Graphs
The purpose of this chapter is to introduce the mathematical foundations of graphs and explain their applicability to giving an abstract spatial expression to the brief. As one knows from different kinds of diagrams, visual displays are quite useful for recognizing relationships and summarizing complex information. Graphs allow overview of aspects such as grouping and circulation in a brief. Moreover, they provide connections to designs produced on the basis of the brief, as design representations like floor plans can be directly compared to a requirements graph. The graphs discussed in this chapter consist of spatial entities, for example, spaces in a design or activities in a brief, and relationships between pairs of entities, such as direct access, proximity, or belongingness to the same group. Of the various programs available for developing and working with graphs, one considers in detail Microsoft Visio, a widely available diagramming application.