Application of a Computer-Aided Decision Technique in Architectural Programming.

Architectural programming is the analytic stage of the building design process. It is defined through a literature search and questionnaire responses from eight architects who have been active in pre-design services. To determine how a particular method of decision-making can facilitate the programming process, a multiobjective decision analysis technique is used to define and solve architectural problems. From a preliminary use of such a technique a refined methodology is related to the initial phases of design. A model of decision-making in programming is presented and a graphic computer program is designed to communicate that model to architects and their clients. The technique is applied in six programming problems and is evaluated as a decision tool by the case study participants. Questionnaire responses, the computer technique and the case studies are analyzed in the thesis and documented in separate appendices. The technique was successful in helping architects define building programs and served as a communication and structuring device in evaluating concept alternatives. It is suggested that the traditional separation of programming and physical design is not conducive to the use of this particular decision technique and may limit the architect's ability to introduce evaluative methodologies into environmental problems. A closer relation between the analytic and intuitive aspects of architecture is proposed.Ph.D.ArchitectureUniversity of Michiganhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/158205/1/8116187.pd