Abstract: Based on the analysis of the essential problem in LCED with the view point of granularity and hierarchy, the features of alterable granularity and multi-consequence are described, the concept of product modality and its action in life-cycle are presented, then a kind of architecture for LCED, called SCM, are supposed, a scheme to carry out SCM is provided. Finally, some key techniques are discussed.

Key words: Architecture, Engineering Design, Life-cycle