Separating topology and geometry in space planning

We are dealing with the problem of space layout planning here. We present a n architectural conceptual CAD approach. Starting with design specification s in terms of constraints over spaces, a specific enumeration heuristics le ads to a complete set of consistent conceptual design solutions named topol ogical solutions. These topological solutions which do not presume any prec ise definitive dimension correspond to the sketching step that an architect carries out from the Design specifications on a preliminary design phase i n architecture. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.