A tool for architects

Architects are already aware that the XXI century inherited ecological concerns. Although several international recommendations defended reversibility in all interventions that reduce cultural significance, and presented rehabilitation in accordance to the sustainable use of resources, architects still do perform rehabilitations that unconsider the consequences of their design decisions, regarding the preservation of both built and natural heritage.
This paper will describe the method chosen in this PhD research, as well as, part of their content, motivation, and aims. This research follows since 2004, the PhDdesign method, with a first phase of design theory, exploring the problem field and taxonomy. Then, a second phase of design production: developing, producing, and testing the tool to support architects; and a third phase of design result, validating both theory and production. This PhD research is funded by FCT, in Portugal. Prof. Ir. Post and Dr. Ir. Erkelens are respectively the main and co-promoters.