Collocated, Multi-Disciplinary, Collaborative Designspace An overview N. Deshpande, B. de Vries, and J.P. van Leeuwen Eindhoven University of Technology Keywords: Collocated Multi-Disciplinary Collaborative Design (CMCD), Shared Understanding, Computer Supported Collaborative Work (CSCW), Group Activity, Design Space, Groupware Abstract: This review identifies the research findings in the area of computer mediated, collocated, multi-disciplinary collaborative design. After a general look into this and related research areas, three influencing aspects of collaborative design are reviewed. Design activities, working together, and collaborative systems that fit into various work practices. Finally, we note missing points of research in the area of collocated, multi-disciplinary, collaborative design. 1. INTRODUCTION The fragmentation of knowledge in the building industry has created symmetry of ignorance where no single professional has all the knowledge needed to design a complex facility (Kalay, 1999). Collaborative design is performed by multiple participants representing individuals, teams or even entire organizations, each potentially capable of proposing values for design issues and/or evaluating these choices from their particular perspective (Mark, et al 2002) and act towards mutual understanding and maximizing outcomes that satisfy not only their respective goals, but also those of other participants (Achten, 2002) Architectural design and construction projects are unique not only both artistry and engineering involved, but the multi-disciplinary partners and the collaborative process in which spaces are designed. This uniqueness is a major challenge for the application of information technology, as it typically Deshpande, N., B. de Vries, and J.P. van Leeuwen. 2004. “Collocated, Multi-Disciplinary, Collaborative Designspace - An overview.” In van Leeuwen and Timmermans (eds.) Developments in Design & Decision Support Systems in Architecture and Urban Planning. Eindhoven University of Technology, NL, 253-268.