This paper describes EKSPRO, a knowledge-based system integrating a 3-D computer-aided design system for materials, heating, ventilation, lighting equipment, building codes and occupational health regulations, and design guidelines user-defined by architects and engineers. The system features an object-oriented predicate logic knowledge representation, and interfaces with calculation packages (CAD, thermal balance, illumination, daylight).

A methodology for studying and understanding the process of design, and ultimately for developing a computational theory of design is presented. In particular, the role of formalization in such an investigation is set out. This is done by first presenting the background to and development of computational search as a widely adopted problem solving paradigm in artificial intelligence research. It is then suggested why computational search provides an inadequate characterization of the design process and an alternative, that design is an exploration process is proposed. By developing certain ideas first put forward by Simon the authors seek to explain why this view is taken and how it forms a central part of their Artificial Intelligence in Design research programme. It is hoped to (eventually) develop a computational theory of design. The radically incomplete nature of this work necessarily prevents the authors from answering the question posed by the title of the paper but the title does provide a good focus for their efforts.

Recent research in the area of computer-aided engineering design has focused on the development of environments that provide effective integration of several domain specialties for complex multidisciplinary synthesis problems. The definition of communication requirements for co-operative interaction—and the subsequent establishment of a conceptual model for automating the process—are important considerations in the development of such environments. A communication model can also provide the basis for development of a knowledge engineering strategy by defining the organizational and representational requirements for domain knowledge in the automated system. This paper presents a conceptual model for communication in automated interactive design and demonstrates how the model can be employed as a knowledge engineering tool to facilitate the acquisition and organization of domain expertise. Both the process architecture and semantic modeling aspects of the communication problem are considered. An example is included which illustrates the use of the model in formulating an automated integrated engineering system in the domain of floor and equipment layout and design for industrial facilities.

This paper discusses the framework of a knowledge-based expert system environment to design aerospace structures under structural and aerodynamic constraints using ASTROS (Automated Structural Optimization program). ASTROS is a synthesis tool built around the NASTRAN finite element program. The knowledge base capabilities are discussed for synthesizing in statics, normal mode, steady and unsteady aerodynamic disciplines. A description of the two ASTROS advisor modules, the Editor/Bulk Data generator and Post-processor, is included. Experiences and issues involved in hierarchical representation of knowledge as menu options at different levels of abstraction are presented. Illustrative examples of the advisor in designing airframe structures are also included.