The concept of system identification and its application to the built environment

The thesis contains both general theoretical considerations and examples of applications of the theory. In Chapters 1, 2 and 3, the concept of system identification is developed in terms of the contextual and theoretical issues of holistic systems and the inherent complexity of holistic systems. Under these broad headings various specific concepts are studied. These include the scientific approach; the relationships among holism, atomism, realism, and idealism; the essential field of General System Theory; the relationship between complexity and simplicity; the processes of explaining and modelling the world or parts thereof; and detailed discussions on hierarchies and relationships. This results in three meta-models of the system identification process being developed and concludes with system identification being defined as an indeterminate process, which generates information in terms of learning based paradigms, which may then be instrumental in disciplining problem-solving pursuits. In Chapters 4 and 5 the system identification paradigm is expressed in terms of the identification of the built environment system. This identification process, which is ideological in nature, expresses the built environment in terms of three interacting elements; the Technostructure, the Technology, and the Socio-ecostructure. To parallel this exercise (which is characterized by a high level of generality) a second example, that of the identification of the Building Industry as a component of the built environment, is outlined. This identification highlights the socio-political interactions within the Building Industry and the responsibilities of the individual building technologist with respect to the environment, the society and himself.