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A data model takes role just as digital and analogue models, to represent the mental model. Data modelling is the foundation for the digital modelling in the way that the former becomes the dominating system of the latter. Unlike analogue and digital models, data model is able to represent not only geometric and functional ideas, but also regulative knowledge, which may be derived from design guidelines. By running the data model for “design” part and for “regulation” part comparatively and simultaneously, the information system can acknowledge the design “compatibility” with the regulation.

As the methodology of databases, data modelling is fundamentally a design process, a creative process, having similar concurrent components with other design process, such as architecture and urban design. Data modelling in the enterprise world have been utilized as a “tool for expressing and communicating enterprise rules” consisting of rules and regulations in the businesses and organizations (Simsion, 1994). The similar principles can be referred to the making of urban design guidelines, which are the documents stating the urban design’s “enterprise rules”. Through data modelling, guidelines can be implemented and embedded in a GIS-based spatial database particularly, where all subsequent digital models will abide to their parent data model. This way, data modelling will extend guidelines’ capability as a support system of design process. As a simplified form of urban reality, to what extent the data model is able to represent the components of urban design guidelines? The question is to be verified through of test case of Singapore Management University (SMU) campus design competition guidelines.

5. SMU New Campus Design Competition Guidelines
In the late 1990s, Singapore government reserved 7 plots in this highly valued central district, for the development of a new campus for Singapore Management University. The plots are located at the centre of current Bras Basah Park, which is a prominent side and currently functioning well as an urban ‘oasis’. The park itself maintains openness and visual connection between Singapore Museum & Art Museum. As an effort to get the best design for its future campus, SMU has coordinated a design competition on 2000-2001, which has received a good response of more than 150 participants from 36 countries. The urban design guideline for SMU New Campus Competition was written to guide incoming proposals to suite the requirements of SMU management. The proposals must express the fulfilment of SMU’s policies and needs, regarding its existence in the CBD’s Museum District.

• The guidelines described clearly the existing site situation made up by parcels, building types, canals, roads, and tunnels. The designated parcels for campus development are referenced as Parcels A North, A South, B, C1 West, C1 East, C2, C3, D1, D2, and E. The guidelines also described the location of Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) stations and network, and the location of site boundary lines.
• The proposals should consider the future infrastructure works in the vicinity. The location of designated 3.6 meter-wide colonnaded-covered walkway, connected to a future integrated bus stop. The open spaces were regulated to have a 7.5 meter-wide setback for pedestrian and specific area to be landscaped.
• The open space over Bras Basah Park was regulated to maintain direct visual pedestrian connection to Fort Canning Park on top of the hill. For maintaining visual character between National Museum and Singapore Art Museum, the guidelines enforced proposed open space on Bras Basah Park bounded by sight lines. The open space becomes the indicative location of direct visual pedestrian connection from Bras Basah Park to Fort Canning Park.
• The proposals should include possible inter-parcel underground connections below street level on designated zones. Possible subterranean development was also designated under several public spaces. Possible overhead connection between land parcels D1 & D2 was designated.
• There are also proposed roads to be constructed by SMU. For each development parcels, service access points and vehicular ingress/regress points were designated along zones. The guidelines also recognized government’s regulations such as Land Transport Authority’s (LTA) road requirement.