Throughout this dissertation we propose a new fundamental methodology to deal with facilities block layout. It integrates three major components,:​ optimization model(s), a colorgraphic computer interface, and a human facilities designer.

The models are solved to obtain a basic underlying structure for the layout. This structure is displayed in graphical form on a colorgraphic terminal. The designer utilizes his knowledge to selectively adapt the structure. The procedure iterates between the designer and the models, via the colorgraphic interface, until an acceptable layout is generated.

The methodology is demonstrated through the development of two Interactive structural prescriptive approaches for computer-aided facilities block layout.

The MATCH layout approach deals with layout design situations where maximizing adjacencies between departments is the main objective and rigorous department configuration constraints are imposed. This approach uses a relaxed structure based on physical adjacencies between blocks within the facility. This structure, obtained through the use of the famatching model, is gradually forced toward layout feasibility through the interactive process.

The TREE layout approach is oriented toward the design of layouts where material flow movement is imposed to be along a fixed tree flow structure as a compromise between traffic control, layout adaptability and flow efficiency. This approach uses an idealized tree flow structure around which a first layout is designed, then both the tree flow structure and the generated layout are modified until an acceptable design is obtained.

For both approaches, a computerized layout design system is implemented using a Chromatics colorgraphic microcomputer together with a CYBER main frame. Both MATCH and TREE layout systems employ a light pen which permits the designer to access a hierarchy of specialized functions for data, drafting, filing and optimization request operations at any moment during the layout design process.