A data flow model to plan and manage the building design process

The increasing complexity of modem buildings and the client's desire for swift occupation has meant the expeditious completion of the design phase of a project has become ever more important. An effective and workable design programme is essential to achieve this. Traditionally, building design work has been planned in a perfunctory manner, often in the belief that this creative and iterative process cannot be analyzed and planned in detail. This situation has been perpetuated by a lack of understanding of design information flow and dependency, and the availability of suitable planning techniques. This paper describes a data flow model of the building design process that is subsequently analyzed in a design structure matrix. The synthesis of these two techniques produces a powerful but easily understood tool to assist in the planning and management of complex, multi-disciplinary building design problems.