Replacement and Transformation as a Key to Schematic Design Thinking - 3-D Modeling System which Supports Design Thinking

This paper analyses a prototype of a 3D modeling system that can support schematic design development and begins with very abstract representation elaborates it step by step into a detailed representation. Using Mitchell's concept of a TOPDOWN system for 2D sketches as the basis, the authors proposed a design process model and a prototype that allows both bottom up additive processes in exploring the design frame and top down processes for the design refinement of each building element. Various utilities of replacing and transforming graphic objects as well as those that can control shapes and the location of those objects with construction lines have been proposed. The authors discussed possible use of the system and topics for future study by reviewing case studies.