6.3 Suspended Ceiling Design Process - Bilkent University

3. PROCESS MODELS OF DESIGN
The process modeling efforts in the AEC industry can be analyzed in
three general groups, namely generic descriptive frameworks and
formal activity models. This section identifies some shortcomings of the
existing models and proposes the parameter-based DSM as the lowest
level process modeling method (Figure 3.1). The analysis of the existing
methods is presented in the following sections.
Figure 3.1: A Three-level Scheme for Process Modeling
3.1 Descriptive Generic Frameworks
3.1.1 Design Methods Models
Modeling
Level
Descriptive methodological and philosophical frameworks of the design
process originate from the 1960’s Design Methods movement. This
movement claimed to bring systematic methods for designers in order
to cope with the increased complexity of design process. Cross (1993)
identifies two “generations” of design methods. 1960s “first generation”
methods seemed simplistic and were not embraced by a large
audience. The second generation design methods, which started to
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Tools
Process Descriptive Generic
Frameworks
Activity Formal Activity Models
Parameter Parameter-based DSM