Case-Based Design Process Facilitating Collaboration and Information Evolution

Book chapter, 2005

This paper describes a cased-based design process facilitating collaboration and information evolution from the point of view of architects and structural designers. It is discussed how case-based techniques together with 3D visualization techniques can contribute to a closer and more effective cooperation between these two actors and the client which will result in a product of higher quality and lower cost. It is also discussed how techniques such as real-time manipulations (variational design) and derivational analogy facilitate collaboration and speed up the design process. The paper presents a process model, which takes advantage of these new techniques, and discusses some of the advantages compared to the sequential work methods traditionally used in construction. We describe a vision of how the collaboration between designers and clients will affect their position among the other actors in the building industry. The process is being currently implemented at Chalmers University of Technology.