KNOWLEDGE REPRESENTATION AND ACQUISITION IN THE LOOS SYSTEM

LOOS is a generative expert system for the design of two-dimensional layouts of rectangles that can be adapted to different domains. The system is able to systematically enumerate alternative solutions with interesting trade-offs, taking into account a broad spectrum of criteria and practical concerns. The paper describes the overall architecture of the system, in which domain knowledge is incorporated as test rules, and adaptations to two domains, the remodelling of residential kitchens and the layout of service cores for high-rise office buildings. It argues that domain knowledge is particularly easy to elicit, represent and use in this form and indicates directions for further research based on the experience gained in the two domains. © 1990.