Version Management in Computer-Aided Architectural Design

This thesis introduces the requirements for version support in a computer-aided architectural design system which seeks to support the work of designers in the early stages of design. It addresses the problems of current computer-aided design systems when they are used for conceptual design. Perceiving the implications of mature technology, this thesis provides a model of version management. The model makes use of object-oriented technology to link the design process and the design artifacts in a dynamic manner, providing a powerful tool for conceptual design. By capturing design versions, and keeping track of multiple design sessions, designers will be able to reuse design ideas, and check on the progress of current design while the interruption of design thinking is minimized. The creation of the design history is considered to be the creation of the version history. By being able to navigate and modify the design history, the issues of design reuse, alternative designs, and the preservation of design information can be facilitated. This thesis presents a working prototype based on the version management model.