Work

Local software: Integrated design and geo-computing workflows for urban design

Year: 2025

Type: software-paper

Abstract: Local Software (LS) bridges the infrastructural incompatibility between Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for urban design workflows. The framework introduces Site Packages (SP), a cross-platform information model based on GeoJSON, enabling seamless integration between design and analysis tools. LS provides a web interface and open-source plugins for Grasshopper, Dynamo, and QGIS, allowing designers to parametrically generate networked urban interventions while evaluating their ecological and social impacts. Case studies have demonstrated that proposals created following the LS framework can replace 88-96% of traditional stormwater systems at 50% lower cost, while enhancing urban resilience, reducing heat island effects, and providing community benefits.

Source: SoftwareX

DOI: 10.1016/j.softx.2025.102457

Authors: Carlos Sandoval Olascoaga, Nicholas de Monchaux

Institutions: Northeastern University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Architecture and Computational Design

Subfield: Architecture

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Sustainable cities and communities, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,200