Representing information flow in building design process using the parameter-based design structure matrix

Abstract

The Architecture/Engineering/Construction (AEC) industry is one of the multidisciplinary domains in which collaboration among related parties is of utmost importance. Despite the intense flow of information between design professionals, there is a lack of research to better understand and manipulate these flows. Most of the current process modeling tools in the AEC industry do not enable analyses of iterative information cycles. Moreover, these tools represent the process at high levels, thus, they are inappropriate for multi-parameter problems like building design. With a view to alleviate these problems, this thesis introduces the use of parameter-based design structure matrix as a process modeling and system analysis tool for building design. The method reveals insights into the process structure, optimum sequence of parameter decisions, iterative cycles and concurrency in the process. A framework for parameter-based DSM applications in building design is proposed and the application of the framework is demonstrated through two case studies on real life building design problems. Keywords: Collaborative Building Design, Design Integration, Design Management, Design Process Modeling, Information Flow, and Parameter-based Design Structure Matrix.