Design is an important research topic in engineering and architecture, since design is not only a means of change but also one of the keystones of economic competitiveness and the fundamental precursor to manufacturing. However, our understanding of design as a process and our ability to model it are still very limited. The development of computational models founded on the artificial intelligence paradigm has provided an impetus for much of current design research -- both computational and cognitive. Notwithstanding their immaturity noticeable advances have been made both in extending our understanding of design and in developing tools based on that understanding.
The papers in this volume are from the Third International Conference on Artificial Intelligence in Design held in August 1994 in Lausanne, Switzerland. They represent the cutting edge of research and development in this field. They are of particular interest to researchers, developers and users of computer systems in design. This volume demonstrates both the breadth and depth of artificial intelligence in design and points the way forward for our understanding of design as a process and for the development of computer-based tools to aid designers.

Preface. Part 1: Conceptual Design. Part 2: Case-Based Design--1. Part 3: Case-Based Design--2. Part 4: Configuration Design. Part 5: Design by Generation. Part 6: Theoretical Reasoning in Design. Part 7: Designing with Constraints. Part 8: Shapes and Objects in Design. Part 9: Cognitive Aspects of Design. Part 10: Models of Design. Part 11: Integrated Design. Part 12: Access and Retrieval in Design. Part 13: Design Processes. Part 14: Engineering of Design. Author Index. First Author Electronic Addresses.