Computational models for form-function synthesis in engineering design

Abstract: "This report introduces the problem of form/function synthesis for designed artefacts [sic] that are intended to perform a specified function and consist of physical parts assembled in space. The report briefly reviews how this problem is perceived in selected engineering disciplines, including architectural design, and summarizes the resulting challenges. It characterizes the computational models underlying selected EDRC projects that address these challenges according to a uniform, domain-independent format. It classifies these models into generic strategies and attempts to link these strategies to appropriate types of design problems."