Off the page : object-oriented representations

Abstract

The intention of this thesis is to investigate methods in which deficiencies in construction documents can be addressed through the application of digital technology. These deficiencies take two forms. The first form relates specifically to the limitations of a paper based documentation system with regard to accessing information. This is becoming increasingly prevalent due to the increasing amount of documentation required for complex building projects. The second set of deficiencies is directly related to the time consuming nature of the construction document production process, recognizing that the majority of time is spent reformatting and redrawing previous details and specifications. The concepts of object-oriented programming and levels of abstraction are used as organizational structures to address these deficiencies. While current methods of documentation utilize more traditionally based organizational system, this thesis explored the use of structures inherent to computational media. Additionally, database structures were explored as a key component to information reuse in the documentation process. Two prototype systems are developed to propose alternative methods of documentation using computational media. The Building Interface is an interactive system for information access that utilizes varying densities of information and multiple modes of representation. The Drawing Assembler is a graphic search engine for construction details that links a building component database with a construction detail database through the intersection of dissimilar objects.