Improving the delivery of building performance using building information modelling (BIM)

Purposefully-designed buildings are complex by nature, because they are host to a variety of human activities that require them to perform adequately and be well suited to their intended functions. Building 'performance' has been an area of major research interest, so that efficient buildings are constructed that operate effectively to support the functional purposes for which they are being used. It is a complex concept that has been difficult to measure and incorporate into building design. Many methods and approaches have been developed to assess 'performance' for the purpose of addressing the gap between predicted - and actual - performance. However, it is acknowledged that these methods/approaches lack accuracy, are time consuming and do not provide a holistic view of the complex procedures and processes involved during the design and physical construction of the building. Building Information Modelling (BIM) provides a new way of integrating information technology within the construction industry. Its capability as a digital platform has supported managing, sharing and exchanging interdisciplinary information between multi-disciplinary stakeholders. BIM has supported some aspects of assessing building ... (continues)