Information Models in Building Design Process

Quantitative models which span the broad spectrum of inputs to the building development process are described. An economic performance measure which represents a typical goal of developers of high-rise housing is presented. This measure assists in: (1) Identifying the range of models required for a comprehensive decision-making process; (2) coordinating the design tasks to achieve an optimal building design; and (3) providing a means for incorporating risk in a quantitative manner into the design process. Uncertainty, as measured by variance, is used to describe the status of a building design. This characterization of information content assists in attaching value to information and thus helps to identifying how to proceed in the design process to achieve specified objectives.