Integrated Support Systems for Architectural Design

Many software systems are used in the field of architectural design. On the other hand, we can state that there is a significant lack of integrated systems providing a general support for the designer during the whole design process from initiative till demolition. This research project deals with the development of such an integrated design support system. We consider a complete automation of architectural design as an unlikely proposition and undesirable for the architect. Therefore, the general objective is to give support to the architect to improve the quality and to increase the efficiency of the design process. So far there are different tools providing such functionality. Nevertheless, there are no appropriate tools for many of the sub-processes. Furthermore, the current state of available design software is characterised by a lack of integration of different tools. To overcome these two problems our research project involves the development of tools as well as it deals with the aspect of tool integration. We will give a general description of the support that software can offer to architects during the materialisation phase of design. We conclude that many different tools are needed which have to be integrated in an open, modular, distributed, user friendly and efficient environment