Mapping the design process during the conceptual phase of building projects

Abstract

This paper reports the outcome of a 2‐year research project that set out to provide a process map of the concept stage of building projects. From a literature review, comparison of current process maps, and through interviews and case study analyses, a tentative new framework for the concept stage was developed and tested. It comprises 12 activities in five phases. The framework formed the basis of a graphical method used to plot the activities of design teams in a series of workshops. This graphical method illustrates design iteration in a way which we believe has not been undertaken before, and the patterns it reveals are intuitively understood by design team members themselves, helping them reflect on their own design process. We have also constructed a prototype internet‐based decision support tool for the concept stage of design. This is intended to be inherently flexible and supportive of non‐linear routes through concept design, while also offering a structured approach, design tools to broaden the solution space or evaluate competing options, team management advice, and the recording of decision making. Initial testing of this tool showed it to be well‐received, although it was criticized for focusing too much on the gates between activities and too little on the issues and decisions within each activity.

An investigation of the option space in conceptual building design for advanced building simulation

“…Artificial design processes (e.g. [35]; [36]) normally have a more focused area of research. They allow the researcher to study only one aspect or part of the design process, and to compare different teams working on the same problem.…”

Development and Testing of a Design Protocol for Computer Mediated Multidisciplinary Collaboration during the Concept Stages with Application to the Built Environment

“…The particular methods have been used extensively for analysing studies focused on design problem solving, on design cognition 14,15 , on designers' collaboration and interactions with computer mediums 16,17 . Further research on mapping the design activities includes conceptual activity of interdisciplinary teams 18,19 and comparison of engineering and construction design stages 20 .…”

Addressing sustainability early in the urban design process

“…The higher level urban design process was developed by the authors and is based on an amalgamation of different design and planning processes from the fields of urban design (Biddulph, 1997;Canadian Institute of Planners, 2000;Rowland, 1995); planning (Bressi, 1995;Nelessen, 1994;Okubo, 2000;Roberts, 2003;Wates, 1996Wates, , 1998; architecture (Royal Institute of British Architects, 1999), the manufacturing, construction and engineering industries (Austin et al, 2001;Cooper et al, 2005;Woodhead, 2000); business (Smith and Jackson, 2000); and nongovernmental organisations (English Partnerships, 2000;Heritage Lottery Fund, 2000) (see also Macmillan et al, 2002). Boyko et al (2005) point out that there is considerable overlap in process stages and phases, and that the urban design process can therefore be further simplified into four stages and four transition stages.…”