Past and Current
Research
My research operates at the intersection of computational design, artificial intelligence, and digital fabrication. I develop AI-driven decision-support frameworks, robotic fabrication workflows, and circular structural systems to enable sustainable, low-carbon architecture.
- Design computation
- Sustainability
- Robotics & Fabrication
Publications
- 2026
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Conference paper
Reconstructing A Pattern Language: Emergent Asian Cities and Airports Transformation, Analogy with American and European Cities
Tse, S.S.L, Lin, V.Y.C, and Chien, S.T
Proceedings of the Twelth International Conference on Design Computing and Cognition (DCC’26)
Abstract and links
A fundamental friction in urban analytics exists between subjective human-centric experience and objective measurable functionality. This paper aims at decoding the morphological and social implications of airport-driven development through a hybrid design methodology integrating the qualitative principles of Christopher Alexander's A Pattern Language with the quantitative rigour of Space Syntax. The research analyses altered accessibility, connectivity, intelligibility, and public spaces in rapidly transforming Asian cities undergoing airport expansions or new constructions, and situates them against American and European counterparts. The findings reveal a critical mechanism of "Structural Compatibility": in Bangkok, an "Integration Gap" marginalises airports as isolated logistical zone severed from the city’s "Path" structure. Conversely, Hong Kong and Shenzhen illustrate how high-integration corridors can artificially engineer "Functional Symbiosis", mimicking the organic integration in cities like New York and New Jersey, while London relies on a structural "Integration Plateau". The paper concludes that airport-driven urbanisation is most successful when intense accessibility and functional public spaces converge to form distributed "Activity Nodes" , which only stabilise where spatial integration aligns with social opportunity. Ultimately, this research contributes a generative topological tool that restores "design agency" to the planning process, enabling the shift from maximising logistical capacity to verifying "Civic Integration".
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Doctoral Thesis
Early-Stage Architectural Design Decision Support via Monte Carlo Tree Search and Generative AI
Lin, V.Y.C.
Abstract and links
Early-stage architectural design is both critical and uncertain, as decisions made with limited information shape a project’s performance, feasibility, and aesthetics. Existing computational tools, while effective for analysis, often depend on linear workflows that limit large-scale exploration and human–AI collaboration.
This research proposes a computational framework using Monte Carlo Tree Search (MCTS) as a decision-support mechanism, integrated with generative artificial intelligence (AI) to balance systematic search and creative synthesis in conceptual design. A simplified façade design case study demonstrates the framework’s iterative process of exploration, evaluation, and refinement.
Results show that MCTS enables structured decision-making under uncertainty, while generative AI enhances visual interpretation and communication. Together, they establish a workflow that supports adaptive, data-informed, and expressive design outcomes, providing a foundation for integrating algorithmic reasoning and creative intuition in early-stage architectural design. - 2025
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Journal article
AI-Augmented Parametric Façade Design: Exploring MCTS for Early-Stage Decision-Making
Lin, V.Y.C., and Shih, S.G.
Nexus Network Journal, 27(619-638)
Abstract and links
This paper explores the concept of integrating generative AI and Monte Carlo Tree Search (MCTS) into facade design processes. The integration is envisioned as a collaboration between the machine and architect, leveraging the unique strengths of each. The proposed workflow uses MCTS to estimate the potential impact of design decisions on embodied carbon and thermal performance. Selected solutions are visually presented to the architect using generative AI. A simplified orthogonal architecture facade design process validates this approach. Our key findings indicate that the MCTS-assisted workflow may facilitate a broader exploration of design solutions and supports informed decision-making in the early design stages. The integration of qualitative visual feedback alongside quantitative data offers architects a more holistic understanding of design options.
- 2023
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Conference paper
On the Math-inspired Sustainable Skyscraper Design
Lin, V.Y.C., Lin, J.Y., Shih, S.G., Chuang, G.L. and Tan, D.H.
Nexus Network Journal, 25 Suppl 1(87-94)
Abstract and links
This paper discusses how mathematics can inspire and streamline design concepts to integrate form, structure, performance, and construction. It is illustrated by a case study of a sustainable and reconfigurable skyscraper designed by graduate students. The design incorporates logarithmic spirals, Penrose tiling, and topological interlocking, and is modeled generatively.
- 2022
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Journal article
Topological Interlocking as a Gateway to Circular Design.
Lin, Y.C., and Shih, S.G.
Architecture Science, 26(1-10)
Abstract and links
Circular design is the heart of a circular economy, it emphasizes the importance of designing products to have a regenerative life cycle, being able to be repeatedly repaired, reused, recycled, or transformed. As circular design becomes more prominent in our societal goal of reaching carbon neutrality, the mindset in which we design and build architectural and civil projects has to start to change. By utilizing topological interlocking (TI), a design principle where an element is locked in place by the kinematic constraints provided by its adjacent elements by the element geometry and mutual arrangement, we are relieved of our reliance on binders to build at architectural scales. The possibility of assembly without binders means the elements of the built structure can be disassembled and reused on other projects when required, resulting in an architectural product that matches the core philosophies of circular design. In this paper, a selection of TI systems are presented alongside their potential pertaining to the circular economy in architecture, and the idea of rentable architectural elements is proposed.
- 2022
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Conference paper
Exploration of the Development Process for Robotic Arm Ceramic 3D Printing - A Case Study of Pour-Over Coffee Dripper Design
Lai, W.Y., Kao, Y.H., and Lin, Y.C.
2022 Technology and Education International Conference
機械手臂陶瓷3D 列印開發流程探討—以手沖咖啡濾杯設計為例
賴宛吟, 高宇宏, 林裕傑
2022 明志科技大學技術與教學國際研討會
Abstract and links
In addition to the functional advantages of the material itself, the application of ceramic materials in everyday products holds a unique and fascinating status in craftsmanship and history. With technological advancements, beyond replacing manual labor in industrial applications, the multi-axis capability and automated workflows of robotic arms combined with parametric design methods have further expanded the feasibility of ceramic 3D digital fabrication. This study leverages the advantages of multi-axis robotic arm control, using parametric design as a design tool combined with ceramic 3D printing technology to design and fabricate pour-over coffee drippers. The research results indicate that through experimental testing and modifying robotic toolpaths using parametric design to integrate path generation planning, parametric ceramic drippers can indeed be successfully printed; however, the material uncertainty of clay itself and the limitations of robotic 3D printing are key considerations during the design process, and future research will further correlate design and experimental parameters with coffee dripper extraction flow rates so that parametric ceramic coffee drippers can meet customized texture expressions and individual preferences, thereby more effectively facilitating the expansion and development of this technology.
陶瓷材料應用於日常生活的產品除了本身材料的功能性優點外，在工藝及歷史上有 著其獨特且迷人的地位。隨著科技的演進，機械手臂除了於工業上取代人力之應用之外，其多軸向及自動化工作流程結合參數式設計方法，更擴展了陶瓷3D 數位製造的可行性。本研究即運用機器手臂多軸向控制的優勢，以參數式設計作為設計工具結合陶瓷3D 列印技術進行手沖咖啡濾杯設計及製作。從研究結果可知，經由實驗測試及修改機械手臂路徑以參數式設計整合規劃路徑生成的方法，確實可以成功列印出參數式陶瓷濾杯，但陶土材料本身的不確定性及手臂進行3D 列印的侷限是設計過程中必須考量的重點，後續研究會進一步將設計、實驗參數及咖啡濾杯萃取流速連結，使參數式陶瓷咖啡濾杯符合客製化的紋理表現及個人喜好的需求，將能更有效地幫助此技術之拓展及開發。
- 2018
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Master Thesis
Optimizing Robotic Systems and Strategies for Digital Manufacturing of Experimental Wood Joinery Structures
Lin, Y.C.
Abstract and links
Traditionally, the making of wood joinery is a very laborious and time-consuming process which requires a wealth of knowledge and experience. In this age of advanced technologies, how can robots, digitalization and parametric design be leveraged to empower a designer in manufacturing? Using methods of digitalization to establish a relationship between digital and physical world, thus enabling a digital design workflow that is not just pure digital, but also informed by the physical world information. This paper documents the learning process and research of practising wood joinery structure manufacturing in an age of digitalization and automation.
Grants and projects
- 2026
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Researcher
Open-Source AI × BIM: Digital Knowledge Supply Chain and AI Agent Development for the AEC Industry
開源AI × BIM 建築產業數位知識供應鏈及AI Agent開發
Architecture and Building Research Institute (ABRI), Ministry of the Interior
Project No. 11515G3005, NT$ 1,390,000
- 2025 - 2026
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Co-Principal Investigator
Strategies and Models of Sustainable Modular Architectural Design in a Circular Economy
循環經濟下永續模組化建築設計之策略與模式
National Science and Technology Council (NSTC)
Project No. 114-2222-E-239-001-, NT$ 719,145
- 2025
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Principal Investigator
Performance Evaluation of Intelligent Upgrades for Timber Construction Equipment
木構生產設備智慧升級績效評估
Fure Jang Enterprise Co. Ltd. · Industry-Academia Collaboration
Project No. 012286-01459, NT$ 290,000
- 2025
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Researcher
Research on AI Agent Systems for Low-Carbon, High-Efficiency Multi-Objective Architectural Design Decision Support
建築設計低碳高效多目標決策輔助的 AI 代理系統之研究
Architecture and Building Research Institute (ABRI), Ministry of the Interior
Project No. 11415G0014, NT$ 1,416,000
- 2024 - 2025
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Researcher
Exploration of Constructing Resuable and Sustainable Acoustic Noise-Reducing Panels for Outdoor Environments
建構室外環境可永續循環利用的聲學降噪板材探討及應用
Taiwan-Austria Academic Research Cooperation Project, Ministry of Education
Project No. 113DI081, NT$ 1,000,000
- 2024 - 2025
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Technical Consultant
Chiayi Urban Railway Elevated Project (Jiabei Station)
嘉義市區鐵路高架化計畫（嘉北站）
CCI Co., Ltd. · Industry Service
- 2024
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Researcher
Integrating BIM and AI for Low-Carbon Architectural Design Decision Support
整合BIM 與人工智慧之低碳建築設計決策輔助
Architecture and Building Research Institute (ABRI), Ministry of the Interior
Project No. 11362G0012, NT$ 1,385,000
- 2023 - 2024
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Researcher
Using Drones to Document the Living Environment of Riverside Communities around Asunción Old Town for Flood Impact Mitigation
University Social Responsibility (USR) Hub Seed Project, NTUST
Project No. 112O4611 / 113O4610, NT$ 1,200,000
- 2021 - 2022
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Researcher
Investigation and Application of Geometric Collage-Generated Smart Building Skins for Acoustic, Lighting, and Green Energy Performance
幾何拼貼生成的智慧建築皮層與其聲、光與綠能探討及應用
Taiwan-Austria Academic Research Cooperation Project, Ministry of Education
NT$ 1,000,000
- 2019
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Principal Investigator
Digital Architectural Model 3D Printing and Fabrication
數位建築模型列印製造
BAF Foundation · Industry-Academia Collaboration
Project No. 008627-01220, NT$ 49,555