This paper presents multimodal representation of architectural design knowledge, where explicit and implicit information are linked. The aim is to develop computational environment that combines several modes of representation. Integration of interactive digital-models library and ontological model of architectural design factors is investigated.

Building design process is a significantly complex procedure taking into account many different factors and variables, such as the site context, environment, material availability, cost, and function. One of the most complex forms in the built environment is tall building because of the scale, design considerations, and multidisciplinary nature. This article discusses development of ontological model for understanding, presenting, relating, and managing knowledge influencing architectural design of tall buildings. Ontology is a knowledge-based model that represents certain domain by abstraction of concepts, and a network of relationships and properties describing these concepts. By creating an architectural ontology, the factors, relations, and characteristics in the design process can be clearly defined and presented. The model incorporates physical systems such as structure, building elements, and geometry, as well as environmental effects, social aspects and other complex attributes. 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 15: 45–53, 2009

The challenge in understanding immense aspects of architectural design process has been the central issue in an attempt to computationally define design process and design knowledge. Relationships between designs and the sources of the ideas used to generate them are extremely complicated to quantify, and to represent in the manner of explicit knowledge and data. Parameters that influence architectural design include a body of knowledge about the subject-matter, requirements of all involved parties, information about prevailing conditions on the site, and information about the traits and trends in the society served by the building. This paper discusses development of knowledge-based representations of architectural design process, particularly focusing on representations of design knowledge and factors in ontological framework. A case study for tall building design is used to demonstrate the representations. Web-based application is presented to exhibit the method for utilization in the schematic design, especially for decision-making process.

According to the 2006 UN-HABITAT Annual Report, about 93 percent of global urban growth will occur in Asia and Africa. The process of rapid urbanization is most prevalent where governments are already striving to improve their citizens’ quality of life. The demands for rapid expansion and restructuring of cities often results in poor quality, speedy construction, and the short-term return on investments over livability and a better urban life. In this context, the goal of architects and urban planners should be to create a city that is thriving, vibrant, and healthy. The purpose of this paper is to emphasize that the establishment of well-planned cities containing tall buildings at appropriate locations and their infrastructures will help reduce the demands placed on natural resources and create an enjoyable living environment. Integrating the city with its high-rises requires a collaborative methodology that stresses knowledge transfer and integration in the development of a holistic design. Only though the proper integration of cities and their tall buildings, the collective performance of both can be optimized, which will lead to improved air quality, resource conservation, waste reduction, lower operating costs, lesser strain on local infrastructure, and above all an improved urban life. Case studies are presented to illustrate the concepts.

This paper presents recent developments in information technologies and their impact on architectural design. It presents a practical technique for knowledge-based information modeling extending the currently prevailing Building Information Modelling (BIM) to include information beyond the building elements, and to foster analysis during the design process. Interactive web-based application for information discovery and design analysis is discussed as a case study. The application integrates several aspects of the early schematic design, and is intended for demonstration of integrated design factors. Introduction Architectural design requires immense amount of information for inspiration, creation, and construction of buildings. The process from the initial conception to the finished product involves substantial knowledge and involvement of multidisciplinary agents, such as architects, engineers, and planners as well as their collaboration. As buildings become more complex due to the introduction of innovative technologies and increased awareness of social and communal needs, design process requires significant modifications of previous practices to respond to newly emerging requirements. Improved environmental sensitivity, energy efficiency, integrated building systems, lifesafety and security measures, as well as high performance are the driving factors at present. These factors might not result in the development of new building types, but rather they change the nature of architectural discourse and practice and impact the design process. In particular, integrated practice, use of virtual building, simulations, modeling, and analysis of design decisions have become crucial. Recent developments in information technology are providing means and methods for improvement of current practices to respond to these changes. Energy and thermal simulations, modeling of structural behavior, improved design representations, and enhanced collaboration using digital media are being utilized in the design process. Traditional CAD programs present data based on geometric entities, capturing the spatial relationships but not the domain-specific information. Building Information Model (BIM) provides a common database of information about a building including geometry and attributes. The goal of BIM is to provide a common structure for information sharing that can be used by all agents in the design process and construction, as well as for the facility management after a building is constructed and occupied. BIM allows designers to fully use the concepts developed during the schematic design phase, advance data transfer into