ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to assess how well three major architectural Computer Aided Design (CAD) systems and a CAD system aimed at mechanical design, support the parametric description of building designs across multiple disciplines. It examines methods of providing decision support to building designers across multiple disciplines during the early stage of design. The chapter also examines key design parameters for system selection across the major systems in multi-storey building projects-architectural, structural, heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning, vertical transportation, electrical distribution, fire protection, hydraulics and cost. The starting point of the project was to identify the major building systems that should be considered during early design. The hydraulics system is concerned about two issues-identifying needs for water storage within the building and passing this information on to other components and ensuring that vertical service ducts are appropriately located within the building envelope. The cost implications of the project are obviously determined by the decisions made for all of the other systems.
