Computer-based TRIZ -: Systematic innovation methods for architecture

The Russian Theory of Inventive Problem Solving, TRIZ, is the most comprehensive systematic innovation and creativity methodology available. Essentially the method consists of restating a specific design task in a more general way and then selecting generic solutions from databases of patents and solutions from a wide range of technologies. The development of computer databases greatly facilitates this task. Since the arrival of TRIZ in the West at the end of the Cold War, it has began to be used with great success across a wide variety of different industries. Application of the method to the field of architecture has so far been very limited. The paper outlines how TRIZ methods may be applied to a number of architectural problems.