This monograph describes a method for generating models of virtual buildings based on an approach that combines a virtual building ontology with procedural modeling techniques. The main features of the method are the abilities to model buildings of arbitrary convex shape (extended to non-convex shapes by the means of adding disposable filler areas) and produce building models quickly and with minimal inputs. The floor plans thus generated have been converted to 3D models by a combination of rule-based extrusion and addition of realism by decorative and architectural enhancements (apparently specific to the building type and architectural style).

The monograph is derived from the first author’s doctoral dissertation and the structure is as can be expected from a dissertation. There are eight chapters, including an introduction and literature review followed by four that progressively develop the approach, starting with a description of the building ontology and procedural framework basis and ending with the capability of modeling buildings of arbitrary shapes. Evaluation and summary chapters round out the work, and include a discussion of future possibilities in the development of the method.

The method has been evaluated by constructing models of ancient Roman residences as well as exploring architectural possibilities selected within the constraints of Portuguese building regulations for home construction. This is a competent contribution to the incremental advance of approaches and techniques in generating building models, and should be an interesting direction for future refinements, useful both for archaeological reconstruction and visualization as well as addressing problems in the generation of virtual environments.