Kp. Hew et al., Towards an integrated set of design tools based on a common data format for building and services design, AUTO CONSTR, 10(4), 2001, pp. 459-476
The emerging technology in building product design using knowledge-based en
gineering (KBE), is currently exciting practitioners in the building constr
uction industry. This paper investigates the use of KBE techniques and asse
sses the contribution this approach can make to the traditional design proc
ess. To do this, the investigation has developed an integrated set of desig
n tools based on a common data format, for integrating 3D electronic protot
ypes with building services information for use in building design. This ap
proach has been developed on the basis of an open framework and has been ap
plied to the design of an airport terminal building and its plant room. Wit
hin the framework, the design process and the information needed, are divid
ed into modules and represented in the form of 3D digital mock-up models (o
r electronic prototypes). Within the integrated system, an interface has be
en developed to facilitate the sharing of information with a thermal analys
is software application, which contributes to the design process. In this p
aper, the methodology is discussed and its working system is illustrated an
d evaluated. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.