Conceptualizing design knowledge

Abstract The ability to build models is central to design. In determining what constitutes part of the problem, the selection of a model presupposes a way of looking at the world which forms the basis of the assignment of functions to building elements, and consequently at least implies a solution. However, the prevailing view of the role of formal models in design asprescriptive or descriptive ‘tools’ grounded in objective knowledge, denies this ability. This paper explores the implications of returning control of model building to the designer. An alternative view is presented, based on the idea of ‘conceptualization as use’ which attempts to provide a formal basis for the development of multiple conceptualizations of design knowledge. The assumptions on which this view is based are outlined and a system capable of supporting multiple alternative views of a problem described.