In the ever-evolving landscape of residential construction, a groundbreaking method is emerging that promises to revolutionize how we design living spaces. Researchers, led by Zijin Qiu from the Key Laboratory of New Technology for Construction of Cities in Mountain Area at Chongqing University, have developed a novel approach to residential layout generation using the Stable Diffusion model. This innovation, published in the journal *Developments in the Built Environment* (translated as “Advances in the Built Environment”), could significantly impact the construction and energy sectors by making design processes more flexible and controllable.
Traditionally, residential layout design has relied heavily on rule-based or graph-based generation methods. These approaches, while effective, often lack the flexibility and adaptability needed to meet diverse design requirements. Qiu and his team have addressed this challenge by introducing a multimodal approach that incorporates natural language as design constraints. “Our method enables both professionals and non-professionals to directly express design requirements, providing a more flexible and controllable design process,” Qiu explains.
The key to this innovation lies in the use of ControlNet, a component that allows for the generation of controllable layouts through two distinct pathways. This dual-path approach enhances the diversity and adaptability of the design process, making it easier to meet specific project needs. Additionally, the team has developed a knowledge graph and natural language mapping scheme to provide an interpretable representation of design knowledge. This scheme leverages the comprehensibility of natural language and the diversity of input options, further enhancing the flexibility of the design process.
The implications for the construction and energy sectors are profound. By enabling more flexible and controllable design processes, this method can help optimize the use of space and resources, leading to more efficient and sustainable residential layouts. “This research has the potential to shape future developments in the field by providing a more intuitive and adaptable design tool,” Qiu notes.
Comparative and ablation experiments have verified the controllability and diversity of the two proposed design paths under multimodal constraints. These findings suggest that the method could be a game-changer in the way residential layouts are designed and constructed.
As the construction industry continues to evolve, innovations like this one will play a crucial role in shaping the future of residential design. By making the design process more accessible and adaptable, this method could help meet the growing demand for sustainable and efficient living spaces. The research published in *Developments in the Built Environment* marks a significant step forward in this direction, offering a glimpse into the future of residential layout generation.