An Information System for Component Building

An information system for building design is explored as a case history, with emphasis on the characteristics most important to the user. Experience with the system suggested that key criteria are the effectiveness with which designs are represented in the computer, and the ease with which users can work with the stored material. The design of a simple information system that appears to meet these criteria is described. This paper describes research carried out in collaboration with Carl Koch and Associates, Architects, under the sponsorship of the Urban Development Corporation of New York State. The project grew from a desire to apply computer technology to the information problems of component building design.