Hou, J-H (2006) Object modeling and proper abstractions: The case of stair design. DDes thesis, Harvard University, USA.
Abstract
Even though, for decades, it had been accepted as an initial and critical stage in the design process, conceptual design has been inadequately supported on Computer-Aided Architectural Design (CAAD) systems. Since the computer, is by nature, proficient in high-speed calculations and data storage a wide range of tools and applications have been developed for it to enhance precision, efficiency and productivity. Only minimal achievements have been realized in exploring the territory of conceptual design---a domain that combines both creativity and problem-solving skills. This research addresses issues in existing CAAD models and argues that there must exist certain shared core constructs, or abstractions of design components that are universal and invariable. Such abstractions need to be carefully recognized and designed to capture the most fundamental and straightforward concept about the components. For the purpose of this research, stairs have been selected as the subject of study because of their historical significance, systematic structure, and because they exist in abundance in various forms. Initially existing computer tools for stair-generation were reviewed to gather tool constraints. Then a new way of thinking regarding stair design is proposed as well as a properly defined abstraction of stairs. This abstract model is capable of modeling wide variety of stairs, including numerous special cases. A software tool is implemented as part of AutoCAD to test the abstraction and modeling process against feasibility and coverage of cases. The tool is a relationship-based modeling environment that enables native CAD objects to be managed by relationships. A relationship-pattern 'sequence' is used to implement the abstraction of stairs and is used to test common and empirical stair examples. Potential applications of the Sequence pattern are far beyond stair modeling since the abstraction is so generic that it would encompass any sequential structured entity in a building. In response to the arguments made by this research, the tool also provides a set of functions for rapid modeling of an abstract design---relationship-based modeling.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Thesis advisor: | Pollalis, S N |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | skills; architectural design; creativity; productivity |
| Index terms: | efficiency, creativity, productivity, modelling, design process, data storage, conceptual design, architectural design |
| Subjects: | performance management, management, design practice, data management, innovation and creative processes, design methods, analytical methods |
| Topics: | Engineering Principles, Quality Management, Business Strategy, Digital Applications, Design Practice |
| Descriptive scope: | 2 PC |
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