Topologic: exploring spatial reasoning through geometry, topology, and semantics

This paper presents Topologic, a software modelling library that supports a comprehensive conceptual framework for the hierarchical spatial representation of buildings based on the data structures and concepts of non-manifold topology (NMT). Topologic supports conceptual design and spatial reasoning through the integration of geometry, topology, and semantics. This enables architects and designers to reflect on their design decisions before the complexities of building information modelling (BIM) set in. The paper summarizes related work on NMT starting in the late 1980s, describes Topologic’s software architecture, methods, and classes and discusses how Topologic’s features support conceptual design and spatial reasoning. The paper includes a report on a software usability workshop that was conducted to validate a software evaluation methodology and reports on the collected qualitative data. The paper concludes with reflection on Topologic’s features and how it enables a shift from pursuing fidelity of design form to pursuing fidelity of design intent.