: A Routine Part of Development Control
source	CAADRIA ‘97 [Proceedings of the Second Conference on Computer Aided Architectural Design Research in Asia / ISBN 957-575-057-8] Taiwan 17-19 April 1997, pp. 123-132
doi	https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.caadria.1997.123
summary	This paper describes and discusses the aims and practicalities involved in the computer modeling of contentious development applications becoming accepted as a routine part of the processes of development control. It uses three case studies drawn from the University of Adelaide’s work with the City of Adelaide in Australia to delineate the role of 3D computer models of proposed new buildings and their immediate surroundings in the public understanding of the streetscape, neighbourhood context, overshadowing and overlooking implications of the proposals.
keywords	3D City Modeling
series	CAADRIA
last changed	2022/06/07 07:54

_id	0024
authors	Breen, J. and Dijk, T. van
year	1997
title	Modelling for eye level composition; design media experiments in an educational setting.
source	Architectural and Urban Simulation Techniques in Research and Education [Proceedings of the 3rd European Architectural Endoscopy Association Conference / ISBN 90-407-1669-2]
summary	In order to simulate the visual effects of designs at eye level, it is necessary to construct models from which (sequences of) images can be taken. This holds true for both Optical Endoscopy and Computer Aided Visualisation techniques. In what ways can an eye level approach stimulate spatial awareness and create insights into the workings of a design concept? Can Endoscopic methods be used effectively as a creative environment for design decision-making and teamwork and even to stimulate the generation of new design ideas? How should modelmaking be considered if it is to be of use in an ‘impatient’ design process, and how can students be made aware of the opportunities of both direct eye level observations from design models and of the more sophisticated endoscopic imaging techniques? This paper explores the theme of eye level modelling by focusing on a number of formal exercises and educational experiments carried out by the Delft Media group in recent years. An attempt is made to describe and evaluate these experiences, in order to draw conclusions and to signal possible new opportunities for eye level composition for the benefit of both design education and practice...
keywords	Architectural Endoscopy, Endoscopy, Simulation, Visualisation, Visualization, Real Environments
series	EAEA
email
more	http://www.bk.tudelft.nl/media/eaea/eaea97.html
last changed	2005/09/09 10:43

_id	a4ae
authors	Breen, J.L.H. and Stellingwerff, M.C.
year	1997
title	IMAGING IMAGINATION WORKSHOP
source	Architectural and Urban Simulation Techniques in Research and Education [Proceedings of the 3rd European Architectural Endoscopy Association Conference / ISBN 90-407-1669-2]
summary	The workshop Imaging Imagination attempted to bring experts from different institutes together within the framework of a creative exercise, which might stimulate comparison of different results and lead to an exchange of ideas. Results: 7 endoscope presentations and 7 computer presentations, result of the Questionnaire, a Discussion and Conclusions. Presented in the conference proceedings and on website: http://www.bk.tudelft.nl/media/eaea/imim/index.html
keywords	Architectural Endoscopy, Endoscopy, Simulation, Visualisation, Visualization, Real Environments
series	EAEA
type	normal paper
email
more	http://www.bk.tudelft.nl/media/eaea/imim/index.html
last changed	2005/09/09 10:43

_id	472d
authors	Burry, Mark and Murray, Zolna
year	1997
title	Architectural Design Based on Parametric Variation and Associative Geometry
source	Challenges of the Future [15th eCAADe Conference Proceedings / ISBN 0-9523687-3-0] Vienna (Austria) 17-20 September 1997
doi	https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.ecaade.1997.x.h5q
summary	This paper considers the role of the computer for detailed design within the wider architectural design process. The central proposition is that parametric modelling software is invaluable for both preliminary and developed design where there is a need for the definition, manipulation and visualisation of complex geometry. The paper begins with a definition of 'parametric design' followed by a consideration of its potential to assist or hinder the designer. A worked example will demonstrate how the elements that make up a model can be referenced to each other using a number of clearly defined constraints, the completed model being changed, modified and regenerated while conforming to pre-set conditions. This will be followed by a report on research into the implications of parametric design modelling applied retrospectively to Jørn Utzon's documented design process for the Sydney Opera House. The study analyses how conventional modelling coped with the manipulation of these forms and compares this with the potential of computer-aided iterative design refinement.
keywords	Architectural Design, Geometry, Parametric Variation
series	eCAADe
email
more	http://info.tuwien.ac.at/ecaade/proc/burry/default.htm
last changed	2022/06/07 07:50

_id	79ec
authors	Cabral Fihlo, J.
year	1997
title	Formal Games and Interactive Design: Computers as Formal Devices for Informal Interaction between Clients and Architects
source	University of Sheffield, School of Architectural Studies
series	thesis:PhD
last changed	2003/02/12 22:37

_id	35a1
authors	Caneparo, L.
year	1997
title	Shared Information System for Urban and Architectural Design
source	Coyne, R. Ramscar, M. Lee, J. and Zreik, K. (eds.) Design and the net. Proceedings of the Sixth International EuropIA Conference, Europia Productions, Paris, pp. 39-52
summary	This paper briefly describes the implementation of an Internet-intranet information system applied to a large-scale project. The large-scale project is centered on the urban area around the Porta Susa railway station in Turin, Italy. The information system integrates the communicative tools used to facilitate and improve the collaboration between the different actors working on the project and the distributed environment used to elaborate the information across a wide area network. The main factors considered are those which exploit the potentialities of computers and networks for interaction and communication. One result is the possibility of interacting dynamically with the information, re-elaborating and distributing it in progress. The information systems opens different ways of collaboration between the project employees, and extends the participation in the project to the citizens.
series	other
email
last changed	2003/04/23 15:14

_id	d60a
authors	Casti, J.C.
year	1997
title	Would be Worlds: How simulation is changing the frontiers of science
source	John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York.
summary	Five Golden Rules is caviar for the inquiring reader. Anyone who enjoyed solving math problems in high school will be able to follow the author's explanations, even if high school was a long time ago. There is joy here in watching the unfolding of these intricate and beautiful techniques. Casti's gift is to be able to let the nonmathematical reader share in his understanding of the beauty of a good theory.-Christian Science Monitor "[Five Golden Rules] ranges into exotic fields such as game theory (which played a role in the Cuban Missile Crisis) and topology (which explains how to turn a doughnut into a coffee cup, or vice versa). If you'd like to have fun while giving your brain a first-class workout, then check this book out."-San Francisco Examiner "Unlike many popularizations, [this book] is more than a tour d'horizon: it has the power to change the way you think. Merely knowing about the existence of some of these golden rules may spark new, interesting-maybe even revolutionary-ideas in your mind. And what more could you ask from a book?"-New Scientist "This book has meat! It is solid fare, food for thought . . . makes math less forbidding, and much more interesting."-Ben Bova, The Hartford Courant "This book turns math into beauty."-Colorado Daily "John Casti is one of the great science writers of the 1990s."-San Francisco Examiner In the ever-changing world of science, new instruments often lead to momentous discoveries that dramatically transform our understanding. Today, with the aid of a bold new instrument, scientists are embarking on a scientific revolution as profound as that inspired by Galileo's telescope. Out of the bits and bytes of computer memory, researchers are fashioning silicon surrogates of the real world-elaborate "artificial worlds"-that allow them to perform experiments that are too impractical, too costly, or, in some cases, too dangerous to do "in the flesh." From simulated tests of new drugs to models of the birth of planetary systems and galaxies to computerized petri dishes growing digital life forms, these laboratories of the future are the essential tools of a controversial new scientific method. This new method is founded not on direct observation and experiment but on the mapping of the universe from real space into cyberspace. There is a whole new science happening here-the science of simulation. The most exciting territory being mapped by artificial worlds is the exotic new frontier of "complex, adaptive systems." These systems involve living "agents" that continuously change their behavior in ways that make prediction and measurement by the old rules of science impossible-from environmental ecosystems to the system of a marketplace economy. Their exploration represents the horizon for discovery in the twenty-first century, and simulated worlds are charting the course. In Would-Be Worlds, acclaimed author John Casti takes readers on a fascinating excursion through a number of remarkable silicon microworlds and shows us how they are being used to formulate important new theories and to solve a host of practical problems. We visit Tierra, a "computerized terrarium" in which artificial life forms known as biomorphs grow and mutate, revealing new insights into natural selection and evolution. We play a game of Balance of Power, a simulation of the complex forces shaping geopolitics. And we take a drive through TRANSIMS, a model of the city of Albuquerque, New Mexico, to discover the root causes of events like traffic jams and accidents. Along the way, Casti probes the answers to a host of profound questions these "would-be worlds" raise about the new science of simulation. If we can create worlds inside our computers at will, how real can we say they are? Will they unlock the most intractable secrets of our universe? Or will they reveal instead only the laws of an alternate reality? How "real" do these models need to be? And how real can they be? The answers to these questions are likely to change the face of scientific research forever.
series	other
last changed	2003/04/23 15:14

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