The development of interactive strategic design environments

Abstract

The use of knowledge based systems to enhance the opportunity for an interdisciplinary approach to the design of buildings has been considered. The problems of maintaining good communication between members of the team have been examined with regard to the timing of design decisions by individuals from particular professional backgrounds. It is contended that the development of design tools utilizing the attributes of knowledge based systems would improve the productivity of the design process and reduce the design cycle time by acting as data base handlers, information exchanges and by providing search facilities. This latter function would check decisions for possible problems with regard to other aspects of the design, compliance with statuory requirements and help to ensure a quality assured product which satisfies the performance targets set by a client. In order for a flexible, intelligent design aid to be developed there is a need to establish a model of the design process and in particular the timing of decisions. The work carried out to date suggests that a checklist approach can provide such a structure. It is hoped the development of design tools in this manner will lead to improvements in process efficiency and to the exploration of design alternatives, rather than be used to reduce costs alone.