Ann Heylighen

A case base of Case-Based Design tools for architecture

In the 1990s, Case-Based Design (CBD) seemed an appealing approach to develop intelligent design support. Based on an alternative view of human cognition, CBD systems find new design solutions by adapting similar experiences from the past. Although several CBD applications have been built, a convincing breakthrough by these systems has yet to come. In search of reasons for this limited success, this article embarks on a critical review of the CBD approach. Its underlying cognitive model serves as a framework to analyse six CBD systems and to identify gaps in CBD research. The article focuses primarily on CBD applications for architecture, yet the findings may be relevant for other design domains as well.

Walking on a thin line—Between passive knowledge and active knowing of components and concepts in architectural design

Abstract This study explores concept generation in architectural design from a knowledge point of view. First, it considers different kinds of knowledge/ways of knowing underlying the generation of a meaningful concept, resulting in a framework which distinguishes between passive knowledge and active knowing of components and concepts. Second, this theoretical framework is used in an experiment aiming to explore the development of concept generation in the design studio. Focus of attention is how the interaction within the studio helps the student to develop a meaningful concept. Important roles are here reserved for the studio teacher, and the instruments and language used within the interaction.

Walking on a thin line—Between passive knowledge and active knowing of components and concepts in architectural design: Between passive knowledge and active knowing of components and concepts in architectural design

Abstract This study explores concept generation in architectural design from a knowledge point of view. First, it considers different kinds of knowledge/ways of knowing underlying the generation of a meaningful concept, resulting in a framework which distinguishes between passive knowledge and active knowing of components and concepts. Second, this theoretical framework is used in an experiment aiming to explore the development of concept generation in the design studio. Focus of attention is how the interaction within the studio helps the student to develop a meaningful concept. Important roles are here reserved for the studio teacher, and the instruments and language used within the interaction.

How Do Older Residents Experience a Recently Built Innovative Housing and Care Facility

Housing for older people in Flanders evolves toward small-scale, homelike environments. As population ageing puts pressure on the affordability of this tendency, architects are challenged to design innovative living schemes that offer the advantages of smale-scaleness in an affordable way. Little is known, however, about how people use and experience these schemes. Therefore we analyse how a recently built innovative housing and care facility is experienced by its residents. Analysis of interviews and guided tours suggests that the contemporary architecture is not criticised, but that its materialisation should offer a more homelike atmosphere. The generic layout is experienced as highly confusing and should offer more differentiation. The study confirms the importance of furnishing a place in making it “your own”, and shows how architects can facilitate this. While the design incorporates qualities of small-scale, homelike living schemes for people with dementia, the facility lacks some of the underlying ideals. It is therefore unclear whether the intended benefits for people with dementia are still present in this specific set-up. Together the findings illustrate the importance of follow-up studies since architects might take such an innovative concept as an example without knowing its actual benefits and deficiencies. They also highlight the added value of qualitative case studies for such unique housing and care projects.