The initial trend in the development of computer software involved enthusiasts (fired by necessity or pleasure) working in isolation. In the absence of a co-ordinated and strategic approach, this resulted in the emergence of the so-called "islands of automation". The importance of building bridges to link the various "islands" is now recognised and systems with differing levels of integration are now available. Integration continues to be seen by most as a positive trend in engineering software which can be applied to many facets of an engineer's work - from conceptual design through to detailed design and design documentation. Several benefits are associated with integrated systems including minimisation of input, reduction in potential for errors, greater overall functionality, improved co-ordination and communication, increased data integrity, and improved efficiency in terms of time and cost. This paper addresses the issue of an integrated environment for engineering design. It explores the rationale for integration and reviews the various aspects being proposed in order to accrue the attendant benefits. It concludes that while the long-term goal of an integrated environment for engineering design remains to be achieved significant progress has been made and the momentum should be maintained. Suggestions on how best to tackle the integration problem from a civil engineering context are also included.

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