An Expert System for Generative Architectural Design

The mathematician-architect Christopher Alexander has devised a scientific theory of architectural design. He believes that all existing architectural entities can be described as interacting patterns, all possible relationships of which are governed by generative rules. These form a pattern language capable of generating design forms appropriate to a given environmental context. The complexity of interaction among these rules leads to difficulties in their representation by conventional methods. This paper presents a computer-based expert system which implements Alexander's design methodolog