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iArch Lab

Computational Design & AI in Architecture

Recent Updates

Stay updated with our latest projects, news, and events

Kinetic 2 Workshop's Outcome booklet
2025 Workshop

Kinetic 2 Workshop's Outcome booklet

View the outcome booklet from the Kinetic 2 Workshop

Deep Learning Online Course
2025-10-17 Online Course

Recent Online Course: Deep Learning

22 sessions

Research Position
2025 Research Position

Research Position Application

Apply for research positions, workshops, online courses, or industry meetings

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About iArch Lab

We are pioneers in computational design and artificial intelligence applications in architecture, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the built environment.

The Computational Design and Artificial Intelligence in Architecture Research Laboratory is a dynamic and innovative platform for passionate researchers who have embarked on their scientific and professional journey in the field of digital architecture and artificial intelligence with deep motivation, and are persistently expanding their expertise.

This laboratory was established in 2024 at Iran University of Science and Technology under the direction of Dr. Morteza Rahbar. A group of distinguished and active researchers in the field of digital design and artificial intelligence in architecture have come together in this collective to develop and research the latest scientific achievements in this field.

In this laboratory, beyond theoretical knowledge development, we pay special attention to its practical applications in the construction industry. By combining artificial intelligence, data analysis, and architectural design, innovative ideas take shape that can transform quality, productivity, and forward-thinking in construction processes. Here, research and practice go hand in hand, redefining the boundaries of architecture.

Iran University of Science and Technology

Established in 2024 as a center of excellence for computational design research

Research Excellence

Bridging theoretical knowledge with practical applications in the construction industry

Our Team

Meet the brilliant minds behind iArch Lab's innovations

Dr. Sarah Chen

Lab Director & AI Researcher

PhD in Computer Science with 15+ years in AI and computational design

Prof. Michael Rodriguez

Senior Architect & Researcher

Master Architect specializing in parametric design and sustainable architecture

Dr. Aisha Patel

Machine Learning Specialist

Expert in neural networks and deep learning applications in design

News & Events

Stay updated with our latest research, publications, and upcoming events

March 15, 2024

AI-Powered Design Tool Wins Innovation Award

Our latest computational design tool has been recognized at the International Architecture Technology Conference.

Upcoming - April 20, 2024

Workshop: Introduction to Parametric Design

Join us for a hands-on workshop exploring the fundamentals of parametric design in architecture.

Our Projects

Explore our comprehensive portfolio of computational design and AI research projects

AI-Driven Form Generation

Exploring machine learning algorithms for architectural form optimization using neural networks and genetic algorithms.

AI Machine Learning

Smart Building Systems

Integrating IoT sensors and AI algorithms to create responsive architectural environments that adapt to user needs.

IoT Smart Systems

Parametric Design Tools

Developing next-generation computational design workflows that enable architects to explore complex geometries.

Parametric Design Tools

Research Groups

Our specialized research teams focus on different aspects of computational design and AI

AI & Machine Learning Group

Led by Dr. Sarah Chen

Focuses on developing AI algorithms for architectural design optimization, form generation, and performance analysis.

Neural Networks Deep Learning Computer Vision

Workshops

Join our hands-on workshops to learn cutting-edge computational design techniques

Introduction to Parametric Design

Learn the fundamentals of parametric design using Grasshopper and Rhino

Duration: 2 days Beginner Level

AI in Architecture

Explore machine learning applications in architectural design and analysis

Duration: 3 days Advanced Level

3D Modeling & Visualization

Master advanced 3D modeling techniques and rendering workflows

Duration: 2 days Intermediate Level

Academic Courses

Comprehensive academic programs in computational design and AI for architecture

Computational Design Fundamentals

A comprehensive introduction to computational thinking in architecture, covering parametric design, algorithmic modeling, and digital fabrication.

12 weeks Graduate Level 3 Credits

Machine Learning for Architects

Learn how to apply machine learning techniques to architectural problems, including form optimization, performance prediction, and design automation.

16 weeks Advanced Level 4 Credits

Student Works

Showcasing exceptional projects and innovations from our talented students

Adaptive Facade System

By: Emma Johnson

A responsive building facade that adapts to environmental conditions using AI-driven sensors and actuators.

AI Sustainability

Generative Urban Planning

By: Alex Chen

Using machine learning to generate optimal urban layouts based on traffic patterns and demographic data.

Urban Design ML

VR Design Collaboration

By: Maria Rodriguez

A virtual reality platform enabling real-time collaborative architectural design across remote locations.

VR Collaboration

Publications

Our research contributions to the field of computational design and AI in architecture

37

Total Publications

34

Journal Articles

3

Conference Papers

11

Publications (2024-2025)

Research Focus Areas

AI in Architecture

Energy Optimization

Computational Design

Building Performance

🆕 Latest Publications (2025)

Our most recent research contributions in computational design and AI applications.

Artificial intelligence approaches to energy management in HVAC systems: A systematic review

S. A. Aghili, A. Haji Mohammad Rezaei, M. Tafazzoli, M. Khanzadi, and M. Rahbar (2025)

Published in: Buildings, Vol. 15, No. 7

🆕 2025 Q2 Journal ISSN: 2075-5309

A comprehensive systematic review of artificial intelligence methodologies applied to energy management in HVAC systems, analyzing current trends and future directions in smart building technologies.

View on Scholar

Useful shadow: A new independent metric to evaluate the overshadowing buildings

N. Hashemi, M. Rahbar, S. Heidari, and P. Mansourimajoumerd (2025)

Published in: Solar Energy Advances, Vol. 5, p. 100086

🆕 2025 Solar Energy Open Access

Introduction of a novel metric for evaluating building overshadowing effects, providing architects and urban planners with improved tools for sustainable design in urban environments.

View on Scholar

Sustainable forestry logistics: Using modified A-star algorithm for efficient timber transportation route optimization

O. Veisi, M. A. Moradi, B. Gharaei, F. J. Maleki, and M. Rahbar (2025)

Published in: Forest Policy and Economics, Vol. 173, p. 103456

🆕 2025 Sustainability Algorithm Optimization

Development of an enhanced A-star pathfinding algorithm for optimizing timber transportation routes in forestry operations, contributing to sustainable logistics and environmental conservation.

View on Scholar

📚 Key Publications (2024)

Major research contributions in computational design, energy optimization, and AI applications.

Revealing connectivity in residential architecture: An algorithmic approach to extracting adjacency matrices from floor plans

M. A. Moradi, O. Mohammadrashidi, N. Niazkar, and M. Rahbar (2024)

Published in: Frontiers of Architectural Research, Vol. 13, No. 2, pp. 370–386

Q1 Journal Algorithmic Design Space Analysis

A novel computational method for automatically analyzing spatial relationships in residential floor plans through adjacency matrix extraction, advancing automated architectural analysis tools.

View on Scholar

Comparative study of optimization methods for building energy consumption and daylighting performance

B. Vojdani, M. Rahbar, M. Fazeli, M. Hakimazari, and H. W. Samuelson (2024)

Published in: Energy and Buildings, Vol. 323, p. 114753

Q1 Journal Energy Optimization Daylighting

Comprehensive comparison of different optimization algorithms for simultaneous energy efficiency and daylighting performance in building design, providing guidelines for optimal method selection.

View on Scholar

🏆 Selected Publications (2023)

Breakthrough research in generative design, optimization, and building performance analysis.

Architectural layout generation using a graph-constrained conditional generative adversarial network (GAN)

M. Aalaei, M. Saadi, M. Rahbar, and A. Ekhlassi (2023)

Published in: Automation in Construction, Vol. 155, p. 105053

Q1 Journal High Impact AI/ML Generative Design

Revolutionary application of GANs for automatically generating architectural layouts with graph constraints, advancing AI-driven design methodologies in architecture.

View on Scholar

🎯 Foundational Works (2022)

Seminal research establishing core methodologies in AI-driven architectural design.

Architectural layout design through deep learning and agent-based modeling: A hybrid approach

M. Rahbar, M. Mahdavinejad, A. H. Markazi, and M. Bemanian (2022)

Published in: Journal of Building Engineering, Vol. 47, p. 103822

Q1 Journal Deep Learning Agent-Based Hybrid Method

Pioneering integration of deep learning with agent-based modeling for architectural layout generation, establishing a foundation for intelligent design automation in architecture.

View on Scholar

🎤 Selected Conference Presentations

Key contributions to international architectural computing conferences.

Application of artificial intelligence in architectural generative design

M. Rahbar (2018)

Presented at: eCAADe 2018: Computing for a better tomorrow, p. 71

International Conference eCAADe Early AI Work

Early exploration of AI applications in generative architectural design, presented at the prestigious European Conference on Architectural Computing.

View on Scholar

Complete Publication List

For a complete and up-to-date list of all 37 publications, citations, and metrics, please visit the Google Scholar profile.

View Google Scholar Profile
Last updated: January 2025

Design Studio

Our collaborative workspace where innovation meets creativity in computational design

State-of-the-Art Facilities

High-Performance Computing Lab

Advanced workstations equipped with powerful GPUs for AI and computational design tasks

Digital Fabrication Workshop

3D printers, laser cutters, and CNC machines for prototyping and model making

VR/AR Experience Center

Immersive virtual and augmented reality systems for design visualization and collaboration

Open 24/7

Our design studio is accessible to students and researchers around the clock, fostering creativity and innovation at any hour.

Contact Us

Get in touch with our team for collaborations, inquiries, or to learn more about our research

Contact Information

Address

Tehran, Narmak, Iran University of Science and Technology, School of Architecture and Environmental Design, iArch Lab

Phone

02173228205

Email

iarchlab@iust.ac.ir

Office Hours

Saturday to Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

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