Knowledge-based Stair Design (1993)
article⁄Knowledge-based Stair Design (1993)
abstract⁄The application of computerbased technique to support architectural design has often concentrated on matters of representation. Typically, this means computeraided drafting, and less frequently, computeraided modeling and visualization. The promise of new computerbased tools to support the process of design has thus far failed to produce any significant tool that has had a widespread impact on the architectural profession. Most developments remain in university based research labs where they are used as teaching instruments in CAD courses or less often in design studios. While there are many reasons for this lack of dissemination, including a reluctance on the part of the architectural profession itself, the primary obstacles deal with difficulties in explicating design knowledge, representing this knowledge in a manner that can be used for design, and providing an intuitive and effective user interface, allowing the designer to easily use the tool for its intended purpose.This study describes a system that has been developed to address a number of these issues. Based on research findings from the field of Artificial Intelligence which expounds on the need for multiple techniques to represent any complex area of knowledge, we have selected a particular approach that focuses on multiple techniques for design representation. We review this approach in depth by considering its many facets necessary when implementing a knowledgebased system. We then partially test the viability of this approach through a small case study, implementing a knowledgebased system for designing stairs. While this effort only deals with a small part of the total design process, it does explore a number of significant issues facing the development of computerbased design assistants, and suggests several techniques for addressing these concerns.
