Purpose and function in a collaborative CAD environment

In a multidisciplinary design environment, such as the architecture, engine ering and construction (AEC) domain, the various designers will have their own concepts and representations of the design object making communication in such an environment a complex task. Computer aided design (CAD) modellin g is seen as the vehicle for interdisciplinary communication and integratio n. However, this paper stresses the need for a multiple view approach based upon an assumption that different views of an object are based on differen t functional contexts. The paper demonstrates that an understanding of conc epts such as function, purpose and intent is critical since the representat ion of the functional properties of design objects is the underlying basis for the formation of different representations and the coordination of thes e representations. The paper puts forward definitions for function and purp ose which allow for the representation of these properties of a design obje ct and the communication of intent and effects. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science L td. All rights reserved.