General systems theory based Integral Design method

The paper provides insight in a specific design model, Integral Design, derived from the design model Methodical Design developed at the University of Twente, the Netherlands, in the early seventies for applications in the Mechanical Engineering domain. Methodical Design is a combination of German and Anglo-American design approaches and general system theory. Utilizing Methodical design proved to be a good method to teach students how to design in a mechanical engineering context. Integral Design was proposed to help to cope with the growing complexity of building design. The Integral Design method was taught in workshops for professionals in which elements of the Integral Design model were tested for use in practice. This resulted in an Integral Design course which is now part of the permanent professional education program of the Dutch Society of architects. The focus in this paper is on the description of the root of Integral Design: Methodical design and its relation to general system theory.