ArchiDiffusion: A novel diffusion model connecting architectural layout generation from sketches to Shear Wall Design

Shear wall structures are widely used in residential and office buildings, but the overall design process is complex and inefficient. This study introduces a novel diffusion-based model, named ArchiDiffusion, designed to revolutionize the generation of architectural floor plans from user-drawn sketches. ArchiDiffusion employs a two-stage process that ensures both creativity and practicality, setting a new standard in automated design. Embedded within the End-to-End Shear Wall Design (EESD) framework, ArchiDiffusion seamlessly integrates with existing structural design processes, including the previously developed StructDiffusion model, to streamline the traditionally complex and inefficient design workflow. Experimental results demonstrate that ArchiDiffusion significantly outperforms existing models in layout generation, reducing design time and enhancing project quality. A case study reveals that the EESD framework, powered by ArchiDiffusion, increases the design efficiency by 50 times compared to traditional workflows. Notably, ArchiDiffusion achieves a 9.6%–15.2% improvement in layout generation accuracy over traditional GAN-based models, while the EESD framework demonstrates an approximate 20% enhancement in overall building performance, as measured by energy efficiency and spatial optimization metrics. This research highlights the significant potential of ArchiDiffusion in intelligent design processes for shear wall residential buildings, offering a promising solution to the challenges faced in integrating architectural and structural design. •Novel ArchiDiffusion model for architectural layout generation from sketches.•Two-stage generation process enhancing stability and flexibility of results.•End-to-End Shear Wall Design framework integrating intelligent design workflow.