Information Modeling in Architectural Design: Collaborative Environment for Decision-Making Process

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Architectural design is a complex process involving numerous factors. Historically, designers have been researching and developing methods to aid the design process, and to represent the building as a three-dimensional object occupying space by different means—words, models, drawings, perspectives, specifications, etc. The new trend in architectural practice is that buildings are being designed as three-dimensional objects with certain properties and attributes, and the information about them can be exchanged and shared. In this paper, web-based application for decision-making process in architectural design is discussed, focusing on early-phase schematic design. The existing tools are usually focused on a specific task, such as drafting, simulations, structural analysis, project management, collaboration, etc. These are always distinct, complex, and often require high level of involvement from the user. Moreover, the results from one application cannot be analyzed from another perspective, i.e. in another application, thus resulting in time loss and inefficiency. The problem is that architects usually do not spend a lot of project time in the early phases (most of the time is spent developing the design and producing construction documents), and quick decisions are required, but the tools do not support that process. The application integrates several functions necessary for schematic design: site analysis, energy performance, material databases, sketching, modeling, collaboration, and exploration. The benefit of this approach is that this system actively assists designer in the process, and aids the decision-making.

Stream: Aesthetics, the Arts, Design

Paper: , Information Modeling in Architectural Design

Ajla Zisko-Aksamija is a PhD candidate at the School of Architecture at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Her work focuses on digital design and representation, information modeling, and knowledge management in architecture, especially integrated design of tall buildings. She is also a researcher at the US Army Corps of Engineers ERDC Construction Research Laborator. Her professional experience includes City of Champaign, National Institute for Urbanism in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Doxat Architecture.