Figure 2
The flowchart shows a vertical rectangle labeled “(1)” at the upper left, containing three stacked dotted rectangular blocks labeled “Design parameters”, “Energy ratings”, and “Real-time sensor data”. From these blocks, three dotted arrows labeled “I o T sensors” point to a block labeled “Timber buildings”, which includes a sheet icon containing data points. Arrows labeled “Collect” extend from this block, followed by a right-pointing arrow leading to “Layer one”, shown as a rectangular block labeled “Data input”, positioned above a database icon. A right-pointing arrow leads to “Layer two”, shown as a rectangular block labeled “Preprocessing” with analysis icons. From “Layer two”, a downward arrow connects to “Layer three”, shown as a rectangular block labeled “Constraint setting for deconstruction and reuse”, with interlocking puzzle-piece-like shapes displayed directly below it. To the right of “Layer three”, stage three is depicted with a left-pointing arrow labeled “Setup” from a dashed rectangle labeled “Constraint definition and goal setting for deconstruction and reuse”, which connects to a dashed rectangular block below labeled “Constraints, for example, standard dimensions, connection type, timber reuse”. From “Layer three”, a left-pointing arrow connects to “Layer four”, shown as a rectangular block labeled “Model training and optimization layer”, which is directly associated with a nearby dashed rectangle on its left. A dotted block labeled “Algorithms, for example, neural networks” connects by a dotted vertical line to a dashed rectangle below labeled “Techniques, for example, heuristic methods, simulated annealing, genetic algorithms”. From this dotted vertical line, another dotted line leads to a dotted block on the right labeled “Train M L models and apply optimization techniques”, which then connects by a dotted right-pointing arrow to “Layer four”, illustrated with a rising bar chart icon. A downward arrow from “Layer four” labeled “Simulation and evaluation (5)” leads to “Layer five”, shown as a rectangular block labeled “Generative design tools”. This block is connected to a dashed rectangle labeled “Software, for example, Revit” and to a drawing file icon labeled “D W G”. A right-pointing arrow labeled “Final design solution” connects to “Layer six”, shown as a rectangular block labeled “Output layer”, marked with the number six and illustrated with a document icon and a check mark. A further right-pointing arrow labeled “Storage” leads to “Layer seven”, shown as a rectangular block labeled “User interface and cloud services”, illustrated with a cloud icon, indicating final storage and user access.A diagrammatic theoretical model of an AI-powered CE system for future deconstruction and reuse in timber construction. Source: Authors’ own work