Design Problems and Evaluative Strategies Using CAAD

Abstract

The way architects design comes into sharp focus when developing strategies for evaluating buildings. Architectural design is a highly subjective activity on the one hand but on the other it is also highly objective. The paper examines the use of CAAD systems for objective evaluation while also recognizing that this kind of evaluation has to be related to the subjective aspects of the design. In order to examine this, further research has been carried out into the use of CAAD systems to evaluate sunshading characteristics in a building design problem. The approach utilized the Integraph AMOD software to generate three dimensional models of the design proposal which were then tested using the Integraph Model View software which has a sunshading facility. The utility of this approach was tested first against criteria of how accurate the computer was in giving meaningful feedback to the designer. Secondly, how productive this approach was in the design process as compared to traditional techniques using instruments such as the heliodon. Finally, a discussion of the developments of the approach is give