Stereotypes and themes in building designs: Insights for model builders

The use of information by designers is reviewed and design decision-making examined. A stereotyping trait in the work of designers is tested for significance in a sample of 40 office buildings. The survey reveals the frequency with which design options occur, suggesting that some may be dominant. Analysis of the patterns of occurrence of these design options highlights clusters of similar buildings, that is themes and variations on the themes, confirming a stereotyping trait. The existence of stereotypes or themes in design is felt to be of interest to model builders and users, insofar as it might help them in better defining potential solution spaces to problems of design cost evaluation.