A framework for multi-user distributed virtual environments (DVEs) has been proposed. The proposed framework, incorporating two models (the functional model and the interconnection model), attempts to represent the common functionality, communication issues and requirements found in multi-user DVEs. The functional model concentrates on the DVE's functionality, while the interconnection model concentrates on how the components are interconnected to realize the required functionality. The models have been specified using the Unified Modeling Language (UML). An experimental case study demonstrates the applicability and generality of the proposed approach.