6.3 Suspended Ceiling Design Process - Bilkent University

models are interdependent and they must coexist. Changes in one
model inevitably affect the other one and vice versa.
2. Lack of integration between CAD tools
In the related literature, it is also well documented that there is a lack of
integration between the current computer aided design (CAD) systems
(Taşlı and Sagun, 2002; Stuurstraat and Tolman, 1999; Hew et al.,
2001). Most of the practical and exploratory CAD tools focus on single
discipline or a single task in the process. This situation is often referred
in the related literature as an example of “islands of automation” in the
AEC industry (Fruchter et al., 1996). Therefore, a considerable amount
of research effort has been devoted to the development of systems
capable of integrating a range of building design tools (Kalay et al.,
1998).
3. Fragmentation of the construction industry
The AEC industry -unlike other large industries, such as the automotive,
aerospace, and the electronics industries- is fragmented into numerous
small organizations. Fragmentation in AEC is largely due to the growing
complexity of building processes, which promotes increased
professional specialization. Specialization is also reinforced by
educational practices and socio-economic trends that reward excellence
in ever-narrowing fields. As a result, while several related industries,
such as automotive and shipbuilding manufacturing, have been
relatively successful in integrating electronic information models into
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