A method for constructing a stream processing requests so that a stream processing application satisfying the stream processing request can be assembled, includes: inputting a stream processing request, wherein the stream processing request includes a goal that is represented by a graph pattern that semantically describes a desired stream processing outcome; and assembling a stream processing graph, wherein the stream processing graph is assembled to include at least one processing element that satisfies the desired processing outcome by associating the graph pattern that semantically describes the desired processing outcome with a graph pattern that semantically describes an input of the at least one processing element and a graph pattern that semantically describes an output of the at least one processing element, or to include at least one data source by associating the graph pattern that semantically describes the desired processing outcome with a graph pattern that semantically describes an output of the at least one data source.