Information modelling for design support : a feature-based approach

The research described in this paper addresses the problem of modelling design information with respect to the dynamic nature of design. This requires information models to be highly flexible and extensible with domain-specific information-definitions. The approach followed in this research is inspired by the concepts of Features-technology, mainly applied in Mechanical Engineering, and results in a framework for defining flexible and extensible information models for architectural application. This approach distinguishes Generic Feature Types for the domain of architecture and Specific Feature Types for particular sub-domains. It proposes a classification of Feature Types, as well as an infrastructure that accommodates the definition and particularization of Features Types. The research involves the development of a pilot-system for the computational support of this Dynamic Information-Modelling approach. At the end of this paper we discuss the possibilities of the Feature-based Modelling approach as a basis for design support systems.