A prototype system, the Integrated Building Design Environment (IBDE), has been implemented to act as a testbed for a number of issues that arise from the need to integrate computer aids for the design and construction of buildings. The seven programs that comprise IBDE are briefly described. Issues such as knowledge representation, data organization, intercommunication, implementation and control are discussed.
computer-aided design, building design, integration
The design and construction of buildings should be viewed as complementary and mutually dependent processes 1. Design i's the process of creating the description of a facility, usually represented by detailed plans and specifications, while construction consists of performing the activities and applying the resources required to realize the design envisioned by the architects and engineers. Effective communication, information management and decision-making among the various organizations responsible for design and construction are essential to ensure quality and economy in the final product. While communication among different specialist organizations is a particular problem for construction, even turnkey projects designed and constructed by a single organization can have major problems with information flow and integrated decision-making. Effective integration can result in significant cost and time savings, especially in complex projects 2.
An important development encouraging integration is the increased effectiveness and reduced cost of computer aids. As computer aids are used more extensively in both design and construction, computer based environments become increasingly attractive to improve communication among different professionals and organizations. But integrated environments are difficult to develop and implement, raising fundamental