Algorithms — Phase 8 Suite

Route: /algorithms
Purpose: Execute specialist, computationally intensive AEC algorithms directly on the Purple8 Knowledge Graph to validate, optimize, and generate architectural solutions.

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1. What are the Phase 8 Algorithms?

In traditional BIM, analysis happens reactively at the end of a design phase: an architect exports a model to a structural engineer or a sustainability consultant, waits weeks for the analysis, and then retroactively fixes mistakes.

The Phase 8 Algorithms flip this paradigm. They are a suite of 12 graph-native, high-performance computational engines that run proactively and continuously. Because the building is represented as a mathematical graph (nodes and edges) rather than heavy 3D geometry, these algorithms can solve complex spatial, physical, and environmental equations in milliseconds rather than hours.

Proactive vs. Reactive Modes

• Proactive (Generative): During the early design phases (via the LAD Engine), algorithms like Space Syntax and Solar Optimization act as constraints. Before a room is even placed, the algorithms tell the AI where the optimal daylight and foot traffic zones are. The design is generated around the algorithmic rules.
• Reactive (Validation): During Technical Design, algorithms like Structural Sizing, MEP Clash Detection, and Egress Pathfinding run continuously in the background. If you manually move a load-bearing column in the BIM Viewport, the Structural algorithm instantly flags a span failure, preventing building code violations before they are committed to the Journey ledger.

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2. The 12 Algorithms Explained

Algorithm	Phase	How it Helps	Mode
8.1 Space Syntax	Concept	Predicts human movement and footfall by analyzing the topological connectivity of spaces. Helps optimize retail layouts, natural wayfinding, and avoid "dead zones."	Proactive & Reactive
8.2 Solar & Daylight	Concept	Simulates solar paths, shadow casting, and lux levels. Helps reduce artificial lighting costs and ensures regulatory compliance for habitable rooms.	Proactive
8.3 Structural Analysis	Technical	Calculates load paths, bending moments, and shear forces across the graph. Helps instantly size beams, slabs, and columns without waiting for structural engineers.	Reactive Validation
8.4 MEP Systems	Technical	Routes ductwork and plumbing through the shortest graph paths while avoiding structural nodes. Helps guarantee serviceability and eliminates costly on-site clashes.	Proactive Routing
8.5 Cost Database	All Phases	Continuously cross-references spatial and material nodes against live market rates. Helps project managers track real-time elemental cost benchmarking to avoid budget overruns.	Reactive Tracking
8.6 Façade Optimisation	Technical	Balances glazing ratios against thermal performance (U-values) and solar gain. Helps optimize the envelope for LEED/BREEAM scoring while maintaining aesthetic intent.	Proactive
8.7 Acoustic Modelling	Technical	Analyzes reverberation times and sound transmission limits between adjacent space nodes. Helps ensure privacy in healthcare, offices, and residential party walls.	Reactive Validation
8.8 Landscape & Ecology	Concept	Evaluates site context for Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) and stormwater runoff. Helps integrate the building seamlessly into its natural or urban ecosystem.	Proactive
8.9 Fire & Life Safety	Technical	Calculates maximum travel distances and compartmentalization rules based on ingested Building Codes. Helps ensure egress compliance under strict regulatory frameworks.	Reactive Validation
8.10 MPNN Physics	Research	Uses Message Passing Neural Networks as rapid surrogates for slow physical simulations (like CFD wind analysis). Helps approximate complex physics millions of times faster than traditional methods.	Proactive
8.11 Hypergraph	Research	Models complex multi-way relationships (where one relationship connects 3+ elements). Helps solve highly intricate coordination issues in dense, mixed-use megaprojects.	Generative
8.12 Advanced IFC	Tying	Enriches and repairs broken geometry from imported IFC models. Helps clean up messy consultant inputs and maps them into the strict Graph schema.	Reactive Healing

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3. Running an Algorithm

1. Navigate to /algorithms.
2. Select the algorithm suite you need.
3. Provide the Project ID representing the graph model you want to analyze.
4. Click Run.
5. JSON Return: Because Purple8 computes on the graph, results return in seconds. The JSON output includes the raw metrics, pass/fail compliance checks, and a cot_steps (Chain of Thought) log that explains exactly why the algorithm made its decisions.

3.1 Understanding the Output

When an algorithm runs, it doesn't just output numbers; it returns contextual reasoning:

{
  "phase": "space-syntax",
  "algorithm": "Space Syntax Analysis",
  "success": true,
  "result": {
    "integration_mean": 0.72,
    "integration_max": 0.91,
    "integration_min": 0.43,
    "recommendations": ["Relocate café to node 7 for maximum footfall"]
  },
  "cot_steps": [
    "Loaded 24 space nodes and 31 connectivity edges",
    "Computed angular segment analysis at radius 400m",
    "Integration range: 0.43 (lowest: staircore) to 0.91 (highest: main entrance hall)",
    "Recommendation generated based on retail visibility thresholds"
  ],
  "duration_ms": 3241
}

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4. Recommended Algorithm Pipelines

To maximize value, it is recommended to chain algorithms back-to-back:

• For Residential:
  1. Space Syntax (Maximize daylight/views) → 2. Acoustic Modelling (Party wall privacy) → 3. Cost Tracking.
• For Commercial Office:
  1. Space Syntax (Core to perimeter depth) → 2. MEP Systems (Duct routing) → 3. Façade Optimisation.
• For Healthcare:
  1. Space Syntax (Staff travel distances) → 2. Acoustic (Patient privacy) → 3. Fire & Life Safety (Evacuation).