Interactive computer support for the conceptual design of building structures

This paper proposes an interactive computer application to support conceptual structural design. It follows a synthesis-by-problem-decomposition approach in which a structural model is created by progressively refining a design solution from a global abstract level to well-defined sub-problems. Interactivity is achieved by enabling manipulation of building architectural design and interactive decision-making by the engineer at different levels of structural refinement, so that initial abstract decisions lead to subsequent detailed decisions. A first software prototype called StAr (Structure-Architecture) has been developed that provides basic support for interactive conceptual structural design. A second version of the prototype is being developed that includes a design knowledge manager and a graphical user interface (GUI). This paper focuses on the GUI design.