A computerized system for performance-integrated computer aided design

This paper presents a computerized system that is being developed for the integration of performance evaluation throughout the whole design process of buildings. The main motto is enabling routine architectural design work, but by means of a CAAD medium, while providing automatic feedback on the expected performances of the designed solutions. A basic assumption is that decisions and choices should be made by the designer, whereas analysis during early design stages, and provision of alternatives for construction elements and materials during detailed design stages, are the realm for computerization and automation. The paper outlines the whole system that is being developed, and dwells in more detail on the part that pertains to detailed design (i.e. selection of materials and cross-sections for all the building elements), which has already been completed.