List of Figures I . Introduction 3 a . the Re - Emergence of Design 3 B . Globalization

Building design has become a complex process involving the coordination of many specialists from numerous disciplines. Breakdowns in communication of information and coordination of design activities can have profound consequences on the cost and quality of the resulting facilities. Emerging communications technologies present potentially powerful tools to assist in the coordination of multi-disciplinary design teams, by providing a structured, tractable vehicle for communications between team members. These computer based applications implicitly structure the design activities to which they are applied. When a computational formalism accurately reflects the structure of the activity it is intended to support, these computer applications can be a powerful assistant. When inaccurate assumptions are made in their development, computer applications can inhibit important aspects of activities toward which they are directed. This thesis presents a methodology for the development of computational systems to support collaboration and communication in design. First, theories of design practice, as well as aspects of communications and coordination theory are presented. Several emerging technologies are discussed in regard to their potential application to the unique requirements of design. A survey of precedent communications systems which have responded to issues pertinent to collaborative design are subsequently considered. Finally, a series of collaborative design activities which have been conducted using communications technologies are presented. These case studies present important new directions for design, by demonstrating a model for the integration of a wide range of academic and professional expertise in the design process. By fostering environments which encourage the exchange of information among participants, communications technologies can assist in the development of designs which address a broad range of performance considerations in an integrated manner. At the same time, the use of communications technologies can provide a means for improved coordination of the inherently complex collaborative design process. Thesis Supervisor: John R. Williams Title: Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering