The virtual design review

In this article we discuss an approach to supporting the design review process of architect/engineering (AE) offices using technologies developed for the World Wide Web. Called the virtual design review, this approach allows a group of reviewers to work simultaneously on a three-dimensional representation of an incomplete building model. We attempt to improve the way reviewers work in three significant ways: (1) in handling (viewing, retrieving, and storing) information, (2) facilitating interaction between reviewers and between reviewers and designers, and (3) changing the role of reviewers in the design review process by providing autonomous or semiautonomous agents that are capable of performing parts of the design review process. In providing a flexible, open, and robust environment for interaction, the virtual design review draws on lessons learned in the field of computer-supported cooperative work (CSCW). A survey of the state of the art indicates that most of the critical technologies for the virtual design review already exist; however, issues such as limited network bandwidth and efficient multiparty audio conferencing still need to be addressed.