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Approaches to interdependency: early design exploration across architectural and engineering domains Nicholas, P 2008, Approaches to interdependency: early design exploration across architectural and engineering domains, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Architecture and Design, RMIT University. Document type: Thesis Collection: Theses Attached Files Name Description MIMEType Size Nicholas.pdf Thesis application/pdf 37.12MB Title Approaches to interdependency: early design exploration across architectural and engineering domains Author(s) Nicholas, P Year 2008 Abstract While 3D digital design tools have extended the reach of architectural and engineering designers within their own domains, an approach to practice whereby the architect designs (synthesises), the engineer solves (analyses) and the fabricator makes – in that order –have limited the opportunities for the two disciplines to collaborate during the early design phase. While it is suggested that 3D digital design tools can facilitate a more integrated approach to early design exploration, this idea remains largely untested in practice. My research considers the extent to which the 3D digital environment might offer different modes of interaction, and potentially new forms of interdependent working, between architectural and engineering designers. My central proposition is that the 3D digital environment can enable interdependent approaches to design which intersect crucial aspects of architectural and engineering exploration during the early design phase which, before the entry of the computer, were otherwise impossible to affect. A framework for the enquiry is developed firstly through selected organisation theory and design literature and secondly with information gathered from experts in the field via interview. The proposition has been tested through practice-based projects undertaken during a three year postgraduate internship within the Melbourne Australia office of the engineering consultancy Arup. Exploring this problem within the constraints and possibilities of live practice, a ‘living laboratory’, represents a key contribution of the thesis. Degree Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Institution RMIT University School, Department or Centre Architecture and Design Keyword(s) Architecture and techology Versions Version Filter Type Thu, 16 Dec 2010, 16:00:48 EST Tue, 21 Dec 2010, 08:21:48 EST Mon, 28 Feb 2011, 16:47:40 EST Tue, 02 Sep 2014, 10:34:46 EST Mon, 22 Sep 2014, 09:27:18 EST Filtered Full Access Statistics: 434 Abstract Views, 1050 File Downloads  -  Detailed Statistics Created: Mon, 29 Nov 2010, 16:09:00 EST by Catalyst Administrator