Automated solution techniques for spatial allocation problems have long been an interest of researchers in the Computer-Aided Design ("CAD") field. The first algorithms for solving layout problems were developed over 25 years ago. SABA (Stacking and Blocking Algorithm) was originally developed as a batch program on a mainframe and was incorporated into one of the first commercially-available automated facility management and planning products. In this original form, SABA was sold extensively worldwide and utilized on mainframe and minicomputer platforms. In addition, SABA was licensed to several major CAD corporations who incorporated it as the layout engine in their products which were sold to customers worldwide. SABA has been in the field now for over 15 years and has proved useful and robust. It has been, and continues to be used on a wide variety of projects ranging from normal office space to factory floor layouts.
Lately there has been a surge in the penetration of PC usage in corporations due to the ever-growing popularity of applications based on Microsoft's Windows. The newest version of SABA takes advantage of this new environment by combining an intuitive, easy to use Windows interface with the powerful, proven SABA algorithm. It is therefore not only sophisticated and easy to use, priced at under $2,000 it is within your budget.
(back)
The SABA for Windows system is designed to aid in the solution of space planning problems that are concerned with issues of operating efficiency while addressing the particular considerations of how space is represented; how layouts are generated; and how alternative plans are compared and evaluated. The objective is to generate a facilities plan which satisfies the floor space needs and adjacency requirements of all groups (entities or functions) while at the same time minimizing cost.
The system can be used for the allocation of space in a new building or reassignment of space in an existing building. As such it is a powerful tool for a variety of users:
During the conceptual design phase, WinSABA can be used by designers and space planners to test alternative building configurations.
Facilities Planners/Managers can utilize the system for ongoing space management answering such questions as:
In all these space planning problems the key criteria addressed are communications requirements between corporate entities, space needs of individual activities, management location preference considerations and, of course, cost.
(back)
The author of WinSABA, Robin Liggett, is a Professor in the Department of Architecture and Urban Design at University of California, Los Angeles, where she teaches courses in quantitative methods and computer applications. Her research emphasis is in the development of interactive computer graphic aides to design and decision making. She has focused on algorithms for optimal space allocation in the facilities management field; and the development of tools for real-time 3-D visual simulation of urban environments.
Eric Schreuder
B. Arch., (Witwatersrand University)
M. Arch., (UCLA)
Eric Schreuder is an Architect by training with extensive experience in the design and development of automated facility management applications. He is an independent consultant and continues to specialize in integrating mainframe databases with databases and CAD systems on all platforms; the custom development of Windows-based data base management systems (DBMS) applications; and the customization of AutoCAD third-party developer products such as Archibus and Softdesk.
