The exchange of design models in the design and construction industry is evolving away from 2-dimensional computer-aided design (CAD) and paper towards semantically-rich 3-dimensional digital models. This approach, known as Building Information Modelling (BIM), is anticipated to become the primary means of information exchange between the various parties involved in construction projects. From a technical perspective, the domain represents an interesting study in model-based interoperability, since the models are large and complex, and the industry is one in which collaboration is a vital part of business. In this paper, we present our experiences with issues of model-based interoperability in exchanging building information models between various tools, and in implementing tools which consume BIM models, particularly using the industry standard IFC data modelling format. We report on the successes and challenges in these endeavours, as the industry endeavours to move further towards fully digitised information exchange.

and RuDI STouFFS TUD and NUS abstract. Flexible information exchange is critical to successful design integration, but current top-down, standards-based and model-oriented strategies impose restrictions that are contradictory to this flexibility. In this paper we present a bottom-up, user-controlled and process-oriented approach to linking design and analysis applications that is more responsive to the varied needs of designers and design teams. Drawing on research into scientific workflows, we present a framework for integration that capitalises on advances in cloud computing to connect discrete tools via flexible and distributed process networks. Adopting a services-oriented system architecture, we propose a web-based platform that enables data, semantics and models to be shared on the fly. We discuss potential challenges and opportunities for the development thereof as a flexible, visual, collaborative, scalable and open system.

No abstract

Emerging from the challenge to reduce energy consumption in buildings is the need for energy simulation to be used more effectively to support integrated decision making in early design. As a critical response to a Green Star case study, we present DEEPA, a parametric modeling framework that enables architects and engineers to work at the same semantic level to generate shared models for energy simulation. A cloud-based toolkit provides web and data services for parametric design software that automate the process of simulating and tracking design alternatives, by linking building geometry more directly to analysis inputs. Data, semantics, models and simulation results can be shared on the fly. This allows the complex relationships between architecture, building services and energy consumption to be explored in an integrated manner, and decisions to be made collaboratively.

Decisions made in the earliest stage of architectural design have the greatest impacts on the environmental and financial performance of buildings. Yet despite being one of the largest contributors to energy consumption and cost, building services are rarely a driving influence in the conceptualisation of architectural form.If building professionals are to engage in sustainable design practices, they must be able to assess the performance impacts of different design options prior to major architectural characteristics becoming fixed. Current modelling and simulation tools, however, largely lack the capacity to resolve design and performance constraints simultaneously. New digital tools and processes for exploring the interdependencies between architecture, building services and energy consumption in early design are needed, so that individual professionals can understand the impacts of their decisions on those of other disciplines and on building performance.In response to this problem, this thesis proposes a framework for performance-oriented design that supports integrated decision-making by enabling architects and engineers to work together to simulate and evaluate the energy performance of design alternatives early on. Arguing the need to work across disciplinary boundaries, it demonstrates how cross-cutting performance objectives can better structure and streamline the integration between design and analysis tasks by establishing a shared basis for communication. Guided by an embedded-practice research methodology, this thesis draws on firsthand experience of multidisciplinary practice to identify the limitations of current tools and processes in supporting performance-oriented investigations, and establishes common goals and principles for an integrated energy-oriented design strategy. It then describes a collaborative tool for energy design and analysis that has been developed as a critical response to observed shortcomings, which provides decision support by permitting practitioners to quickly, flexibly and reliably assess the performance of multiple design options early on.Central to this research is the understanding that there is a need to unify the disparate methods of working that have been adopted by architects and engineers as a result of progressive specialisation within the building industry. This understanding suggests that there is more to the design process than simply data exchanges supported by a common building representation, and points to the importance of communication networks that strengthen the dialogue between architect and engineer. In responding to this finding, the proposed framework facilitates the sharing of knowledge across disciplines, which is of as great a benefit to the design process as the performance evaluation capabilities that it also provides. Principal Supervisor:Professor Journal ArticlesToth, B., Janssen, P., Stouffs, R. Conference PapersJanssen, P., Stouffs, R., Chaszar, A., Boeykens, S., & Toth, B. (2014). Custom digital workflows with user-defined dat...