Schematic layout design in SEED environment

This paper describes SEED-Layout, a module of SEED that supports the generation of schematic layouts of the functional units specified in an architectural program. SEED-Layout provides capabilities that allow designers to generate and evaluate rapidly different layout alternatives and versions; to explore the trade-offs involved; and to engage generally in an iterative, highly explorative design process. The resulting “design space” is complex, and the paper describes current efforts to provide designers with intelligent “navigation” aids that encourage them to explore interesting portions of this space without “getting lost.” The paper concludes with a brief description of the current implementation and directions for future work.