| CAD traditionally proceeds within a framework of pre-defined elements and operators which structure a well-defined domain for exploration. This study by contrast, proposes that architectural design elements can be developed (articulated, codified, and employed) while simultaneously engaging in computer aided design. Too often the efforts of using computer aided design systems are to represent a design (visually), starting each time fundamentally from supplied primitives. The approach was to investigate how actions (within CAD) could be utilized to define elements that have both procedural and geometric properties.;A transformation matrix is used to broadly type actions by input/output references to depictive and descriptive media as graphical transformations, instantiation, recognition, and symbolic transformations. By approaching encode-able actions within a computer aided design system as applications of tools, these types of actions translate into categories of tools. Of these, two basic forms of tools were developed--an instantiation statement tool and recognition statement tools (for geometry, geometric attribute, and derived attributes). Instantiation and recognition encoding tools are used to define a common definition of composition from two temporal directions--as statements of actions to come, and as perceptions of products made. Stated recognitions of geometric attributes and derived attributes are used to form chains of active readings into geometry. The full set of instantiations and recognitions (geometry, attribute, derived attributes, posed geometry, and truth conditional) serve three different purposes. First, they encode stated properties and relationships about a design, during its development. This is a descriptive, communicative purpose. Second, they provide feedback on these identified attributes while they are worked on. Third, they form the basis for controllable definitions of design elements. |
