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The development of a framework for inter-diciplinary building design working, and the application of intelligent knowledge-base system techniques

This work aims at establishing a framework for inter-disciplinary building design working, and developing a computer-based design aid which demonstrates the framework as well as enhancing the effective use of design information using intelligent knowledge-based system (IKBS) techniques. Design activities were initially discussed in logical terms taking account of stereotypes as starting points for design solutions. A conceptual model of design activities was then proposed, where these were characterised in terms of three different features, i.e. information, design decision and performance. Subsequently, the building design process was structured into a hierarchy of design issues and design tasks, and was then described rationally, relating to the conceptual model, in terms of three kinds of design variables, i.e. information, design decision and performance variables. The information regarding the design process was, meanwhile, elicited from publications with particular reference to daylighting and lighting design aspects, and itemised into a number of knowledge units. Based on this information, a framework for inter-disciplinary building design working was eventually developed, where design activities are considered in terms of the relationships between the design variables, and, as a result, a logical sequence of the design process was established. In order to clarify the parallel inter-disciplinary aspects of the building design process, the design knowledge was examined based upon the framework, and, eventually, developed into a checklist for inter-disciplinary building design working which has a process-checking capability. Subsequently, a prototype knowledge-based system was developed on the basis of the framework, using a commercially available expert system shell, Leonardo. Examples of stereotypes also formed a part of its knowledge. Demonstrating the checklist for inter- disciplinary design working, this prototype knowledge-based system proved the viability of the checklist approach, as well as showing its process checking capability. It also exhibited its potential ability to provide appropriate information at pertinent stages.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:490850
Date January 1997
CreatorsYamakawa, Shigeki
ContributorsBatty, W. J.
PublisherCranfield University
Source SetsEthos UK
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeElectronic Thesis or Dissertation
Sourcehttp://dspace.lib.cranfield.ac.uk/handle/1826/3287

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