A Features Framework for Architectural Information

Supporting architectural design by means of computers requires the development of formal representations of design information. The paper reviews the way information is dealt with in design and describes this as the dynamic nature of design. This leads to the notion that an information model should evolve along with the development of a design. Keywords in this evolution are extensibility and flexibility of information models. The approach developed to fulfil these requirements is based on the techniques of Feature-Based Modelling of which the concepts and potentials are discussed with respect to their relevance for the area of architectural design. Subsequently, a framework is presented for the development of architectural Feature-based modelling systems. This framework includes a layered schema for information definition that provides basic classes of Feature types and the conditions for extension and flexible manipulation of both conceptual and actual information models. Relationships between the entities in these models are discussed in more detail and an approach is introduced for supporting the modelling of relationships that are not defined at the conceptual, or typological, level.

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