What's in a case: the use of case bases, knowledge bases and databases in design
Michael A. Rosenman, John S. Gero, Rivka E. Oxman · Computer-Aided Architectural Design Futures · 1991
Design experience can be classified into generalised or compiled knowledge and specific knowledge. Generalised design knowledge has been introduced into computer-aided design in the form of rules, frames and more recently, design prototypes. Case-based reasoning is a well-defined paradigm in artificial intelligence and has obvious scope for its use in design reasoning. This paper explores case-based reasoning in design and argues for the integration of both specific and generalised design knowledge. This integration allows for characterising what is in a case by drawing upon the schema developed for design prototypes. Finally, the paper argues that the addition of precedent knowledge, in the form of case bases, to knowledge bases and CAD databases will further extend the experience-based capabilities of design systems.