are struggling to implement BIM at the very early stage of the design process. Thus, this ...... CATIA= Computer Aided Three-dimensional Interactive Application ..... as Generative approach have introduced new ways of design and modelling ...... the early design exercises developed a custom parametric model to control the.
School of the Built Environment
B UILDING I NFORMATION M ODELLING IN
C ONCEPT D ESIGN S TAGE
Kereshmeh Afsari Student ID: @00296833
A Dissertation presented to the University of Salford in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of
Master of Science in Digital Architectural Design
May 2012
A BSTRACT Building Information Modelling is known as a revolution in the industry and it is changing the design process and the way designers create the buildings. Among the stages of design, conceptualisation is being affected by BIM adoption as well. BIM has brought a lot of benefits to design but still designers are struggling to implement BIM at the very early stage of the design process. Thus, this study has been conducted to investigate how BIM is transforming concept design process and what could be the possible answer to overcome the barriers of BIM adoption at conceptualisation. Within 6 major objectives in 5 chapters, different aspects have been addressed in this regard. At first, within literature review the transformation of the design process within BIM methodology is explained and also general features of concept design stage are depicted to study its transformation within the evolution of Information Modelling. Besides, by critically reviewing the research strategies and techniques, mixed methods have been selected to further the study. Hence, case studies within 3 projects as well as 3 interviews with BIM professionals as methods of data collection have discussed the actual benefits of BIM at concept level, BIM tools that currently provides potentials and brings limitations to concept design and also, existing challenges that designers face when adopting BIM for concept generation. Findings from the interview have also demonstrated the required improvements in this regard. Research has concluded that BIM has assisted concept design stage based on what technology is applied and has made the conceptualisation more integrated and collaborative. However, when it comes to achieving a fast responsive process in evaluating design possibilities and choosing the most efficient conceptual design solution within integrated simulations, there are still challenges. For that reason, technology needs improvements both in software and hardware to support the thinking process of concept creation. Moreover, other facts such as advanced mindsets and a proper methodology will facilitate BIM conceptual design. In this research, discussions on the findings have revealed some important issues ended up with recommendations for some potential solutions in improving BIM adoption at conceptual stage.
Page i
A CKNOWLEDGEMENT
Sincere gratitude is hereby extended to the following people who have made the completion of this dissertation possible: My supervisor, Dr. Tuba Kocaturk for her encouragement, support and guidance throughout the course and in this dissertation Research Methods team at the School of the Built Environment for their interesting sessions and constant support Research participants for their taking part and valuable discussions, appreciations to Mr. Simpson, Mr. Wallbank, Mr. Moazami and Mr. Brown Professor Kiviniemi for his valuable advice and participation in this research Rita Newton for her endless support Centre for Construction Innovation (CCI), Nancy Porter and Roy Stewart for their assistance in finding interview participants All my family members for their love and motivation My friends for their help and good memories
And Utmost appreciation to the Almighty God for making this exciting journey possible
Page ii
T ABLE OF CONTENTS Abstract......................................................................................................... i Acknowledgment........................................................................................... ii Table of contents........................................................................................... iii List of Tables................................................................................................. vi List of Figures............................................................................................... vii Abbreviations................................................................................................ ix 1- Introduction to the research................................................ ..................... 1 1-0- Introduction .................................................................................... 1 1-1-Research background.....................................................................
1
1-2-Aim of the research.........................................................................
2
1-3-Research objectives........................................................................ 2 1-4-Justification...................................................................................... 2 1-5-Research method..........................................................................
4
1-6-Structure of the dissertation............................................................
5
2- Literature Review ..................................................................................... 7 2-0-Introduction...................................................................................... 7 2-1- An insight into BIM.......................................................................... 7 2-2-BIM and Design Process............................................ ..................... 8 2-3-Requirements of Concept Design phase........................................ 10 2-3-1- Energy analysis in conventional concept design.................. 11 2-4-Benefits of implementing BIM in concept design ........................... 12 2-5- BIM Technology and concept design.................................. ........
15
2-5-1- Interoperability standards.......................................... ........
16
2-5-2- BIM platforms................................................................
16
2-5-3- Design coordination tools..............................................
19
2-6-Existing challenges ................................................................
20
2-7-Summary of the literature review.............................................
21
3- Research Methodology........................................................................... 22 3-0- Introduction ..................................................................................
22
3-1-Research Approach.......................................................................
22
3-2-Literature review............................................................................
23
3-3- Research Strategy and Techniques.............................................. 23
Page iii
3-3-1- Case study procedure .......................................................... 27 3-3-1-1- Selection of Cases..................................................
28
3-3-1-2- Data collection technique.......................................
29
3-3-2- Interview procedure.............................................................
30
3-3-2-1- Interview participants..............................................
30
3-3-2-2- Interview format.......................................................
31
3-4- Approach to analysis..................................................................... 33 3-5- Challenges of study......................................................................
34
3-6- Ethical consideration.....................................................................
35
3-7- Summary of the research methodology......................................... 36 4-Research Findings and Analysis.............................................................. 37 4-0- Introduction...................................................................................
37
4-1- Findings from the Case studies...................................................... 37 4-1-1-Case 1: Masdar Headquarter building................................... 37 4-1-2-Case 2: Basrah Stadium........................................................ 42 4-1-3-Case 3: Lotte Super Tower.................................................... 48 4-1-4-Cross-case analysis............................................................... 52 4-2-Findings from the Interviews........................................................... 55 4-2-1- Interview 1: Professor Arto Kiviniemi.................................... 55 4-2-2- Interview 2: Mr. Martin Simpson........................................... 58 4-2-3- Interview 3: Mr. Benedict Wallbank...................................... 60 4-2-4- Emergent themes from the interviews.................................. 63 4-3- Fieldwork summary........................................................................ 67 5- Discussions & Conclusion....................................................................... 68 5-0- Introduction.................................................................................... 68 5-1- Research questions....................................................................... 68 5-2- Summary of the findings................................................................ 68 5-2-1- Literature review................................................................... 68 5-2-2- Fieldwork................................................................................ 69 5-3-Discussions...................................................................................... 69 5-3-1- The relationship between research findings and literature.... 70 5-3-1-1- Actual benefits of BIM in conceptualisation.............. 70 5-3-1-2- BIM Technology....................................................... 71 5-3-1-3- Challenges............................................................... 72 Page iv
5-3-1-4- Required improvements........................................... 73 5-3-2- The implication of this study................................................ 74 5-4- Limitation of study......................................................................... 75 5-5- Recommendations........................................................................ 75 5-5-1- Potential routes for improvements....................................... 75 5-5-2- Future research................................................................... 77 5-6- Conclusion.................................................................................... 77 References.................................................................................................. 79 Appendices.................................................................................................. 85 Appendix 1: Ethical approval Appendix 2: Participants information sheet Appendix 3: Research participant consent form Appendix 4: Interview Guide
Page v
L IST OF TABLES
Table 1.1: Summary of the research methods..............................................
5
Table 3.1: Research methods with regard to the research objectives...........
26
Table 3.2: Summary of the criteria for selection of cases.............................
29
Table 3.3: Interview Participants and approach............................................
31
Table 4.1: Emergent Themes from Cases....................................................
53
Table 4.2: Interview participants' information................................................
55
Table 4.3: Categorised emergent themes from interview 1...........................
63
Table 4.4: Categorised emergent themes from interview 2...........................
64
Table 4.5: Categorised emergent themes from interview 3...........................
65
Table 4.6: Summary of emergent themes from interviews............................
66
Table 5.1: Comparing theoretical and actual benefits of BIM........................
70
Table 5.2: Comparing potentials and limitations of BIM technology in literature and fieldwork...................................
71
Table 5.3: Comparing challenges of BIM in conceptualisation in literature and fieldwork.....................
72
Table 5.4: Required improvements found in literature and fieldwork............
74
Page vi
L IST OF FIGURES Figure 2.1: Concept of BIM...........................................................................
8
Figure 2.2: Architectural services outline......................................................
9
Figure 2.3: Comparing different distributions for design services.................
10
Figure 2.4: Example of integrated assessment for concept design review...
13
Figure 2.5: Concept design in Revit by CASE..............................................
17
Figure 3.1: Research onion according to Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill.....
24
Figure 3.2: Data collection methods according to Kumar.............................
25
Figure 3.3: Multiple-Case Study approach according to Yin.........................
27
Figure 3.4: Target group for interview participants.......................................
31
Figure 3.5: Three categories of questions and themes in interview guide....
32
Figure 3.6: Summary of data analysis procedure.........................................
33
Figure 3.7: Content analysis according to Kumar.........................................
33
Figure 4.1: External view of Masdar Headquarter Building...........................
38
Figure 4.2: Concept for the cones.................................................................
39
Figure 4.3: Ventilation of the building through cones....................................
39
Figure 4.4: Left: Interior view, Right: Cones and ventilation of the building...
40
Figure 4.5: Sectional perspective of the building...........................................
41
Figure 4.6: Cones and their complex structures...........................................
42
Page vii
Figure 4.7: Basrah Sport City.......................................................................
43
Figure 4.8: Basrah main Stadium.................................................................
43
Figure 4.9: Basrah stadium concept.............................................................
44
Figure 4.10: Basket for collecting dates, a regional icon..............................
44
Figure 4.11: Stadium skin and five types of panels on each of the two curvatures in End zone and Side zone...................
45
Figure 4.12: An example of using powercopy tool inside Digital Project......
46
Figure 4.13: Panels made in Digital Project with information on Excel........
47
Figure 4.14: Interior view and the skin panels..............................................
47
Figure 4.15: Lotte Super Tower....................................................................
48
Figure 4.16: Building's form..........................................................................
49
Figure 4.17: 3D model and unfolded model.................................................
50
Figure 4.18: Early stage solar analysis........................................................
51
Figure 4.19: Modelling workflow in Lotte super tower...................................
52
Figure 4.20: Common and possible benefits of BIM in the study of cases....
54
Figure 5.1: Summary of the discussions in identifying existing situation.......
73
Page viii
A bbreviations BIM= Building Information Modelling
AEC= Architectural Engineering Construction
FM= Facility Management
NIST= US National Institute of Standards and Technology
GSA= General Services Administration
MEP= Mechanical, Electrical and Public Health
CAD= Computer Aided Design
IFC= Industry Foundation Classes
IAI= International Alliance for Interoperability
ISO= International Organization for Standardization
CATIA= Computer Aided Three-dimensional Interactive Application
DP= Digital Project
Page ix
CHAPTER 1-0-
1: Introduction to the research
Introduction
This Chapter provides an overview of the study by introducing the focus of the research and major parts of dissertation in brief. Background of the research is described and also the aim and objectives of the study are presented. Then, the significance of the research is justified. In addition, an overview of the research methodology is presented addressing the research objectives and dissertation chapters are introduced. 1-1-
Research background
BIM has become an emerging theme within the AEC/FM industry in recent years, although the concept is not new (Succar, 2011; Kiviniemi, 2011) created first in mid 1970s known as building product modelling and then it started to grow in late 1990s with the development of IFC standard for data exchange (Kiviniemi, 2011). When NIST reported in 2004 that almost 16 billion Dollars are being wasted each year because of interoperability problems and inefficiencies of paper documentation, BIM was recognised as a proper answer (Masterson, 2007; Aranda-Mena et al., 2008). Conventional approaches in the construction industry are based on 2D drawings and paper-based documentation, thus because of the separate documentation mistakes are inevitable ending up to delays, losses and conflicts between parties (Eastman et al., 2011). Building Information Modelling claims to be a new benchmark for the design and documentation of the buildings to improve the existing inefficiencies and to boost collaboration among parties within the industry (Aranda-Mena et al., 2008). In other words, BIM is transforming the entire industry from the conventional methods' inefficiencies to a more collaborative and integrated process (Eastman et al., 2011). Since its emergence, there have been several views and studies on the area of BIM from what BIM actually is (Aranda-Mena et al., 2008; Eastman, 2009) to presenting a BIM handbook addressed several parties involved in creation and management of BIM (Eastman et al., 2011) and investigating the Page 1
features of parametric objects (Lee, Sacks and Eastman, 2005) as well as the benefits of its implementation (Azhar et al., 2008b) and its impact on the business model (Kiviniemi, 2011). BIM is a major step change and it changes the building documentation and visualisation as well as the processes in which buildings are created (Eastman et al., 2011). This research is conducted to investigate how BIM is transforming the design at the very early stages. 1-2-
Aim of the Research
The research aim is to investigate the impact of implementing BIM on conceptualisation phase in the design process. 1-3-
Research objectives
This research is seeking to address the following issues: 1- To have an overview on how BIM has changed the design process 2- To review the general requirements of the concept design phase 3- To investigate the theoretical benefits of implementing BIM in the concept design stage from actual impacts in practice. 4- To investigate BIM technology potentials and limitations for concept design 5- To identify the existing challenges of implementing BIM at the concept design stage 6- To recommend potential routes to improve concept design process in BIM 1-4-
Justification
Building Information Modelling acquired strength in 2004 when US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) reported 15.8 billion Dollars of loss because of the technological inadequate interoperability and paper documentation
(Masterson,
2007).
As
a
response,
General
Services
Administration (GSA) made the use of BIM technology mandatory in the buildings' documentation. BIM as a revolutionary change in AEC/FM industry, is a collaborative approach in which all the information needed in a building could be accessed and managed within an integrated model throughout the lifecycle Page 2
of the building (Lee et al., 2008; Kiviniemi, 2011). For that reason, it has widely been acknowledged that BIM has economic benefits and productivity for the industry (Azhar et al., 2008b). Based on the benefits of BIM, the industry started taking strong steps towards BIM adoption in recent years and therefore a massive investment has been made (Masterson, 2007). BIM affects all aspects of the building from concept to completion and operation (Eastman, 2009). Needless to say, almost all decisions about the building are being made in the phase of the design (Masterson, 2007) thus proper implementation of BIM in the design process is critical. Such huge transition towards BIM requires a wide range of research and development (Kiviniemi, 2011). This shows the significance of the study on BIM and its impact on design. On the other hand, BIM provides a number of integrated analysis and cost estimation from the early stages of the design process (Eastman et al., 2011; Stumpf and Brucker, 2008). It also facilitates the information flow among the design members and disciplines (Kiviniemi, 2011; Rosenburg, 2007) and because of these capabilities, designers can investigate the building performance early enough in the design process thus the design decisions can be made easier (Stumpf and Brucker, 2008). BIM is supposed to support the whole life-cycle of the building. However, there are challenges in implementing BIM in the concept design stage when fast and inter-related sketches are required. For that reason, sometimes designers prefer to use other platforms to accomplish the concept design faster and within more creative form-finding process (Eastman et al., 2011) but this will cause problems in data integration especially in later stages (Howell and Batcheler, 2004). Despite its importance, the critical question on how BIM can be adopted properly in the conceptual phase of the projects, has not been answered yet. In brief, the rationale behind this research is that a massive investment is taking place in the industry to make a transition towards BIM implementation and this will bring a number of benefits especially to the design process but while BIM is known as an integrated management of information throughout the whole life-cycle of the building that the design is one of its stages, designers are still struggling to implement it in conceptualisation because the requirements for this particular stage of the design are not properly there yet in BIM tools. Page 3
Therefore, as well as investigating BIM benefits in concept design stage, by pointing out what requirements are not completely fulfilled yet within BIM tools, what challenges exist in reality and what potential routes can be considered for its improvements, the study will contribute to the existing knowledge. 1-5-
Research method
Research methodologies in terms of data collection methods, data processing procedure, data analysis and presentation of the findings, are in two categories: Qualitative or Quantitative (Kumar, 2005). This dissertation is designed within a qualitative study to interpret the process of concept design stage in BIM adoption in terms of the meaning that actual practice and people in practice have brought to it. Moreover, reviewing focal literatures is an essential part of the research in order to define the position of the study within the existing knowledge and compare the findings with the works of others. It should be a continuous process within the study which starts before the finalisation of the research problems and should be carried on to the end of the study (Kumar, 2005). Thus, by reviewing the focal literatures on BIM influences in the design process, BIM adoption benefits, BIM tools and technologies and the general requirements of conceptualisation, it will formulate the research problems. The literature review results have addressed the objectives 1 to 5 which are studied further through appropriate strategies and techniques of data collection. Research strategy is known as the overall approach used in the response to the research questions (Barrett et al., 2011). Research techniques are the tools, sometimes knows as methods, used to collect information in order to apply the research strategy (Gray, 2004). It is very important to use objectives of the research to decide about the selection of research methods (Barrett et al., 2011). In this regard, Case study and interview have been selected to find the answers to the objectives of the research. For undertaking Case study, documentary analysis and secondary sources are used and in order to conduct the interviews, Semi-structured interviews are used to collect data among BIM professionals. Table 1.1 illustrates the relation between objectives and the methods of data collection used in this study.
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Research Methods
Chapter
Objective 1
Literature Review
2
Objective 2
Literature Review
2
Objective 3
Literature Review & Case study
2,4
Objective 4
Literature Review & Case study
2,4
Objective 5
Literature Review & Interview
2,4
Objective 6
Interview & discussions
4,5
Table 1.1: Summary of the research methods for each of the objectives within the dissertation chapters
1-6-
Structure of the dissertation
This research is designed in 6 main chapters as follows: I. Chapter 1 provides an introduction to the study and orients the research questions by explaining a background of BIM and the significance of research. This chapter also presents a summary of the selected research methods. II. Chapter 2 presents an extensive literature review on the research questions. This chapter looks into 5 of six objectives by reviewing the focal literature on BIM and its impact on the Design process, features of Concept Design stage, technology related issues and lastly the challenges of implementing BIM in conceptualisation. III. Chapter 3 is about the research methodology. It introduces the strategy and techniques that have been selected for this research. In addition, the practical implementation of the research techniques is discussed and ethical issues considered in the research are mentioned. IV. Chapter 4 looks into the findings of the research. The results from case studies and interviews are presented in details. Furthermore, the data collected from the research are analysed to answer the research questions regarding objectives 3, 4 and 5. V. Chapter 5 is the discussion and conclusion of the research where a summary of the findings through literature review, case studies and Page 5
interviews is stated and by making connections between literature and fieldworks, the sixth objective of the research is fully addressed. Also recommendations are presented.
Page 6
CHAPTER 2-0-
2: Literature review
Introduction
In this chapter, the research objectives 1 to 5 are investigated in extensive literature reviews. The study looks into the transformation of concept design stage by describing the impact of BIM in the design process and looking into the requirements of early design stage. Also, the research explains potential benefits that BIM brings to conceptualisation through critically studying of the theoretical references. Then, by focusing on technical issues, BIM tools and their areas of improvement are discussed. Finally, some of the challenges of implementing BIM at the concept level are identified. 2-1- An insight into BIM In 2002 US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) started to study about the additional cost incurred in the building due to problems of interoperability and later the report showed $15.8 billion cost each year is the result of inadequate interoperability from design to operation. BIM adoption could be a step towards correcting these inefficiencies (Eastman et al., 2011) which is known as a revolution in the AEC/FM industry and has established new processes in practice (Azhar, Hein and Sketo, 2008a; Kiviniemi, 2011). BIM is an n-D model of the building that carries all the information needed in the whole lifecycle of the building (Lee et al., 2008; Azhar et al., 2008b) that is not only transforming the design creation (Pihlak et al., 2011) but affecting the building's appearance (Eastman et al., 2011). In other words, building information model is representing the building digitally and assisting the exchange of information (RAIC, 2007) and performs as a database for sharing and using any information related to the building (Figure 2.1). As the conventional design and construction process mostly rely on paperbased design with 2D drawings, always inaccuracy and mistakes happen because of the separate documentation ending up with delays in project, losses of budget and conflicts between parties. Also, in this process lots of time should be spent for coordinating information and generating documents. BIM is a
Page 7
different way of managing building data and is changing the industry from such inefficiencies to an integrated and coordinated process (Eastman et al., 2011). This trend is comparable to the changes happened when mobile phone emerged in the late 1980s and transformed the industry and people's attitude in communication (Kiviniemi, 2011).
Figure 2.1: Concept of BIM. Copy rights: Buildingpedia
Many firms are making fundamental changes in their design process and although several benefits of BIM are obvious, they are concerned about the challenges, time and money required for this change. (RAIC, 2007). Most importantly, implementing BIM has an effect on the design culture of the firm bringing its own challenges (Bachman, 2009). 2-2-
BIM and design process Building information modelling has emerged as a phenomenon that
potentially affects every process from design to facility management (Eastman, 2009). BIM is transforming the design process and is affecting how we formulate design solutions (Bachman, 2009). In the design process, the first player in creating BIM is the architect who is responsible for setting up the
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design and for spatial planning. The information will be then transferred to the structural engineer who adds data in the model such as foundations, columns, floor, etc. Then the architect completes it with walls and finishing. Finally the design is passed to the Mechanical, Electrical and Public Health (MEP) Engineers who design building services by adding space reservation for the service routes (SCRI, 2010). The overall process consists of several stages such as conceptualisation, feasibility studies, detailed design, production planning and construction detailing (Ertas and Jones, 1996). Traditional architectural services according to Eastman (2011) presented in Figure 2.2.
Feasibility study
predesign
Schematic design
Construction detailing
Construction review
Figure 2.2: Architectural services outline
BIM literally changes the design process (Figure 2.3) by providing the followings (Eastman et al., 2011): • Earlier and more accurate design visualisation • Integrated and interrelated changes • Accurate 2D drawings as well as cost estimates extraction from building's 3D model • Collaborative design • Sustainable design improvements Because BIM provides the information flow within one model in a multidisciplinary process, sustainability issues and building performance analysis would be facilitated throughout the design process while conventional process requires a lot of time and a great deal of interventions and interpretations by designers to achieve such analysis (Azhar, Brown and Farooqui, 2009). The impact of BIM on design process can be studied in three categories: "Construction-level modelling" that is the strongest point of BIM, "Integration of engineering services" with the support of integrated analysis and simulation capabilities, and "Conceptual design" by facilitating preliminary exploration and assessment of design (Eastman et al., 2011) which means BIM integrated
Page 9
procedure that facilitates interdisciplinary design, changes the generation of architectural design concepts as well (Pihlak et al., 2011).
Figure 2.3: Comparing different distributions for design services. Copyrights: Marcatects
The major feature of BIM is that its model provides intelligent building components through which the building data is accessible (Lee, Sacks and Eastman, 2006) thus offers manageable changes within integrated components of the building based on their parametric relations (Sanguinetti, 2008; Eastman et al., 2011). This characteristic of the building's 3D components has made the BIM model interpretable for several analyses (Eastman, 2009; Rosenberg, 2008). Indeed, modelling in BIM is not based on geometrical elements but is defined by the parametric building objects (Rosenberg, 2008). Now, the question is that how BIM is transforming the concept design stage. First of all, specific features of this particular stage of design should be studied. 2-3-
Requirements of Concept design phase
In the concept design, sketching is the most important activity where designers try to create flexible and conceptual representation of their ideas and therefore, Page 10
sketches play a critical role in achieving a creative solution, which begins from the stage of showing what is going on in the designer's mind to the level of visualising the functional elements of the building (Suwa, Gero and Purcell, 2006). Many used 3D modelling platforms to visualise the concept and at the same time to provide the client with more understanding about how the space will look like (Lee et al., 2008). Such building modelling is of the interest of Architects as they can create more exotic shapes with more control on geometry (Eastman, 2009). Besides, in the conceptualisation, architects most of the times review the options on aesthetics as well to make the Architecture distinguishable (Pihlak et al., 2011; The Foundation, 2009). They sometimes think about the forms, materials and combinations that might not have been explored before. For that reason, conceptualisation is the step that needs more free design explorations (The Foundation, 2009). On the other hand, some digital design methods such as Generative approach have introduced new ways of design and modelling through computation and algorithms (McCormack, Dorin and Innocent, 2004) that has brought more creative controlled exploration to the design (Meredith, lasch and Sasaki, 2008) and more innovative conceptual free-form creation which cannot be found in the existing BIM platforms (Eastman et al., 2011). When the concept of the building is finalised, the architect and the engineers begin to conduct several analyses such as structural behaviour of the building elements or energy analysis that each will bring feedbacks, most of the time changes, to the design. At this stage also, some questions as "what ifs" will be asked that makes the design team to think about other possibilities for the most efficient and practical project (The Foundation, 2009). 2-3-1- Energy analysis in conventional concept design The most effective decisions about building's energy consumption and sustainable design are made in the early design stage (Azhar, Brown and Farooqui, 2009) and the life-cycle energy, thermal comfort, and daylighting performance of the building is determined at this stage (Sweeney, 2008). Although there are some energy analysis platforms along with conventional CAD modelling tools for the benefit of energy-efficient buildings, there are two
Page 11
obstacles in considering these outcomes
(Stumpf and Brucker, 2008;
Autodesk, 2007). Firstly, most of the times analyses are done in later phases when the documents are produced (Azhar, Brown and Farooqui, 2009), sometimes too late to be implemented as it would cause a great amount of changes to the components of the building while the design is about to be finished. If energy analysis can be done early enough in the design process then it can be easily coordinated with any changes required (Stumpf and Brucker, 2008; Autodesk, 2007) which current tools and processes do not support such rapid generation and analysis of design alternatives (Sweeney, 2008) needed for concept sketching. Secondly, as modelling platform is different from the analysis platform, some data are in risk of missing in exporting and importing the model between applications (Stumpf and Brucker, 2008; Autodesk, 2007). Thus the lack of analysis integration into the design process generally ends up with inefficiencies and in order to achieve a proper study on building performance in the early design, a set of data regarding the building’s form, materials, orientation and alike are needed early enough in the process (Azhar, Brown and Farooqui, 2009). 2-4-
Benefits of implementing BIM in concept design
BIM gives the opportunity to investigate several possibilities of the design not just based on their geometric expression but also with testing its performance to achieve the optimum result whether it is energy consumption or cost or construction thus the errors and conflicts can be reduced (The Foundation, 2009). From the very beginning of the project, BIM provides preliminary cost estimation, construction sequencing and energy analysis (Eastman et al., 2011). So, by using BIM the designers will be able to create integrated designs while checking their performance too (The Foundation, 2009). An interesting example of the benefits of integrated assessment and analysis for concept design phase has been developed by Georgia Tech team for GSA, considering GSA design process standard. Initial designs submitted for GSA review known as "Preliminary concept design" and firms are required to present at least three alternatives of spatial concepts (traditionally in paper) so that each could be assessed regarding space programme, standards, cost and energy use estimation clearly done by hand. But as this example describes Page 12
(Figure 2.4) several assessments can be achieved from a single conceptual 3D model (Eastman et al., 2011).
Model data
Figure 2.4: Example of integrated assessment for concept design review. Copyrights: Georgia Tech
In brief, BIM benefits at this particular stage of design can be categorised as the following items: •
Accurate visualisation: One important driver of BIM adoption is the advantages of 3D representation which this kind of visualisation assist the design team to understand the design and resolve the problems better (RAIC, 2007). This is known as the key benefit of BIM which provides
accurate
geometrical
representation
of
the
building's
components in a database (Azhar et al., 2008b). •
Design optimisation: By BIM implementation, Design “errors” and mistakes are significantly reduced thus fewer changes needed in later stages of design (RAIC, 2007). Design alternatives can be precisely analysed and simulated fast which can improve innovative design
Page 13
solutions end up with better (Azhar et al., 2008b) and higher quality design. •
Design Coordination: A Building Information Model provides an integrated database of the building (Azhar, Brown and Farooqui, 2009) thus within a single database coordination among design team members can be improved (RAIC, 2007) and information can be shared more easily (Azhar et al., 2008b). BIM facilitates communication between designers assuring them that there will be no clashes, conflicts or errors in later stages (The Foundation, 2009).
•
Environmental analysis: The integration of BIM with performance analysis tools provides complex analysis allowing the architects to have easy access to tools thus feedback on design alternatives would be achieved fast and early in the design process (Azhar, Brown and Farooqui, 2009). At this stage to model the thermal zones and achieve building the amounts of energy usage, a perimeter and core thermal modelling approach is used and the designer can make some limited changes to the defaults to test design variations (Eastman et al., 2011). Eventually this can enhance the design in terms of building orientation, building massing and skin type, daylighting analysis, water harvesting, sustainable materials and masonry (Azhar, Brown and Farooqui, 2009).
•
Cost estimation: At this early stage, all the geometric information required for quantities is already available in the model (Bailey et al., 2008) therefore, quantity take-off can be automatically driven from the Building Information Model, accurate cost estimation can be provided which supports fast feedback on design (Eastman et al., 2011). Some would believe concept design stage is more creative and would not
need any integration to other phases of design. However, it is in this stage that the building and its costs are being shaped and because of such importance, information modelling would need to begin from the initial stage (Lee et al., 2008; Autodesk, 2007). If we want to use both processes to achieve more freedom in concept design and more integrated detailed design in BIM then the importing and exporting would take a lot of time (Autodesk, 2007) and inefficiencies in exchanging the information will happen (Eastman et al., 2011). Page 14
Even if we assume that we will not lose data in this process, imagine the situation that the detailed design has been progressed and an unexpected change happens that directly relates to concept of the building. In this case designers would need to start again to create these separated models and obviously will lose time and money (Autodesk, 2007). 2-5-
BIM Technology and concept design
As BIM was enabled by the advancement of technology, software platforms play a critical role. But it should be noted that BIM is a process and is not just software and software only facilitates the approach (Malone, 2010) and this major change is not only technology change but is a process change (Eastman et al., 2011). Building Information Modelling incorporates parametric modelling as a powerful tool for visualisation and analysis (Sanguinetti, 2008) within its 3D object oriented environment (RAIC, 2007). It represents the development and use of computer-generated n-D models to simulate the design and helps designers to visualize and simulate what is going to be built and to identify potential issues. With BIM technology, an accurate virtual model of a building is digitally created (Azhar et al., 2008b). The elements of the building can be displayed in several views graphically while carrying non-graphic attributes with them. This kind of parametric geometry of 3D components with assigned rules and variable dimensions, bring intelligence to these objects that are representing both geometric and functional relationships between building components (Howell and Batcheler, 2004). Software providers have taken major steps to move from vector-based geometric objects to 3D-based parametric objects (RAIC, 2007). Almost all of the technology vendors across AEC industry that were earlier providing CAD solutions now are offering key technologies for BIM solutions. Also, there has been a fast growth in the number of new technology providers developing addons in order to improve the capability of their BIM applications (Eastman et al., 2011; Malone, 2010). Some of the major BIM platforms include Autodesk Revit, Digital projects, Bentley systems, ArchiCAD (Wortman et al., 2008) (Eastman et al.,
2011)
that
each
provides
different
potentials
while
not
being
comprehensively developed (Eastman et al., 2011) in terms of geometry and Page 15
data components. In other words, they do not treat the process as a whole and it is required to standardise the BIM process. Thus suitable solutions are needed to be developed to overcome these challenges (Azhar et al., 2008b). 2-5-1- Interoperability standards There are two approaches to support collaboration among project members and integration of data with workflows. First, to use one vendor tools, that means all designers in the team should incorporate tools with same vendor. Second, to use different vendors' tools while considering industry supported standards providing interoperability among applications (Eastman et al., 2011) such as IFC. The Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) is a neutral and open specification that is not controlled by a single vendor or group of vendors. As a commonly used format for BIM, it is an object oriented file format with a data model developed by IAI to facilitate exchanging of information and interoperability in the building industry (RAIC, 2007) now endorsed as a draft ISO standard (Howell and Batcheler, 2004). XML is another schema support data exchange which is an extension to HTML and is good for small amounts of data. It is anticipated that these supports for exchanging data will grow especially with regard to incremental data updates (Eastman et al., 2011). 2-5-2- BIM platforms Generally SketchUp, Rhinoceros and BonZai are favourite sketching tools that are user-friendly and supporting freeform sketching. BIM software developers have included some of these capabilities for concept design in their products to compete with this market (Eastman et al., 2011). There are plenty of BIM software applications (RAIC, 2007). The top three software packages are: Autodesk Revit, Graphisoft ArchiCAD, Bentley Architecture (Azhar et al., 2008b). Some of the major BIM tools are critically reviewed in brief as below. •
Revit:
Currently, there are a lot of architects who are using Revit Architecture (Hergunsel, 2011) which is known as the most realistic interpretation of a BIM package performs as a central project database. The ability to coordinate every
Page 16
building element in one database is the strength of this approach, which is providing users with the ability to see the results of design revisions made in the model immediately reflecting them in the related views and to detect any coordination issues (Howell and Batcheler, 2004; Hergunsel, 2011). The package includes several software applications: Revit Architecture, Revit MEP, and Revit Structure (Azhar et al., 2008b) and AutoCAD Revit Architecture Suite (The Working Group, 2010).
Figure 2.5: Concept design in Revit by CASE. Copyrights: Autodesk
For estimating purposes, information can be exported to other estimating programs which have been designed to work with Revit Architecture (Azhar et al., 2008b). Revit has built-in sequencing options while each object can be assigned a phase and can also be updated via MS Project (Hergunsel, 2011). At the moment 31% of the market share belongs to Autodesk and due to increasing number of designers switching to Revit, it seems that the market will remain at the same direction (Malone, 2010). Ecotect and Green Building Studio are owned by Autodesk while the former is an environmental analysis tool that is the least versatile in terms of value and costs and the latter is a webbased energy analysis service that provides users with the capability of evaluating the environmental impact of building components in the early design
Page 17
stage, more versatile than Ecotect but lacking Acoustic capabilities (Azhar, Brown and Farooqui, 2009). In initial form-finding stages, the current set of interfaces in Revit imposes constraints and often explorations of form are executed in a flexible environment and imported into Revit and currently it is used more successfully as a project delivery platform (Park and Holt, 2010). CASE (Figure 2.5) has provided a conceptual design whitepaper for Autodesk describing how Revit features can be used at concept design and analysis (CASE, 2010). •
ArchiCAD
Graphisoft's ArchiCAD application is orbiting a virtual building model rather than being seen as the central archive for the entire model. ArchiCAD has been regarded as a BIM system since its inception over 20 years ago (Howell and Batcheler, 2004). Although in many ways it is similar to Revit, its interface is completely different and learning the software is not as easy as Revit. There are a number of add-ons to be used for structural analysis, energy use and facility management (Malone, 2010). Its server capabilities facilitate collaboration and object-level design coordination (Eastman et al., 2011). Although its limitation in parametric modelling decreases the variations, it has large object libraries (Malone, 2010). It has effective ways to manage large projects but because it is an in-memory system it has scaling problems with large-scale projects (Eastman et al., 2011). •
Bentley Systems:
Within Bentley Architecture, Bentley Structural, Bentley HVAC, Bentley Civil, Bentley Building Mechanical and some more, Bentley Systems (The Working Group, 2010) offers a very broad range of modelling tools (Eastman et al., 2011) interpreting BIM differently comprising a family of application modules (Howell and Batcheler, 2004). It supports modelling with complex surfaces. For developing parametric objects, it has multiple levels of supports through Parametric Cell studio and Generative Components. It supports large projects with many objects as well as multiplatform and server capabilities. However, its products are partially integrated and for data consistency it takes more time (Eastman et al., 2011). Also the highest levels of interoperability can only be Page 18
achieved when the entire family of Bentley products employed on the project (Howell and Batcheler, 2004). Bentley used to have a large number of drafting users because of its rendering quality (Malone, 2010). •
Digital project:
Digital Project comprises nine modules: Designer, Foundation, Viewer, Structures, MEP, Knowledge Template, Knowledge Advisor, Project Manager and Primavera Integration (The Working Group, 2010). It is created by Gehry Technologies and launched in 2004 using Dassault Systèmes’ CATIA V5 as a core modelling engine (Dassalut Systems, 2012). Its engineering-calibre geometry engine provides the designer with a toolkit for constructing complex 3D surfaces and solids (Park and Holt, 2010). It can integrate 3D models and perform automated clash detection (Dassault systems, 2011). It offers powerful and complete parametric modelling capabilities (Eastman et al., 2011). The specification tree lists all the geometry and features but this organization method is rigid and limits the designer to think of the parameters in a particular way. The parametric relationships have not been developed properly to anticipate certain changes and it is difficult to alter them and to maintain any parts that depend on a relationship. For earlier stages design, such constraints imposed by the platform are not desirable (Park and Holt, 2010). It has a complex interface and its predefined object libraries which are external thirdparty object libraries, are limited. Besides, the architectural drawing capabilities are not fully developed (Eastman et al., 2011). Scripting within DP can relieve some of the rigidity but the user is still tied to the platform-specific geometrical primitives. Parametric modelling toolset cannot capture the progression of the design logic through various iterations and changes, either due to immaturity of the toolset or its rigidity (Park and Holt, 2010). 2-5-3- Design coordination tools Most of the major BIM tools support model review and online mark-ups which are light, view-only tools that rely on a neutral format like VRML or IFC and can be transmitted quickly enabling collaborations via web conferences (Eastman, 2009). BIM tools that support coordination are Navisworks, ProjectWise, Digital Page 19
Project Viewer, Solbiri and Vico. Brand new Tekla BIMsight also helps the user to combine models and add comments (Hergunsel, 2011). Autodesk Navisworks and Solbiri allow multiple models to be overlaid and displayed together (Eastman et al., 2011). Autodesk Navisworks is a well known platform for design review and clash detection. However, it comes with a feature called Timeliner to simulate construction schedules. While Timeliner can link Microsoft Project, and Primavera project planner with various BIM formats, it is a unilateral information exchange platform (Hergunsel, 2011). Generally, two-way workflow can be achieved between BIM platforms and structural analysis tools but development is still needed for effective two-way exchanges in most other areas (Eastman et al., 2011).
All in all, in reality, because of the limitations of BIM platforms designers are using separate 3D conceptual models being created in other tools such as SketchUp (Howell and Batcheler, 2004). The reality check leads the study to indepth investigation of the challenges. 2-6-
Existing challenges
Despite the benefits of BIM for design, its potential for early stages of the design process has not been fully realised because current tools and processes do not support fast generation and evaluation of alternatives (Sweeney, 2008).
In
other word, current BIM tools are inappropriate for the concept sketching because of their restricted parametric object-based features in dealing with complex forms. That means, while BIM promises an integrated design process, a fully supported workflow has not been achieved yet (Eastman et al., 2011). And if designers use other design solutions at this stage, the information flow and coordination issues will be affected (Howell and Batcheler, 2004). BIM weakness in supporting freeform conceptual design have been recognised by some of the software developers and started to be developed by adding some tools for sketching exploration but the workflow is not smooth enough yet (Eastman et al., 2011). Indeed, BIM should make a balance between the requirements of concept design and the data integration. But none of the existing BIM tools has Page 20
comprehensive capabilities for these requirements (Eastman et al., 2011). Further work is needed to improve appropriate building data captured within the model for energy analysis. It needs to document the critical design parameters and parametric relationships that must be considered in the effective design of energy systems during the conceptual phase. Moreover, a methodology needs to be developed that designer can use simulation cycle to investigate more design alternatives in shorter time (Sweeney, 2008). BIM providers are aware of the limitations and this is an ongoing development (Eastman et al., 2011). 2-7-
Summary of Literature review
In this chapter, research objectives have been investigated through the review of literatures. BIM impact on design process has been discussed and the requirements of concept design such as sketching have been identified. Benefits of BIM for conceptualisation has been summarised in to items such as design optimisation and better design coordination. Also, by looking into the features of BIM technology, potentials and areas of improvements of major BIM tools such as Revit, Bentley, ArchiCAD and Digital Project have been described. And by critically analysing the reviews, some of the existing challenges of BIM implementation at conceptualisation such as weaknesses in delivering free forms have been recognised and some of the required improvements have been identified.
Page 21
CHAPTER 3-0-
3: Research Methodology
Introduction
In this chapter, the overall methodology for research is described. At first, the mode of study is explained and a critical review of literatures regarding research methodology is presented. Referring to the research objectives, selected methods are explained. For each individual method, the detailed procedure is presented and data analysis plan is described. The challenges of study are also identified and finally, the ethical consideration is reviewed. 3-1-
Research Approach
Planning a research is similar to planning a trip and the researcher should decide about quite a few things before starting the research (Merriam, 1998). Research is one of the several ways for collecting information to answer the questions involved, within a process that is objective and has a framework of thinking based on reliable methods (Kumar, 2005). Clearly, these methods should be selected regarding the nature of research objectives. Qualitative and Quantitative mode of study are both similar in research process but the methods of data collection, the procedure of data analysis and the communication of findings are different in each (Kumar, 2005). Qualitative research is mainly emphasised on the processes, meaning and understanding of an issue, generally undertaken when there is a gap in theory (Merriam, 1998; Denzin and Lincoln, 1994) tries to develop a theory in an inductive study (Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill, 2007).
It interprets a phenomenon by the
means of the definitions that people provide (Denzin and Lincoln, 1994). On the other hand, Quantitative research focused on the measurement and the analysis of variables and does not look into the processes (Denzin and Lincoln, 1994). It tests an existing theory rather than building a concept (Merriam, 1998) known as deductive research (Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill, 2007). This dissertation is designed within a qualitative study. Based on the aim and objectives of the research that are looking into the processes of
Page 22
implementing BIM at conceptualisation not into measuring any variable, the study will fit into the Qualitative Approach. It should be noted that qualitative research is inductive and its result is strongly descriptive. The researcher is the main instrument of collecting and analysing data. Such study needs fieldwork while researcher should personally get involved in the process and go to people (Merriam, 1998). In the design of the study these major facts have been taken into consideration. 3-2-
Literature review
Literature review in the research is essential and should be conducted to find the position of research questions within the body of knowledge and later on, the findings of the research should be compared with those existing knowledge. Therefore, literature review is continuous (Kumar, 2005). Within a critical literature review, the foundation of research can be provided through the research background, key sources, theories and findings as well as the debates and possible issues and problems (Gray, 2004). The answers to the research objectives 1 and 2 are provided within the literature review while creating theoretical ground for objectives 3 to 5 as well described in Table 3.1. 3-3-
Research Strategy and Techniques
There are several categorisations of research methods within reference books and articles. A common agreement can hardly be found in the terminology of research methods and its classification (Barrett et al., 2011). According to Barrett et al. (2011) the strategy of the research is known as the general approach that the research relies on. They introduce three research strategies: 1) "Experiment" which is suitable for measuring the effects of two variables on each other. 2) "Survey" which is the standardised way of data collection from groups of people. 3) "Case study" which deals with development of specific knowledge by looking into a limited number of related cases. In each of these strategies specific research techniques are used for data collection while typical techniques are "Questionnaire", "Interviews", "Observation" and " Archival analysis" (Barrett et al., 2011). Gray (2004) explains Research Techniques are Page 23
the tools, sometimes knows as methods, used to collect information in order to apply the research strategy (Gray, 2004). However, Saunders (2007) introduces a different viewpoint for research strategy classification within the "Research Onion" as illustrated in Figure 3.1 (Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill, 2007).
Figure 3.1: Research onion according to Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill (2007)
In other word, the idea of differentiation between research strategy and techniques of data collection are the same between Saunders and Barrett and they have a common vision regarding the first three strategies (Experiment, Survey and Case study). Meanwhile, Saunders adds four other strategies of research (Action research, Grounded theory, Ethnography and Archival research). Additionally, Kumar (2005) describes two major approaches for data collection illustrated in Figure 3.2. As he explains information needed for a research sometimes already exists and the researcher should extract it but sometimes this information should be collected directly, so he categorises the data into "Secondary" and "Primary" data accordingly. For gathering information, each has their own methods. Where the information is secondPage 24
handed, all documents that are already available can be used such as publications, reports, etc (Kumar, 2005). Observation
Primary data
Interviewing
Questionnaire
Data collection Methods Secondary data
Documents
Figure 3.2: Data collection methods according to Kumar (2005)
Denzin and Lincoln (1994) also describe the methods of data collection for a qualitative study mainly within interviewing, observing, documents, visual methods and personal experience methods (Denzin and Lincoln, 1994). For selecting the appropriate research method in this study, three major facts have been taken into consideration: Firstly, because this study is looking into design process, some important facts should be considered. Design is known as a process and activity while has an end result as a product. In other word, we can see different products created in same processes or reaching a result through several processes (Lawson, 2006). The outcome of a process is a design description (Gero, 1990). Also, BIM is not a single thing or software and includes human interactions and processes (Eastman et al., 2011). Hence, the chosen methodology of research should cover both aspects looking into the product and process. Secondly, the selection of research methods depends directly on the aim of the study and questions being asked (Barrett et al., 2011). Thus, the study has looked for the most appropriate methods that can fit into each objective. Thirdly, the methods of research and collecting data should be feasible (Kumar, 2005) in terms of time and available resources. As the research is
Page 25
designed for the MSc dissertation in almost three months, time constraints is important. Besides, the access to the resources whether people or design projects within the time limits has been studied carefully. In addition, to secure an in-depth study and understanding of the research questions, applying multiple methods is useful (Denzin and Lincoln, 1994; Barrett et al., 2011) and is more desirable. Hence, considering all facts, the selected research methods are described in Table 3.1. Research Methods
Obj-1
Obj-2
Obj-3
Obj-4
Obj-5
Literature review
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Case Case study
Mixed
Secondary sources: Documents
Methods
analysis
Obj-6
Crosscase analysis
Interview
Primary sources
Semistructured
*
interview
Table 3.1: Research methods with regard to the research objectives
With regard to the objectives 3 and 4, the study needs to investigate the theoretical benefits of BIM in the actual projects that have already implemented Information Modelling in the concept design considering the technological issues. Therefore, studying the appropriate projects would be the best possible method. Besides, the comparative study across cases will depict some of the challenges regarding the fifth objective too. Moreover, to find the questions regarding the objectives 5 and 6, the research needs to look into the existing challenges and point out possible solutions. Thus, the research conducts interviews for gathering the primary data that will discuss technical barriers too. Based on the fact that the research is being done in England that has already started to look into BIM implementation in the public projects within a 5-year adoption plan by 2016 (Fulcher, 2011), the practitioners who are aware of BIM implementation and its obstacles, can be accessed and interviewed. Page 26
In fact, within 4 possible research techniques (Barrett et al., 2011; Soy, 1997), this research will conduct "documentary analysis" and "Semi-structures interview" because firstly, it will make the research more strong by combining data collection approaches (Soy, 1997) and secondly, other techniques (observation and questionnaire) are not suitable for the aim of this study. 3-3-1- Case study procedure Case study is known as a method that provides the research with adding strengths to what has already been done in previous experiences through analysis of limited number of projects and because it is applicable in real world, it is beneficial (Soy, 1997). It relies mainly on inductive reasoning in handling multiple data sources (Merriam, 1998). The research needs the use of case study when it is required to gain an in-depth understanding of a real issue and this understanding fundamentally involves with contextual conditions (Yin, 2009). Referring to the third objective of research, this would be the best strategy for the study as it will provide BIM benefits in the actual projects. The technological consideration has been taken into account to support the forth objective too.
Figure 3.3: Multiple-Case Study approach according to Yin (2009)
It is more desirable to study multiple cases because of its analytic benefits and because it can produce stronger effect (Yin, 2009). So, in this dissertation multiple-case studies have been targeted in which data needs to be collected Page 27
and analysed from several cases (Merriam, 1998) and the researcher must choose each case carefully (Yin, 2009). This will provide an appropriate base for cross-case analysis (Soy, 1997). General approach towards multiple case studies according to Yin (2009) is shown in Figure 3.3 from defining the cases to concluding stage (Yin, 2009). For investigating objective 3 and 4, several contributors are involved. As discussed in chapter 2, based on the fact that what tools are being used, the modelling process and creating the concept would be affected. Hence, the study needs to investigate multiple cases from technological point of view. Two major issues that should be mentioned are the approach to selecting the cases and the methods used for data collection. 3-3-1-1- Selection of Cases The purpose and logic of the research defines the cases to study (Merriam, 1998). According to Yin (2009) in a multiple-case study, each case should be selected with careful consideration while appearing as multiple experiments with either similar or contradicting result. In each of the cases, the research should clearly present "how" and "why" they demonstrate a particular proposition (Yin, 2009) presented in next chapter. In order to find the best case, the criteria for selection need to be established (Merriam, 1998). The number of cases selected for the study should be sufficient too. It is mostly related to the theory and the extent to which it is straightforward as well as the degree of certainty needed (Yin, 2009). The amount of data needed to be gathered depends highly on the research questions and a reasonable coverage of the research purpose (Merriam, 1998). Indeed, the number of theoretical issues is based on the researcher's common sense of "the importance of rival explanations" and the study may need additional cases if the rivals are stronger (Yin, 2009). Furthermore, BIM incorporates modelling tools for its creation (Sanguinetti, 2008) and BIM software programmes are equipped with specific features and building objects that form the modelling process (Eastman et al., 2011). Therefore, in the design process each of the platforms provides different building systems (Rosenburg, 2007). Referring to the objective 4, in order to find cases that can best satisfy the study (Soy, 1997) three cases are selected
Page 28
from technological point of view, two of which are selected from the projects created with two most popular BIM software programmes (e.g. Autodesk Revit and Digital Project) at conceptualisation and the third one is selected among the projects that applied mixed platforms (Table 3.2). 3-3-1-2- Data collection technique Interviewing, field observation and document analysis are three major techniques of data collection in case study while in some studies only one method is merged in the process of understanding the issue (Merriam, 1998). Documents are explicit sources for collecting data including written reports, formal studies, news articles and any piece appearing in the mass media (Yin, 2009). In this research, the cases information are collected through documentations such as Articles, reports, whitepapers as well as online audio & video sources as shown in Table 3.2. Documents can be helpful to uncover the meanings and to establish reasoning for the research objectives but because they have been produces independently, it should be located in accordance with the research problems (Merriam, 1998) thus using documents should be systematic and relevant (Yin, 2009) that this study carefully considers.
#
Projects that used
technique
Targeted BIM tools:
one of the popular
Case 1
Case 2
Data collection
Criteria of selection
BIM tools (that are
Revit
Documentation:
Design projects
different in nature
Digital
Articles,
that used BIM
technologically) to
project
methodology at
generate concept
concept design
design
Bentley
News, Reports, Video presentations of designers online
phase Project that used
Case 3
mixed tool for BIM
mixed BIM platform
at concept design
Table 3.2: Summary of the criteria for selection of cases and data collection technique
Page 29
3-3-2- Interview procedure For the fifth and sixth objectives as well as completing the forth, this study used interviews as the method of data collection and people who have been involved in BIM implementation and have experiences and knowledge of how BIM is transforming the design process, have been targeted. These interviews are in a way of guided conversation rather than structured queries (Yin, 2009). In fact, a research would need interviewing when the observation of the fact on how other people interpret the issue are not available to study (Merriam, 1998). Moreover, the interviewees can discuss the issues being asked from their own perception while the interviewer should conduct an effective interview within well-designed questions (Kajornboon, 2008). So, the main step is selecting relevant people for interview and then designing the interview themes. 3-3-2-1- Interview Participants Concept design stage is mainly led by Architects who are the creators of the building's concept. It generally involves engineers, specifically structural engineers to study if the building design is feasible within structural analysis (SCRI, 2010). Therefore, these two groups of people should be considered as participants of the interview. Besides, contribution of academic researchers with comprehensive knowledge about how ideally BIM should perform would bring additional perspective to the study. For that reason, three groups of people shown in Figure 3.4 have been invited. These people are among Architects who are the creators of concept design, Structural Engineers who cooperate in BIM concept design process and Academic researchers with different perspective of what BIM in concept design should be. In order to find the most relevant people for the study, a research has been conducted among people who have been already involved in BIM adoption and the inquiry was made to several sources: First of all the potential interviewees among academic staff have been recognised. Then, some academics in BIM related research centres (e.g. Centre for Construction Innovation) have been asked if they have any network with the practitioners. Other helpful source was LinkedIn, which is a social networking website among Page 30
business people. More importantly, there is a group within LinkedIn website for BIM experts providing business-related discussions. Therefore, public profiles of this professional group's members were studied in order to find people who meet the criteria.
Target Groups
BIM professionals
Architects
Strcuturel Engineers
Consultants/ Academics
Figure 3.4: Target group for interview participants
18 professionals from several places across United Kingdom, United States and European countries were contacted. Among them, based on the time limit and schedule agreed, 5 people accepted to participate in the interview. The information about the participants is summarised in Table 3.3.
Invited
Agreed
People
Participants
18
5
Face-toFace Interview
Telephone Interview
3
2
Architects
1
Structural
Consultants/
Engineers
Academics
2
2
Table 3.3: Interview participants and approach
3-3-2-2- Interview format Semi-structured interviews used in this research provide views and opinions while a list of key themes and questions should be covered within an interview guide but other questions may be added too (Kajornboon, 2008). It brings flexibility in data collection and is useful for an in-depth study (Kumar, 2005). Besides, the order of the questions can be changed based on the direction of the discussions (Kajornboon, 2008).
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In this study, first a guide contains major themes and questions has been designed based on the previous stage findings to address challenges of implementing BIM at conceptualisation and required improvements. The interview guide can be found in the appendices. The questions were edited twice, discussed and approved by the dissertation supervisor. In this particular kind of data collection the researcher have the opportunity to explain the questions (Kumar, 2005) therefore, whenever was needed, the questions were reworded and put in a way that can be understandable by interviewees. Considering the research objectives, Questions have been designed in 3 major categories (Figure 3.5).
Technological issues, e.g. BIM platforms
Challenges of implementing BIM in concept design
Required developments
Interview questions categories Figure 3.5: Three categories of questions and themes in the Interview guide
For instance, the answer to the question: "In your experience, how objectbased design, integrated process and paying attention to the information flow have affected conceptualisation?" would uncover some of the challenges of BIM modelling. When the interviewee talks about his experience and opinion regarding BIM technology, the question on "What do you think about commercial BIM software programmes" will bring useful data on technical challenges and "What development is needed" will show the required developments. The interview has been designed within a 30-minute discussion session so that it can fit into the tight schedule of the professionals and prior to the meetings primary information regarding the study has been sent presented in the appendices.
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3-4-
Approach to analysis
It is true that even during the data collection, the researcher has already started to analyse it and such attitude towards the qualitative research is highly recommended (Merriam, 1998). It should be mentioned that there are problems in analysing the qualitative data because they are not well formulated (Merriam, 1998) thus raw data needs analysis of the content through a structured procedure. Firstly as illustrated in Figure 3.6, it needs processing of data, basically starts from the stage of data collection to the stage that data is ready for analysis, mainly in three major steps (Kumar, 2005).
Raw Data
Data Editing
Data Coding
Verifying coded Data
Analysing Data
Information: Research findings
Figure 3.6: Summary of data analysis procedure
According to Kumar (2005) in order to analyse qualitative data, a process called "content analysis" needs to be undertaken within four steps (Kumar, 2005) where emergent themes are generated shown in Figure 3.7.
1
2
3
4
•identification of the main themes
•Assigning codes to main themes
•classification of data under the main themes
•integrating main themes to the report
Figure 3.7: Content analysis process according to Kumar (2005)
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Besides, another fact about data analysis in qualitative research is the preference of researcher for a specific writing style (Kumar, 2005). Also, presentation of the results should balance complexity of data with emergence of main themes (Barrett et al., 2011). In order to establish the quality of the findings, the research has considered validity and reliability in each step (Kumar, 2005). The emphasis on providing the answers to the objectives has influenced not only the collection of data but the analysis of data. 3-5-
Challenges of the study
In completing any research work there are some challenges involved that should be identified and planned. In this study, the following challenges have been identified and resolved.
Research method: In using secondary data we need to be careful about
the problems (Kumar, 2005) and relevant, organised and contributed information should be selected thus practical ideas should be found in the sources (Hart, 2006). Therefore, two questions should be answered first about whether the source has relevant information and whether the required data can be gained in a practical way (Merriam, 1998). In addition, because documents and online resources have not been gathered for this research purpose, limitations and their fit with the context of research should be studied while being accurate and unbiased (Merriam, 1998). Moreover, as this study is using mixed methods of data collection it should be planned and executed as a coherent methodology (Barrett et al., 2011).
Interview: Alternative questions have been designed to keep the interview
on the right track. Besides, problems of access to practitioners have been another issue. These people are generally busy with their ongoing projects thus the invitation respond rate have been considered low and the interview was kept as tight as possible.
Case study: There are some examples of projects that have utilised BIM
methodology in their design process but there are currently very few projects that have implemented BIM at the stage of concept design and generally the focus of reports are on delivery stage. Besides, in multiple-case studies, there Page 34
are some downsides because multiple cases might not well rationalised within the research (Yin, 2009) and the result may be too lengthy (Merriam, 1998). These issues have been resolved during the research.
Time: Due to the fact that this study has been designed in the framework
of MSc dissertation, time constraint is another issue. Additionally, for conducting interviews bank holidays (e.g. Easter break) were considered. Although the invitations were sent electronically in advance, the possibility of the fact that they may not be available within the timing of this study was anticipated, thus alternatives were listed.
3-6-
Ethical consideration
A research needs to be ethical and should adhere to the code of conduct. Generally, ethical issues are concerning collecting information and seeking consent and also in avoiding bias, using proper methodology, etc (Kumar, 2005). In this research additional major facts are considered and ethical approval has been gained through School of the Built Environment policy presented in the appendices.
Avoiding plagiarism: Because several resources such as published and
unpublished articles, online sources, etc were used as the secondary data, therefore the validity and reliability of the reports were assessed and also each work was addresses to its credits (Soy, 1997; Gray, 2004).
Interview ethics: The informed consent of the subjects should be
obtained by informing the interviewees about the study and the final result of the research in advance (Gray, 2004) and also they have been asked if they are willing to be mentioned by name within the study. If the respondents are not willing to continue at any stage, the interview should be cancelled (Kajornboon, 2008) and the relevant information should be removed from the study. They have been offered the opportunity to receive the result and conclusions of the research. Besides, the interviewees have been informed that they would be able to withdraw from this study at any time. The interviews were agreed to contain audio-taping and electronic files stored in a secure computer. Also, in interviews the timing, privacy of the participants and clear understanding of the questions and required information have been considered. Page 35
3-7-
Summary of the research methodology
This chapter has looked into the research methodology by providing critical review of the possible approaches. The Research Mode has been selected as qualitative approach. Moreover, the significance of the process of literature review has been discussed. By reviewing the methods, Case study and Interview have been selected. For conducting case study, the research has chosen to do a multiple-case analysis within 3 projects through documentation. It has also selected to conduct interviews within semi-structured interviews by designing a guide for covering the main themes, thus 3 groups of people among professionals and academics have been invited. Next step which is the analysis of the raw data, basically employed data editing, data coding, main themes identification and categorisation. Besides, some of the major challenges in the study have been figured out and have been resolved. Ethical issues also have been considered and approved.
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CHAPTER 4-0-
4: Research Findings and Analysis
Introduction
Based on the research methods chosen for the study, the results are discussed in two main sections in this chapter. First section undertakes case studies and presents the findings of each case and tries to find the answer to the questions regarding the objectives 3 and 4 and partially 5. Second section, presents the research findings through Interviews with professionals and seeks to reach the research objectives 4, 5 and 6. 4-1-
Findings from the Case studies
In order to find the answers to the questions regarding the 3rd and 4th objective of the research, three case studies have been conducted. In these cases, the research looks for actual benefits of BIM in the concept design stage within real projects and also seeks to investigate the potentials that BIM tools and technology provided for concept design. For selecting the cases, several projects documentations have been investigated regarding the criteria of selection. The first point that was depicted is that although the number of projects used BIM methodology are becoming more and more, there are very few projects that has used the idea of BIM at concept level and majority of projects look into BIM adoption at the design delivery stages delivery. Three projects selected to be studied while used different applications in the creation of Building Information Modelling by using Autodesk Revit, Digital project and mixed platforms. Study of the cases has made a ground for BIM technological issues to be investigated in-depth. 4-1-1- Case 1: Masdar Headquarter building Masdar Headquarter (Figure 4.1) claims to be world's first large-scale positive energy building that took advantage of BIM. In other word, it produces more energy than it consumes (Centreline, 2008; Minutillo, 2008). Situating near Abu Dhabi, it is a part of a larger project Masdar City performing as a zero-carbon
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development in UAE as a showcase of technological advancement in renewable energy (Autodesk, 2010a). An integrated design team were the winner of the international competition including Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture, Thornton Tomasetti structural engineers and Environmental Systems Design MEP engineers (Autodesk, 2010a). This project is chosen for study because it used the idea of BIM and integrated project delivery from the beginning of the design as an opportunity to generate the concept of the building and also has used the variety of Autodesk BIM tools. For that reason, it is an ideal case to be studied and the findings of this study are summarized as below.
Figure 4.1: External view of Masdar Headquarter Building. Copyrights: Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill
Concept of the building: The building’s architectural feature is a set of 11 steel-and-glass-enclosed cones (Minutillo, 2008) supporting the massive rooftop canopy designed to shade the building and to provide a platform for Photovoltaic panels (Centreline, 2008). The designers were inspired by traditional Middle Eastern wind towers for designing the cones as shown in Figure 4.2 and used an intuitive approach to find the effect of lighting and ventilation at the beginning. Then, the engineers started to use analysis tools and 3D platforms to validate the airflow, heat transfer, etc with a much simple model of cones (Minutillo, 2008).
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Figure 4.2: Concept for the cones. Copyrights: Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill
As shown in Figure 4.3 the cones help natural ventilation and cooling by drawing warm air up to roof level, where it dissipates in the wind, provide structural support for the roof (Autodesk, 2010a) and bring daylight deep inside the 1-million-square-foot complex (Minutillo, 2008). Also from architectural point of view, they form pleasant interior courtyards like an oasis (Figure 4.4). It is believed that the cones are acting as interdisciplinary objects for architects and engineers performing lots of features for all aspects (Autodesk, 2010a).
Figure 4.3: Ventilation of the building through cones. Copyrights: AS + GG
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The eight-story building shown in Figure 4.5 (Minutillo, 2008) includes offices, retail spaces, private residences, shaded public gardens and access to the city’s transportation systems (Autodesk, 2010a; Centreline, 2008).
Figure 4.4: Left: Interior views, Right: Cones and ventilation of the building. Copyrights: AS + GG
Design collaborations: During the competition (which is the major part of concept design) the three firms worked from offices in Chicago in an integrated design process. Within a collaborative approach, design teams were able to integrate architectural, structural, and building systems to increase the efficiency and constructability of design by evaluating the design assumptions taking advantage of the integration of BIM tools with analysis applications (Autodesk, 2010a). From the very beginning, they knew that they need to bring in the engineers at conceptual phase in order to meet Masdar city development's goal to achieve a sustainable design (Minutillo, 2008) and to develop the initial concept of the building derived from the wind tower. When all team members were connected through an integrated system from the beginning, the design had the opportunity to look beyond the aesthetics at concept design stage and long before the design decisions were locked, BIM helped the designers to evaluate different strategies. For instance, in the early stages designers used the BIM model to study about the orientation of the building, daylighting, etc to optimize the form of the building that eventually helped to reduce the building's energy consumption (Autodesk, 2010a).
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Early stage cost estimation: The design team describes that by using BIM tools their conceptual cost estimation for the building has come up almost the same as the general contractors brought for the final project (Autodesk, 2010a). Tools and technologies: Architects carried out building orientation and shading studies by using Revit and Ecotect. Then, the engineers transported the 3D model to eQUEST for building energy-use analysis to optimise the mechanical and electrical systems. In addition, the designers used a third-party analysis application, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), to simulate the air flow and cooling effect (Minutillo, 2008). The team used BIM process primarily as a tool for documentation, discovery, coordination, and conflict resolution. (Autodesk, 2010a). In terms of geometry, the cones have a very complex structure sitting on the top of a concrete structure and BIM within Revit structure (Figure 4.6) has helped to figure out how these two structural systems can combine (Autodesk, 2010b).
Figure 4.5: Sectional perspective of the building introducing the inner spaces. Copyrights: Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Page 41
Figure 4.6: Cones and their complex structures. Copyrights: Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill
Early design feedbacks: BIM enabled the architects to rationalize the building’s complex geometries much faster than traditional 2D approach (Centreline, 2008; Autodesk, 2010a) to get design feedbacks and proceed to next level. Also, early detection and resolution of conflicts have been provided through the intelligent model and reduced mistakes and costs involved (Autodesk, 2010b).
4-1-2- Case 2: Basrah stadium Basrah Sport city (Figure 4.7) in Iraq, is hosting 2015 Gulf Games which first phase includes a 65,000 seat Olympic stadium, an 18,000 seat auxiliary stadium, four practice pitches and athlete housing (Langan International, 2011). The team consists of Threesixty Architecture as the major designer, Thornton Tomasetti structural designers and Iraqi contractor, won an international designbuild competition for the project (Threesixty Architecture, 2009; Thornton Tomasetti, 2012) CASE was also hired by 360 Architecture to provide geometry definition, design rationalization and BIM support for the main stadium that in the early design exercises developed a custom parametric model to control the overall stadium geometry and design rationalization (CASE, 2011). The main stadium (Figure 4.8) has been chosen to be studied in this research because they took advantage of BIM modelling in CATIA (Digital Project) platform to address many design and collaboration issues especially among architectural and structural teams for the design of its complex geometry and for making the
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conceptual form rationalised for later stages of design and the actual fabrication.
Figure 4.7: Basrah Sport City. Copyrights: 360 Architecture
Figure 4.8: Basrah main Stadium. Copyrights: 360 Architecture
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Concept of the building: The design concept is specific to Iraq (Figure 4.9)
and its culture while reflects both Arab Architecture and regional icons creating a bridge between past and modern era (Threesixty Architecture, 2012). The facade resembles a small basket used for collecting dates from the plum trees as shown in Figure 4.10.
Figure 4.9: Basrah stadium concept. Copyrights: 360 Architecture
Figure 4.10: Basket for collecting dates, a regional icon
Basrah Stadium is a multilevel structure with a cast-in-place concrete base holding a steel structure for the roof. The stadium will be enveloped with a curtain wall of multidirectional curved elements (Thornton Tomasetti, 2012). Thornton Tomasetti engineers who are providing structural design and building skin modelling described their approach to information modelling for the concept design of this project in July 2011 meeting of NYC Revit Users Group provided and supported by SOM and HOK (Vandezande, 2011) while Robert Otani and Jonatan Schumacher directors of Advanced Computational Modelling group in Thornton Tomasetti discussed how parametric modelling helped them to achieve more optimum design as below.
Design coordination: Based on three major ideas they have tried to
integrate parametric design into their everyday design approach: Firstly, to
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integrate structural engineering with architects, to be able to rationalise the geometry in structural analysis model and solve the interoperability problems. Secondly, to respond quickly to the architect's design in terms of required changes and design feedbacks. Thirdly, as engineers and architects start to get more into fabrication the BIM model has become very important to have a clean tool to enable exchanging information back and forth from the model.
Tools and technologies: The original sketch model was created by Rhino-
Grasshopper and the architect intent was to have five types of panels with different height from top to the bottom as illustrated in Figure 4.11.
Figure 4.11: Stadium skin and five types of panels on each of the two curvatures in End zone and Side zone. Copyright: Thornton Tomasetti
But when it came to the engineering analysis, because of the two different curvatures degree in stadium as shown in red and yellow (Figure 4.11), it would be assumed that 10 different moulds need to be built for making the skin panels, five moulds for each curvature areas and because each mould makes 4 months to be built it would make the overall fabrication almost three years just for making the moulds that is not realistic. In this case, the concept would seem
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to need a major change or alternatively the design should be modified to reduce the number of moulds (from 10 moulds to 5 moulds). They end up using Digital Project (CATIA) because as they describe it has much more control on surface curvature in order to study on each unit. They used Powercopy tool inside DP which are basically prototypical components that have certain degree of flexibility and activity so when the designer instantiate or populate them, they adapt depending on the context and base curves (Figure 4.12). So, the panel units have been made within some certain parameters and instantiated in the skin and then the information of each panel was studied in the Excel sheet, the problem Areas were detected and different aspects of design were coordinated in terms of openings, aesthetics, etc finding an ideal and optimum shape within one month process.
Figure 4.12: An example of using powercopy tool inside Digital Project
Early stage cost estimation: Because the fabricator was already using DP
as well and because designers recorded the panel area on the excel sheet, they were able to estimate the amount of fibreglass needed and the fabricator could tell them how much it would cost from the early design stage.
Accurate conceptual model: Rather than just having a sketch model with
some renderings, the intelligent model has provided the structural engineers with actual analysis model and to proceed to the other stages of design they already had a well-behaved model that can save time. As Figure 4.13, 4.14 Page 46
illustrate, because of the complex geometry, different angles of surface connections and complicated brackets, it was important to make sure the building can be assembled in x, y, z directions accurately. So, when all the information is coming from one model from the beginning the designers were pretty confident that the components will fit together on the site.
Figure 4.13: Panels made in Digital Project with information on Excel sheet. Copyright: Thornton Tomasetti
Figure 4.14: Interior view and the skin panels. Copyright: Thornton Tomasetti Page 47
4-1-3- Case 3: Lotte Super Tower The Lotte Super Tower project in Seoul, Korea, is designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) which is a 1821ft-high 112-story tower. Its floor plan is different at every level goes from being a square at the base to the circle on the top (Figure 4.15). The designers used parametric modelling to create the diagrid form of the building while facing challenges especially in designing the large number of diagrid connections. They end up using specific technical solutions not only for the 3D modelling and visualisation but also in using Visual Basic scripts within software programmes (Khemlani, 2009; Brown and Besjak, 2009)
Figure 4.15: Lotte Super Tower. Copyrights: SOM
This project has been chosen to study because it fits into the third item of the case selection criteria using several BIM platforms and also the design team in this project had an innovative approach regarding information management and modelling as they created "a master data model" by scripting in the form of
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programmed codes to make the information flow easier (Park and Holt, 2010) and in a way, they translated BIM approach in to a new attitude rather than just using available software packages. Many designers associate BIM and also parametric modelling with particular software programmes, but according to Katz (2007), an architect in SOM, BIM is less related to the tools and is more to do with approaches of design. As he describes, in this project AutoCAD which is not generally known as a parametric platform became an environment for applying a BIM parametric approach (Katz, 2007).
Figure 4.16: Building's form. Copyrights: SOM
Concept of the building: The geometry of the tower is transforming from
square to circle in plan (Figure 4.16) and is conceptually addressing architectural and structural ideas (Park and Holt, 2010). The geometric problem of such transformation of shape in the building is resolved by using Diagrid, a series of triangles that combine gravity and lateral support providing an architectural enclosure made of straight planes and also accommodating the various twists and turns in the overall structure (Volner, 2011) Page 49
Tools and Technology: For the building information modelling while the
designers used common tools as Bentley, Revit, Digital Project, Ecotect, etc, the process was additionally enhanced by complimenting features which designers customize themselves by using a simple application: AutoCAD (Katz, 2007) not with using AutoCAD specific functions but with using AutoLISP as it provides easy handling lists of data while the design parameters were kept in a separate configuration file that the software read in as part of its initialization process thus different forms of outputs were generated for different needs (Park and Holt, 2010). As shown in Figure 4.17, the lisp program generates onequarter of the structure, and uses symmetry to complete the models. In addition to 3D representation, the building model was created as an unfolded model for laser-cutting (Katz, 2007).
Figure 4.17: 3D model and unfolded model. Copyrights: SOM
Coordination: Flexibility and coordination capability in this project was
provided by the master data model in the form of programmed code responding to the constant changes faster than software platforms and allowed coordination between architects and structural engineers at concept design. For instance,
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the optimal angle for the diagrid structure was determined mathematically and translated into software code. This helped the design team to achieve an efficient communication within accurate information. Both disciplines had already agreed on the parameter logic and their relationships through codes (Park and Holt, 2010) thus within a central model, designers were able to control over the change and data (Brown and Besjak, 2009). This platformindependent
communication
between
the
disciplines
facilitated
design
consultancy, and provided flexibility (Park and Holt, 2010).
Figure 4.18: Early stage solar analysis. Copyrights: SOM
Early stage analysis and studies: The designers used parametric
modelling within AutoCAD to develop a tool for solar incidence angles analysis (Figure 4.18) at concept design stage (Katz, 2007). Besides, one of the early studies was an exercise to figure out the optimum angle of the diagrid members while coordinated with architectural team because this was also a part of building's expression. Structural team concluded the joint are best to be studied in 3D model but initially were unsure how to do this efficiently as they are
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generally comfortable working with frames and 2D analysis. They realized they should use the accurate 3D model and the real challenge was to find a tool to create the geometry in 3D so they end up using Bentley (Brown and Besjak, 2009).
Information flow challenge:
Platform-Free Design Parameters
Central Database
Analysis platforms
in Visual Basic
Design platforms
Figure 4.19: Modelling workflow in Lotte super tower
4-1-4- Cross-case Analysis Benefits of implementing BIM at the concept level in practice were studied in three cases with regard to technological issues. By looking into each case, emergent themes are presented in the Table 4.1. Page 52
BIM Study
Case 1
Case 2
Case 3
Use of BIM in concept
Despite the advantages of coded master
design
model, some technical challenges were becoming apparent. Moreover, software developing team had limited experience in using Bentley and they wereModel concern Coded Master + Major Autodesk Revit
Digital Project
platform Mixed about interoperability aspects to collaborate with architects. When thetools structural
team turned to Bentley platform to explore the problem, the initial AutoCAD Assisting form finding
Assistingup form Assisting conceptual However, process because of the script werehanded programming in Microstation.
finding process design rationalisation Design optimisation Providing integrated Design length of codes they soon realized this is optimisation not a practical solution. In the Model end an Coded Master analysis Interdisciplinary design as central database Providing earlyto stage engineer was assigned be responsible for the programming tasks of the evaluation Interdisciplinary analysis Facilitating design design evaluation single database in Visual Basic. Analyses were done in separate Designwritten optimisation collaboration Facilitating design BIM Interdisciplinary Providing early stage collaboration applications by exporting 3D solid elements (Brown and Besjak, Benefits design evaluation and importing cost estimation Providing early stage Facilitating designand workflow Providing early stage in Figure analysis and integrated 2009). Theoverall process is illustrated 4.19. collaboration analysis studies Providing early stage More control over Integrated energy cost estimation geometry analysis Accurate model for later Assisting early design Assisting early stages through to design feedback feedback process fabrication process
Use of
Yes
Yes
e.g. eQUEST, CFD for engineering analysis
e.g. Grasshopper for initial form finding process
other platforms
Yes Bentley, AutoLISP, etc and several analysis platforms
Table 4.1: Emergent Themes from Cases
By comparing cases, the advantages of BIM adoption at the early stages of design will become apparent. These benefits can be categorised in two groups. Firstly, common benefits that each of the cases has depicted such as improving the collaboration in the design process. Secondly, based on what platform is used, design process can specifically benefit from the technology for instance, designers may have more control on geometry and the form finding process may be assisted dramatically. These categorised themes are summarised in Figure 4.20.
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Common benefits of BIM
Possible benefits of BIM
in concept design
in concept design
in the cases
in the cases
•Assisting the progress of Design optimisation •Facilitating design collaboration such as : Providing Interdisciplinary design evaluation, Assisting early design feedback process, Assisting conceptual design rationalisation) •Providing early stage cost estimation, •Providing early stage analysis
•Assisting form finding process •More control over geometry •Accurate model for later stages through to fabrication •Creating a Central database •Providing integrated analysis
Figure 4.20: Common and possible benefits of BIM in the study of cases
In addition, when comparing the cases, the technical challenges of implementing BIM at this particular stage of design becomes clear and one would realise that current software packages cannot address all technological requirements of design and designers need to use alternative analysis and design platforms to achieve their design goal. A fully integrated analysis was not detected in any of the cases and as it is obvious in table 4.1, although designers might focus on using a single platform at the early stage, they would need to explore among other tools as well. This has brought a question in mind that whether BIM process would benefit from an integrated process more by using a single package or several packages. What is the efficient way of creating, analysing and managing the conceptual information model in terms of using the applications is one of the questions that the study tries to answer in the next section.
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4-2-
Findings from the Interviews
As discussed in Chapter 3, the research has conducted interviews among 3 groups of professionals: Architects, Structural Engineers and BIM Academic researchers. Five individuals accepted to participate in the study and have discussed their opinion and experiences on the interview questions. The data from 3 of the five interview participants are discussed in this study as introduced in Table 4.2. Interviews
Name
Occupation & Specialty
1
Professor Arto Kiviniemi
University Professor, Researcher
2
Mr. Martin Simpson
Associate director of Arup, Structural engineer
3
Mr. Benedict Wallbank
Director in JRA, Architect
Table 4.2: Interview participants' information
Their ideas and experiences regarding the challenges of BIM at Concept level, technological issues and the required development are discussed. 4-2-1- Interview 1: Professor Arto Kiviniemi Professor Arto Kiviniemi is Head of design directorate and professor of Digital Architectural Design at the University of Salford. He has an extensive research background in the area of BIM and integrated design and management. In his book section in "Distributed Intelligence" (2011) he mentions that generally the major challenge in BIM adoption has been the old work processes that need to be changed and the obstacle is not just technology as it has developed much faster than business models (Kiviniemi, 2011). Now, with particular focus on the concept level of design process with technological issues that have been identified, his views would be very helpful to bring a new perspective to this study. His opinion regarding the research questions are summarised and categorised as below. Page 55
Skills Challenges: When BIM first starts to be adopted at concept stage
the designer would think and concentrate on tools they are using, so they may spent a lot of time and energy on some of the things that are not related to design. But when they learn all the modelling rules, the design will become an immediate extension of thinking process and it will make conceptualisation much easier by giving the opportunity to investigate more possibilities of design.
Technical problems: One problem in the current tools is that the
philosophy of using the tools is based on documentation and finding a solution rather than being a part of creative process. There are very few tools that have created as the media for design and as parts of the thinking. In conceptual design one should use the tools that are the best for the thinking process and when designers feel comfortable with any kind of modelling whether it is physical modelling or alike, they should use it because at this stage the tools mostly help to clarify the thinking. Even communication with other team members is different with later stages where the interactions are more structured with clients, contractors, etc. Besides, there are a lot of strong tools currently in the market and there are many designers who know how to make an additional application with modification of the tools so that it can fit better into the design attitude. The tools are quite good but they are not perfect. Current tools are not there yet because many of them have been developed from a different angle to generate documentation rather than the real creative design.
Creativity and BIM: If you just have a certain set of building objects it
would be limiting your creativity. In some instances it might be justified this is intentionally the way to have standardized components in the building for manufacturing purposes, not necessarily for similar building components but for having certain rules. But if a unique design is needed, more freedom should be implemented. So, it hugely depends on the nature of the project. If you have the tools which are handling objects but giving freedom inside the rules and freedom of geometry, it will not limit creativity.
Design feedbacks: Providing the possibility of implementing design
changes within a short time based on the feedback from architects and engineers is an important factor and for that reason they should use the right tools. It is not just trying to maximise the efficiency and minimise the time needs for doing the job but using the time to find the best solutions. Thus, tools should Page 56
support the change process rather than just to define a good and acceptable solution.
Potential solution: The answer to the technical challenges for handling the
use of several platforms is interoperability. That means designers should use whatever tools they want at any stage of design but that of course requires transferring information. They might start with more simple platforms for sketching and then move to more serious tools and usually the designers might not have the need to go back into the initial tools but the ideal situation would be that they could go back and forth within an integrated process. Ideally designers should not be bothered by thinking about what tools should be used. There should not be one tool for all purposes.
Required development: The important fact in BIM is that how tools can
support incremental information additions in a way that you can start with simple information with not much detailed data and then the designer can go step by step deeper in the production of information. At the moments, tools do not fully support this and sometimes replacing information is easier than modifying the existing one. Second fact is related to the kind of available user interface. We are still using mouse interacting with an instrument which is not inside the screen far from where the design is taking place. There are few tools with limited capabilities of such design, but it is an area that needs improvements. Moreover, display resolutions are also still insufficient and have not been improved at the same speed of processing power or hardware capabilities. Even the best display cannot represent resolution of the architect's conventional table of 1 meter by 1 meter so that you can look at the details at the same time you are looking at the whole without zooming. For that reason architects are still printing the design to look at the whole and details at the same time. So, the screens are not supporting the design thinking process.
Future of BIM implementation: Huge changes of the mindsets are taking
place. New generation does not have problems with utilising technology and are all thinking in the space of digital manipulation. So, very creative thinking on development of tools will happen towards an attitude that is not just imitating 2D paper drawings but is really thoughtful. The level of abstraction at the concept design stage and the level of representation of the real world object in the virtual Page 57
environment should be very flexible and the designer should not think about the details that are not necessary at this stage. 4-2-2- Interview 2: Mr. Martin Simpson Mr. Martin Simpson is associate director of Arup and lead structural engineer at ArupSport. He was Structural Engineer Leader on the renowned Beijing Olympics Stadium known as "Bird's Nest" that employed parametric approach and associative design for its complex geometry. He is a pioneer in BIM related design with Arup (SCRI, 2010). He is actively involved in presentations and discussions around BIM and base on his extensive background in practice, his point of view has recognised to be of importance for this study. According to SCRI (2010), he explained in his previous presentation at the University of Salford that the need and desire for BIM was introduced in Arup within the philosophy of ‘Total Architecture’ quite long ago, the process in which "all relevant design decisions have been considered together and have been integrated into a whole by a well organised team. However Arup did caveat this ‘Total Architecture’ as an ideal that is rarely fulfilled in practice" (SCRI, 2010). The challenges related to the gap between the theory and applications have been discussed with Martin Simpson as follows.
Sharing accurate data: There are still very much separate models, and the
challenge is that different teams may be working at conceptual design using different design tools but they are not necessarily sharing data. In other word, Rhino or Sketch-Up model might be received from Architects but it has not been put together to suit internal process with the idea of sharing data in mind. Also, the appropriateness and accuracy of data is an important fact at conceptual level for example when creating rough free form models, they might not work together without knowing that which one is right.
Insufficient information for design feedbacks within limited time: There is
not enough Interchange or relevant design information at early stage. It's not because of a particular tool the design team is using but because how the process is set up to enable enough information to be fed back to the process to enable them to come up with the answer in a short time. For instance, the
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architect creates a shape and gives it to the engineer and the engineer puts it to structural analysis and finds out that it does not work and it is too long a period to get the feedback into the design. Also some information might not be available at conceptual level and they only find that information later in the design process.
Creativity and BIM: BIM will guide the creativity rather than limit the
creativity. If engineering knowledge is built into the design tools it will really help designers because they will be informed if the building can be built or not. It is not enough to just create a virtual model as we are ultimately creating a real building so if something cannot be physically done or needs to be altered like a curvature that cannot fit into the structural analysis, it can be pushed and that feedback will help Architects. It might limit them from producing certain forms during the conceptualisation but it will speed up the whole process.
Use of BIM technology: When a new project comes to the office the
process that we take on board is that we hold a BIM review and we will sit and look at the advantages of tools to see if it is deliverable and then we choose the right piece of software for delivering that project. If it is quite simple building with lots of concrete into it we might go for Revit or if it is a steel building we might go for Tekla, if it is quite complex shape or large scale project we might go for digital project, so we will choose the software depending on the needs of that project, we would not pick a piece of software and keep it for all projects. There is no single software that can do absolutely everything that we need to do, we need to be able to use the right piece of kit to do the job properly similar to the example that you do not have a single screwdriver for everything in your tool box as you need to have several screwdrivers and choose the right one for the job.
Technological coordination: What should happen at the start of the project
is that different team of the project should get together and define the way of modelling and platform. For example, if they are using Rhino then it should be defined each layer is for what information and it needs to be coordinated better. That is what is missing rather than saying a particular piece of software must be used because it is about information flow and the process of sharing information needs to be improved.
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Required development: Two things are needed. Firstly, the process of
information flow needs to be a lot more rigorous and to be defined between the different team members in terms of who is going to do what particular bit and how they are going to get that information to the rest of the team, what information are they going to supply and how they are going to supply that. Secondly, the exchange of information digitally needs to be enhanced so that the right piece of information can be exchanged around the team with minimising the amount of duplication. The solution should be some sort of neutral collaboration platform that everybody can put information into it regardless of what platform they are using and can share appropriate information between packages in a particular way, rather than working on one software package.
Future of BIM implementation: BIM future is really positive. One of the
things that will start to happen is that design tools will change the boundaries of current professions line. For example if we took engineering knowledge and bound those into smart components and gave them to an architect to use, then the structural engineer knowledge has actually bounded into a small component that the architects are using in the design. Ultimately there will be an evolution in terms of smart components with a lot of engineering knowledge embedded to speed up the design process and this will also change the landscape of how we work together as team.
4-2-3- Interview 3: Mr. Benedict Wallbank Mr. Benedict Wallbank is RIBA chartered Architect and is director in JRA (John Robertson Architects). He has pioneered JRA’s use of BIM and his BIMit consultancy advises practices for implementing BIM. He believes that BIM is not just technology as it deals with management, process and workflow. His involvement in several design projects in London and his knowledge of BIM together with his effort in encouraging other practices to make a transition towards BIM, has made his opinion regarding the interview questions worthwhile. His ideas are presented as follow.
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Collaboration challenges: There has still been a period right at the
beginning of design where the architects work in isolation and not in conjunction with others contributing in the model. Under traditional design work flow, architects have pretty much work in isolation until the end of post-planning stage, what known in the UK as stage B of RIBA where they create the design and when it fully formed they go for the relevant permissions from the governmental authorities and at that stage the information migration will start to be fed in although architects would have spoken to engineers beforehand about e.g. structural systems. Architects using a BIM process have brought a great deal of involvements but there is still a challenge.
Creativity and BIM: There is no reason at all that BIM should limit
creativity. In the Integrated Project Delivery system there will be more influence from other parties about for instance what particular systems should be considered for the job that might be seen as a limit but in any design process the architect works within a set of constraints, that constraint might be the site or the direction of sun, etc. When the architect is appointed by constraints, it will help him to contribute to a new process to achieve a good design.
Use of BIM technology: If a designer's particular method of operation at an
early stage suites a non-BIM platform or whatever (e.g. hand-sketching or physical modelling, or even another form of modelling) then he should use that but on the whole, from architectural point of view, working in BIM tools from the beginning is more desirable to achieve a good design. It depends on the designer's decision about using anything for conceptual design to achieve the form but as soon as he is beginning to get to the real form then he needs to work in a proper BIM environment. Interoperability and the ability to use whatever software designers feel works best for them is an important issue that needs improving interoperable standard and making IFC, RFD, etc work correctly to give designers the freedom in choosing software.
BIM applications: There are literally hundreds of different software
manufacturers providing different products although in certain market there are certain software packages that are predominant. They all have advantages and disadvantages at the moment and they all have areas that they should and will improve. But there are not any huge areas where software cannot do things in the way they used to be. Page 61
Required development: As the IT industry generally moves on a
tremendous speed, there are several software developers that need to maintain competition, so to achieve success the designer should contribute effectively within the design team with having an interoperable standard for the exchange of information to make the design cost-effective.
Future of BIM: At the moment all of the software put their effort more into
the delivery stages, there is quite a lot to do to ease that at the early stage. So over time there would be more effort put in to make the early stages easier in BIM environment for the designers to work with and clearly they need a lot of improvements. There are increasingly other pieces of software out there for the early stages for instance, in designing a hospital a tool can check the suitability of spaces and their sizes for finding the relationships between the rooms that might not be particularly for conceptual design but is helpful for the designer when beginning to find spaces correctly. These tools already started to be available to provide such opportunities in design and could be an improvement area for BIM integration as well.
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4-2-4- Analysis: Emergent Themes from interviews By analysing the findings from the interviews, Emergent themes are presented in Table 4.3 to 4.5 according to three categories of issues that the research tries to answer explained earlier in Figure 3.5. And finally the overall results from the comparative study of three interviews summarised in Table 4.6.
#
Emergent Themes Challenges of implementing BIM in concept design Skills challenges: using BIM tools should become as a thinking process by gaining skills Creativity: if a certain set of building objects is used it would be limiting creativity but could be useful for some particular designs with standardized components. But if the tools which are handling objects give freedom to geometry, it will not limit creativity. Design feedbacks: the point is not just trying to minimise the time needs for design but using the time to find the best solutions and to support the change process
Technological issues BIM tools are not there yet because the philosophy of using the tools is based on documentation rather than being a part of creative process. In conceptual design any tools that are the best for the thinking Interview process should be used although it is now challenging. 1 There could and should not be one tool for all purposes. Required development Designers should use whatever tools they want and the answer to the technical challenges is interoperability. The ideal situation would be that designers can go back and forth within an integrated process without thinking about tools The support for incremental information additions needs development Improvement in the kind of user interface is needed. Display resolutions are insufficient and needs improvement to support the design thinking process. Huge changes of the mindsets are taking place in realising digital space. The level of abstraction at the concept design stage should be very flexible.
Table 4.3: Categorised emergent themes from Interview 1
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#
Emergent Themes Challenges of implementing BIM in concept design Sharing accurate data: There are still very much separate models without sharing the appropriate and accurate data properly. Creativity: BIM will guide the creativity rather than limit the creativity by giving them more knowledge about the design. It might limit them from producing certain forms during the conceptualisation but it will speed up the whole process. Design feedbacks: There is not enough design information at early stage and the process is not supporting design feedbacks to be led to the answer in a short time.
Technological issues The tools should be used with regard to their suitability for delivering the project. There is not and should not be single software to do everything Interview similar to using several screwdrivers. What is missing now is that technological coordination should 2 happen at the start of the project among team members thus the process of sharing information needs to be improved.
Required development The exchange of information digitally needs to be enhanced for exchanging information with minimising the amount of duplication. The solution should be some sort of neutral collaboration platform that everybody can put information into it regardless of what platform they are using In future design tools will change the boundaries of current professions line through the evolution of smart components with a lot of engineering knowledge embedded to them to speed up the design process. The landscape of how we work together as team will change.
Table 4.4: Categorised emergent themes from Interview 2
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#
Emergent Themes Challenges of implementing BIM in concept design Collaboration challenges: Right at the beginning of design still architects work in isolation and not in contribution with others. Creativity: There are more influences from other parties that might be seen as a limit but like any other constraints, this will help designers to contribute to a new process to achieve a good design.
Technological issues Designers should be free to use any method at the early stage but as soon as they start to get to the real form then a proper BIM environment is needed. Working in BIM tools from the beginning is more desirable to achieve a good design Interview Interoperability and the ability to use any software platforms is an 3 important issue that needs improvement. BIM applications have advantages and disadvantages at the moment and they all have areas to be improved.
Required development Within the competitive environment of IT industry, having an improved interoperable standard to make the design cost-effective is the solution. At the moment all of the software put their effort more into the delivery stages and there will be more effort to make the early stages easier in BIM environment by integrating other available technical advancements.
Table 4.5: Categorised emergent themes from Interview 3
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Category
Emergent Themes from Three Interviews
Limited skills of designers in BIM applications at the beginning is a challenges BIM might limit designers to some extent but eventually will guide the creativity helping to achieve a good design rather than limiting it and Challenges of sometimes such constraints are also useful for particular kind of implementing production. BIM Collaboration challenges are: in concept • The process of gaining proper design feedbacks in a short time. design • Sharing the appropriate and accurate data among designers. • Still architects are working in isolation at the early stage in no contribution with engineers. There is not and should not be single software to do everything and in conceptual design any tools that are the best for the thinking process should be used but as soon as the designers start to get the real form, a proper BIM environment is needed. Working in BIM tools from the beginning is more desirable. Technological The process of sharing information needs to be improved within early issues technological coordination among teams. BIM tools all have areas to be improved and are not advanced yet. One reason is that the tools are based on documentation rather than being a part of a creative process. The tools should be used with regard to their suitability for delivering the project. Designers should use whatever tools they want so the exchange of information digitally without duplicating data needs to be enhanced by improving interoperability. The support for incremental information additions needs development Improvement in the kind of user interface is needed. Display resolutions are insufficient and needs improvement to support the design thinking process. Huge changes of the mindsets are taking place in realising digital space. The level of abstraction at the concept design stage should remain flexible. Required The ideal situation would be that designers can go back and forth development within an integrated process without thinking about tools. The solution can be some sort of neutral collaboration platform for sharing data regardless of the platforms are being used In future design tools will change the boundaries of current professions line through the evolution of smart components with a lot of engineering knowledge embedded to them to speed up the design process. The landscape of how we work together as team will change. At the moment all of the software put their effort more into the delivery stages while early stage needs to become easier in BIM environment and integration of other available tools to BIM platforms can help. Table 4.6: Summary of emergent themes from Interviews
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4-3-
Fieldwork summary
Regarding the research objectives, results of three cases and three interviews together with their data analysis have been presented in this chapter. At first, the actual benefits of BIM in the concept design stage have been discussed within three projects of Masdar Headquarter, Basrah stadium and Lotte Super Tower and the potentials that BIM technology can provide for concept design have been investigated in these cases. In each of the projects, different BIM technology was used and therefore the study has depicted three different approaches and depicted some of the technical challenges too. Eventually the results from the case studies has been summarised in two major categories as common and possible advantages of BIM in Figure 4.19. Then, in interview section, it is described that the data have been collected from three interviews with Professor Arto Kiviniemi from the University of Salford, Mr. Martin Simpson from Arup and Mr. Benedict Wallbank from JRA who are academic researcher, structural engineer and architect respectively. Emergent themes driven from the analysis of research findings in interviews regarding the challenges of BIM implementation at concept level, technological barriers, potential solutions and future improvements have been presented in Table 4.6.
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CHAPTER 5-0-
5: Discussions & Conclusion
Introduction
In this chapter, first of all by focusing on how each of the research objectives was met, a summary of the research questions and findings is presented. Then, the relationship of this study with the body of literature is discussed and limitation of the research is also described. Lastly, recommendations for both future development and further research works are presented and the research is concluded. 5-1-
Research Questions
This research studied the impact of BIM on concept design stage and in order to bring out the answers, a number of objectives have been oriented: 1) To review how BIM is transforming design process 2) To review the requirements of concept design 3) To study the actual benefits of BIM in conceptualisation 4) To review BIM technology potentials and limitations 5) To identify challenges of BIM in conceptualisation 6) To recommend potential routes for improving BIM in concept design 5-2-
Summary of the findings
In this study, Literature review addressed the answer to the first and second objectives while supporting the objectives three to five as well. Then through fieldworks including three case studies which investigate third and forth objectives and three interviews, in which fourth, fifth and sixth objectives have been answered, the research questions have been met. 5-1-1- Literature review Findings from the literatures related to the first two objectives depict that BIM is affecting how we formulate design solutions and Changes the design process in Page 68
three stages: construction documents, engineering services and conceptual design by providing earlier accurate visualisation, interrelated changes, accurate drawings and cost estimation from 3D model, improving collaboration and sustainable design. Besides, at concept design stage, sketching is a critical activity in achieving a creative solution and 3D modelling is a common expression of ideas. Architects most of the times review the options on aesthetics specifically at this stage. Besides, some digital design methods such as Generative approach have introduced new ways of design to create more exotic and innovative shapes. When the concept is finalised, the architect and the engineers start doing analysis looking into design possibilities to optimise the design. But in conventional methods, early stage analyses are not properly done because they are not fast and integrated to design. Findings from the literature relates to objectives 3 to 5 regarding the actual benefits of BIM in conceptualisation, BIM technology potentials and limitations and existing Challenges will be further discussed in conjunction with the fieldwork's findings. 5-1-2- Fieldwork Findings from Case study and interview look into objectives 3 to 6. Actual benefits of implementing BIM at the concept design stage through studies of three cases have concluded Common benefits and possible benefits based on the tools being used. With regard to BIM technology within studying the cases, some of the technical issues have been depicted. Furthermore, findings from interviews have added other technical issues and categorises the existing challenges in more detail. Future direction and required developments concluded from the interviews supports the findings for the last objective that will be further discussed in recommendation. 5-3-
Discussions
The findings of this study are discussed in 4 main topics related to objectives 3 to 6 tries to connect two main research sources where fieldwork supports and completes the findings from literatures by adding actual experiences to the
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general knowledge while literature review results provide a conceptual background for the research. 5-3-1- The relationship between Research findings and Literature By comparing the findings from the literatures and fieldwork, four last categories of research queries make a contribution to the existing knowledge. The most important outcome of the research discussion is to understand how BIM can help conceptualisation in practice, what technology brings in this regard, what major challenges still exist and what improvements are required in order to further recommend the potential solutions. 5-3-1-1- Actual Benefits of BIM in conceptualisation Benefits of implementing BIM at concept design stage have been investigated within literatures and cases. Table 5.1 compares the theoretical and actual benefits by depicting the fact that every item considered in the literatures as benefits have been identified in real projects. Benefits of BIM for conceptualisation
Benefits of BIM for conceptualisation
from literature review
from case study
Design optimisation Better design coordination and communication within a database and fast feedbacks
Design optimisation Design collaboration like: interdisciplinary design evaluation early design feedback conceptual design rationalisation
Environmental analysis
Early stage analysis
Early Cost estimation
Early stage cost estimation
Accurate 3D visualisation
Accurate model Assisting form finding process More control over geometry Creating a Central database Providing almost integrated process
Table 5.1: Comparing theoretical and actual benefits of BIM
Moreover, depending on what tools are being used and what specific technology is employed, BIM can bring other benefits to conceptualisation shown in Table 5.1.
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5-3-1-2- BIM Technology When studying about the potentials and limitations that technology has brought, the results from case studies and interview complete the conclusion in literature review (Table 5.2). BIM Technology potentials & limitations
BIM Technology potentials & limitations
from literature review
from case study and interview Based on what platform is used, design
Some of the major BIM platforms are Autodesk Revit, Digital projects, Bentley
process can benefit differently Current software packages cannot
systems, ArchiCAD that each provides
address all needs thus other platforms
different potentials in terms of geometry
should be used as well A fully integrated analysis was not
and data components.
detected in any of the cases. BIM is process change not just software while software only facilitates it. BIM includes parametric modelling within intelligent object-based environment
It is more desirable to start design in BIM tools Early technological coordination between teams can improve the process BIM tools are based on documentation
Most of the major BIM tools support model review and online mark-ups like Navisworks but still cannot provide twoway workflow and data exchange.
rather than being a part of a creative process. The tools should be used based on their suitability for delivering the project. In conceptual design any tools that suit
Industry supported standards like IFC
the design should be used and the
and XML provide interoperability among
answer is interoperability but when form
applications
is finalised, a proper BIM environment would be needed.
Table 5.2: Comparing potentials and limitations of BIM technology in literature and fieldwork
The important fact to be highlighted is that there have been a number of software packages developed for Building Information Modelling purposes and each brings special capabilities however, there is not a single package that can answer to all technical requirements. It is noteworthy that in conceptualisation, designers should be able to use any tools for achieving a creative design solution and they do not need to stick to a single application but at the same
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time design integration in terms of technical coordination is needed to be applied. All in all serious improvement is required for supporting BIM process not just for documentation but for a creative integrated design process. 5-3-1-3- Challenges In addition to the technical challenges discussed, literatures and fieldwork as shown in Table 5.3 describe other barriers such as the need for fast feedback in conceptualisation that still needs progressing in current BIM tools. On the other hand although BIM might be seen as a constraint, it eventually supports a more creative design. Through this comparison an important issue become apparent that although BIM has provided the design with a number of benefits, the design teams are still struggling in achieving the design solution and relevant analysis in a fast fully integrated and responsive process which is due to either their limited skills or the inappropriate data management within tools.
Challenges of BIM at conceptualisation
Challenges of BIM at conceptualisation
from literature review
from case study and interview
Current BIM tools and processes cannot
Collaboration is still challenging in e.g.
support fast generation and evaluation of
gaining fast proper design feedbacks,
alternatives needed in conceptualisation
sharing the appropriate and accurate
because of their restricted parametric
data and architects are still working in
object-based features in dealing with
isolation at the early stage.
complex forms. A fully integrated analysis process has A fully supported workflow has not been
not depicted in case studies
achieved yet. Designers' limited skills in BIM at the beginning is an obstacle Model's data for conceptual energy analysis is not completely appropriate yet
BIM might be a constraint but eventually will guide the design creativity
Table 5.3: Comparing challenges of BIM in conceptualisation in literature and fieldwork
In brief, the overall discussion so far in identification of existing situation of conceptualisation within BIM can be summarised in Figure 5.1. Page 72
Technology potentials and limitations
Features of conceptualisation
Actual Benefits of BIM
Sketching and form finding
Design optimisation
Each application has different capabilities
Aesthetic review
Improving collaboration
any tools help thinking process should be used
Visualising functional elements
Early stage analysis and cost estimation
Current tools are not addressing all requirements
Simulation and analysis
Accurate 3D model
Includes parametric modelling
Sometimes using Generative approach for more exotic forms
Assisting form finding
Support model review but not with 2-way data exchange
Control on geometry
Interoperability standards support data exchange but needs improvements
Central data base More integrated process
Early technical coordination should happen among teams
Challenges
Current tools are not supporting fast generation and evaluation of conceptual alternatives Model’s data is not appropriate for concept level Collaboration is a challenge in sharing fast and accurate data Limited skills may brings challenges at the beginning BIM might be a constraint but eventually help a good design The workflow is not smooth and integrated yet
A fully integrated analysis is not there yet
Figure 5.1: Summary of the discussions in identifying existing situation
5-3-1-4- Required improvements In order to find the answer to the last objective and recommend potential solutions for improving conceptualisation in BIM process, it is needed to identify what improvements are required. Table 5.4 describes the findings from literature and research in this regard where the research findings supports and complete the findings from the literature.
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•
•
•
Required improvements
Required improvements
from literature review
from interview
A methodology is needed to facilitate
•
Technical coordination needs to be done
simulation cycle for investigating more
among teams at early stages for
design alternatives in shorter time
defining the methodology
Interoperability and exchanging data with incremental data updates needs
•
Interoperability needs to be enhanced.
improvements
•
Incremental data addition support needs
development is needed for effective two-
development
way data exchange among tools •
Further work is needed to improve appropriate building data captured within the model for conceptual energy
•
and integrate other applications that
analysis •
Tools need to facilitate early BIM design support concept design
BIM tools needs improvements in terms of geometry and data components •
Collaboration and fast feedback process needs improvements
•
Improvement in the kind of user interface is needed.
•
Display resolutions needs improvement.
•
Huge changes of the mindsets should be and are taking place.
Table 5.4: Required improvements found in literature and fieldwork
5-3-2- The implication of the study Results of this research which are divided in three important categories of benefits, challenges and future development of BIM in concept design stage, have organised some of the major facts that can be useful for the following parties and purposes: 1- Design firms who want to make a transition towards BIM adoption with specific vision of implementing it from the beginning of the design process 2- BIM Software developers who are working on different aspects of BIM tools developments
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3- Researchers in the area of BIM and integrated design while this qualitative research can be used as a base for a further quantitative study to evaluate or test the role of each contributor. 4- Designers with an obsession with data management who want to find the existing capabilities as well as challenges and try to bring out creative solutions either in programming or defining design methodology with regard to integrated conceptualisation. 5-4-
Limitation of the study
The focus of this research is limited to the Concept Design Stage within the design process and how BIM is transforming it based on the current challenges of implementing Building Information Modelling specifically with regard to the existing applications and current versions of tools. The study looks into the BIM design process as well but the major emphasis is on its early stages. The study looks for the ongoing debates and desires for developments to find out future direction and required improvement at this particular period. Also, it should be noted that the discussions on the risks involved in general context of BIM regarding the data ownership, liability, etc are beyond the scope of this study. 5-5-
Recommendations
Having completed the research, main recommendations of the study both for practice and research are summarised as below. 5-5-1- Potential routes for improvements In order to address the last objective of the research, it needs to recommend some of the potential routes for improvements of BIM in conceptualisation with regard to the findings about required development. Firstly, as discussed BIM technology still needs improvements with regard to the following facts: -Geometry creation and control -Data components Page 75
-Integration of several analyses -Interoperability issues and incremental data addition based on the stage of design. -Mark-up tools -Fast design feedback process Therefore, an endeavour is needed in term of software programming. According to Eastman, software developers are aware of their products weaknesses and are working on the advancements of their products (Eastman et al., 2011). An important fact depicted from this study based on the features and requirements of concept design that is leading mostly by Architects, is that in the process of technical improvements contribution and consultancy with Architects and also engineers as associate designers would assist to address the actual requirements based on real design process and stages. Secondly, to overcome the existing barriers in collaboration among design members, as found in the interviews, the solution for ideal integrated process can be a neutral collaboration platform that everybody can put information into it regardless of what platform they are using. In this regard, the advancement of interoperability would be helpful. Thirdly, Mindset of designers should and is changing in a more digitally 3D based thinking process and the current professions needs a change as well. Furthermore, as Mr. Kiviniemi describes, as well as software requirements, other enhancements in more practical interface and improved display resolution will help information modelling become more realistic in the phase of conceptualisation to achieve more creative thinking process thus, incorporates the awareness of hardware manufacturers on such design requirements. In other words, although designers should get used to the products of the digital age, technology should bring some realistic products as well that can address human being's thinking process. Besides, a methodology is needed to facilitate simulation cycle for investigating more design alternatives in shorter time and designers need to coordinate and collaborate right at the beginning of the design process for clarifying their attitudes towards information modelling within a responsive methodology.
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Lastly, as Mr. Simpson anticipated in near future "Smart components" will bring an evolution in the integrated BIM to speed up the design process. These components, as he describes, can have embedded engineering knowledge for the use of. Further work is needed for defining the practical function of such smart elements and the amount of data that needs to be attached to them and seems to be a potential way for leading more integrated intelligent design. 5-5-2- Future Research Findings of this qualitative study can be further put into a quantitative survey to test each variables and their effect in the conceptualisation. Besides, further study on the impact of generative design and algorithmic approaches on conceptualisation can be helpful for finding potential creative design solutions in BIM. Also, works on the feature of "Smart components" and their applicability in practice can be considered as a potential for hypothesised research projects. Further studies on the methodology needed for an integrated design started from the beginning of the design process, would be helpful both for the practice and research purposes. Another research opportunity is to conduct a study on comparison between the firms with different scales and the projects deploying integrated design in conceptualisation with different scales to point out the relationships between the scale of the projects and BIM conceptualisation benefits and challenges.
5-6-
Conclusion
This study looks into the impact of BIM in concept design stage. It has basically investigated the literatures on how BIM is transforming the general process of design and by pointing out features of concept design stage, it shows what specific requirements have not been met in conventional design process that will shift conceptualisation toward adopting BIM. One major fact is that the need for integrated fast analysis to look into design possibilities and to help design decision-making process has not been fulfilled in traditional concept design. Then, through a structured methodology the research has conducted three case studies and analyses cross-case results to find out what theoretical benefits Page 77
have been achieved in actual projects. For that reason, three projects that have employed information modelling approaches at their early design stage (Masdar Headquarter, Basrah Stadium, Lotte super Tower) have been studied. In each of these projects, different technological solutions are applied and therefore, this has brought an additional dimension to the study about the potentials and limitations of current BIM tools revealing that for instance, depending on the fact that which technology is being used benefits of information modelling for conceptual design will vary while almost all items found in literature have been among common benefits of BIM in conceptualisation within these projects. Furthermore, although BIM has been implemented for bringing integration to design, an integrated analysis process has not been fully achieved yet. Furthermore, the study has conducted three interviews with one Architect, one Structural engineer and one Academic researcher involved in the area of BIM to study the technological issues and existing challenges of implementing BIM at concept level that has concluded important facts such as collaboration obstacles that still is a major issue at the early design stage with regard to the need for fast feedback process. Also, interviews have uncovered some of the required developments in this regard such as technical advancements both in software and in hardware products as well as the need for interdisciplinary technical coordination at the beginning of the projects. Through discussions, some potential routes for overcoming existing barriers and for future developments are recommended in this research such as the need for smart components as well as software developing issues. Besides, future research works are identified. In brief, as this study shows, BIM is an answer to the inefficiencies of conventional processes and has brought a number of benefits to the design process making it more integrated and collaborative, however not all the areas of concept design is supported by the idea of information modelling and designers are still struggling to achieve a best conceptual design solution in a short time. Technology enhancement can be very helpful in this regard but other areas such as updated mindsets, a proper methodology for design and supports for a creative thinking process in concept design are as important as having an ideal collaborative technology in hand.
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A ppendices
Appendix 1: Ethical approval Form
Appendix 2: Participants' information sheet
Appendix 3: Research participant consent form
Appendix 4: Interview Guide
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A ppendix 1 Ethical Approval Form
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A ppendix 2 Participants' information sheet
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A ppendix 3 Research participant consent form
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A ppendix 4 Interview Guide
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