A knowledge-based computer-aided architectural design system (KB-CAAD) for the schematic design and evaluation of passive solar buildings is presented. The KB-CAAD system is based on the integration of knowledge-based and procedural simulation methods with any available CAAD system for building representation. The knowledge base contains the heuristic rules for the design of passive solar buildings. Whenever possible, the knowledge base guides the designer through the decision-making process. However, if the rules of thumb are not acceptable for the particular design problem, the KB-CAAD system guides the architect by using a procedural simulation model. Demonstrates, by case study, not only that the KB-CAAD system leads to the design of better solar buildings, but that it takes less time and manpower to introduce the geometrical data that would be needed for a regular nonsolar building representation.

KEYWORDS: passive, buildings, solar heating, expert systems, designing, architects, computer aided design, calculating, computers, case studies.