Knowledge Base Repository
In addition to research papers, the Design Society is developing several valuable resources for those interested in the study of design. These include a repository of PhD theses, a library of case studies and transcripts of design activities, and an archive of our newsletters. Please note that these resources are accessible exclusively to Design Society members.
UNDERSTANDING ADAPTABILITY THROUGH LAYER DEPENDENCIES
Schmidt III, Robert; Deamer, Jason; Austin, Simon
Type:
Year:
2011
Editor:
Culley, S.J.; Hicks, B.J.; McAloone, T.C.; Howard, T.J. & Dong, A.
Author:
Section:
Design Methods and Tools Part 2
Page(s):
209-220
Abstract:
This paper looks at change from the perspective of building design (i.e. adaptability), and how a better understanding of product architecture can bring about an easier accommodation of change for an unforeseeable future. The work explores the use of a design structure matrix (DSM) to understand the building’s capacity to accommodate change using building decomposition methods and component interactions as initial guides to suggest possible product architectures. Research for this study took place along side the design stage of an ongoing BSF school project. The systematic analysis of design drawings and reports was undertaken in three phases: code documents using Brand’s layers; identify all variant components to create a work breakdown structure; and classification of all component relationships populating a DSM. Insights that have been gained through the data include the appropriate layer placement of components, the possibilities of new/ different layers, and the highlighting of unwanted/ hidden dependencies. The DSM permutations have also prompted the development of component typologies in an effort to provide a consistent, logical approach to refining the matrix.
Keywords:
