Dissertação (mestrado)—Universidade de Brasília, Faculdade de Tecnologia, Departamento de Engenharia Civil e Ambiental, 2015. / Submitted by Fernanda Percia França (fernandafranca@bce.unb.br) on 2015-11-23T19:02:59Z No. of bitstreams: 1 2015_DenizeValériaSantosBaia.pdf: 5656192 bytes, checksum: dec3b0c77a91d94dbbfc6c1f70141440 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Ruthléa Nascimento(ruthleanascimento@bce.unb.br) on 2017-03-22T17:31:55Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 2015_DenizeValériaSantosBaia.pdf: 5656192 bytes, checksum: dec3b0c77a91d94dbbfc6c1f70141440 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-03-22T17:31:55Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 2015_DenizeValériaSantosBaia.pdf: 5656192 bytes, checksum: dec3b0c77a91d94dbbfc6c1f70141440 (MD5) / Atualmente, o uso de sistemas computacionais inteligentes voltados para a prática integrada, desde a fase de concepção até a execução e manutenção de um projeto de arquitetura, torna-se um grande diferencial no ambiente organizacional. Dessa forma, a tecnologia BIM (Building Information Modeling), que significa Modelagem de Informação da Construção, é um conjunto de informações geradas e mantidas no decorrer de todo o ciclo de vida de uma edificação. Esta pesquisa apresenta como objetivo a análise das contribuições da utilização de sistemas BIM, mais precisamente das ferramentas Revit e Navisworks, além do uso do software Ms Project, voltados para o melhor planejamento de obras da construção civil. O software Revit será usado para realizar a modelagem 3D do projeto escolhido e com os quantitativos de materiais gerados pelo programa vai ser realizado o levantamento de custos das principais atividades da obra em estudo. No Ms Project deverá ser criada a Estrutura Analítica do Projeto (EAP). E em seguida, os dados obtidos pelos programas serão incorporados no sistema Navisworks, com o intuito de gerar o planejamento 4D (os elementos gráficos da edificação podem ser atrelados ao cronograma da obra) e 5D (agrega-se a dimensão custo ao modelo tridimensional) da edificação. É de fundamental importância incorporar novas tecnologias no processo de construção, assim como os sistemas BIM, capazes de contribuir significativamente para a redução de custos e para a melhoria da qualidade e produtividade dos empreendimentos e do setor de construção civil como um todo. Deste modo, com esse estudo será possível avaliar a importante contribuição dos sistemas BIM em relação ao planejamento das obras. / Currently, the use of smart computer systems focused on integrated practice, from the design phase to the implementation and maintenance of an architectural project, become a great difference in the organizational environment. Thus, BIM (Building Information Modeling), is a set of information generated and maintained during the entire life cycle of a building. This research aims to analyze the impacts of BIM systems, such as Revit and Navisworks, and MS Project software, to building planning. The Revit BIM software will be used to perform 3D modeling of the chosen project and with the quantitative materials generated by the program we performed a study of costs of the main activities of the project under study. In Ms Project will be created to Work Breakdown Structure (WBS). Then, the data obtained by the programs will be incorporated into Navisworks system, in order to generate the 4D planning (graphic elements of the building can be linked to the work schedule) and 5D (adds the dimension cost three-dimensional model) the building. It is vital to incorporate new technologies in the construction process, as well as the BIM systems capable of contributing significantly to reducing costs and improving the quality and productivity of enterprises and the construction industry as a whole. Thus, with this study will evaluate the important contribution of BIM systems in relation to the planning of the constructions.

Orientadores: Regina Coeli Ruschel, Rivka Oxman / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Engenharia Civil, Arquitetura e Urbanismo / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-20T15:23:31Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Andrade_MaxLiraVerasXavierde_D.pdf: 29223434 bytes, checksum: 78acfb6512fac467d8f5442e4265eb9e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012 / Resumo: Dentro do universo dos projetos digitais baseados no desempenho, existe uma categoria que usa o desempenho não apenas como meios avaliativos, mas, acima de tudo, como instrumento de transformação das ideias e conceitos em matéria e forma arquitetônica. Usa-se mecanismos digitais que incorporam princípios de informatização à estruturas computacionais. Esta categoria de projeto digital é denominada Projeto Performativo. O presente trabalho tem como objetivo geral formular uma estrutura conceitual de processo de projeto digital que explique a prática de Projeto Performativo. A questão que se coloca é, quais são os pressupostos da prática de projeto que visem a incorporação do desempenho como propulsor do processo de geração da forma arquitetônica? Duas hipóteses foram investigadas neste contexto. A primeira hipótese foi que o modelo de projeto digital denominado performativo tem como pressuposto um processo de projeto baseado na colaboração, no processo de projeto automatizado, na modelagem paramétrica e na interoperabilidade. A segunda hipótese foi que é possível simular a prática de Projeto Performativo segundo estes pressupostos em experiências didáticas de atelier de projeto. Para atender aos objetivos gerais e específicos e responder às hipóteses levantadas, esta pesquisa desenvolveu uma investigação por meio da pesquisa exploratória e explicativa. A primeira iniciou com a busca da familiarização do problema por meio de uma revisão bibliográfica e de estudos de casos. Os estudos de casos foram desenvolvidos em escritório de projeto referência internacional. A segunda ocorreu pelo desenvolvimento de uma pesquisa experimental. Da análise de referencial teórico e dos estudos de casos emergiu uma estrutura conceitual para o projeto performativo caracterizada: pela prática essencialmente colaborativa multidisciplinar na síntese arquitetônica resultando em mudanças na apropriação das autorias; uso simultâneo de técnicas de projeto analógicas e digitais resultando na co-existência de estágios de decisão manuais, semi-automatizados e/ou automatizados; na modelagem paramétrica com maior ênfase ao projeto topológico substituindo tradição tipológica; na interoperabilidade marcada pelo fluxo de informação analógico e digital viabilizado pelo BIM - Building Information Modeling - como processo evolutivo fragmentado que permite liberdade necessária ao processo. A estrutura conceitual comporta a coexistência em um mesmo processo de projeto digital de diferente de métodos baseados no desempenho para resolução de diferentes partes ou sistemas do edifício. Essa coexistência de diferentes modelos e métodos permite resolver problemas complexos de projeto, abrigar e pacificar a controversa relação forma X função. O resultado de ordem experimental relacionado a validação da estrutura conceitual em experiência de ateliê de projeto confirmou que, apesar das limitações e restrições deste universo, foi possível estimular a morfogênese de modo criativo e eficiente. As experiências com o uso do Método BESO para a geração da forma pelo desempenho estrutural permitiram: criar múltiplas soluções de projeto, dentro de um espaço de soluções; utilizar facilmente o ferramental (mesmo não se conhecendo alguns conceitos relacionados ao comportamento da estrutura); possibilitar a realização de um número grande de ações cognitivas, num curto intervalo de tempo; realizar novas explorações formais; valorizar o desempenho estrutural como motor de geração da forma do edifício / Abstract: Within the universe of digital designs based on performance, there is a category that uses performance not only as evaluative means, but, above all, as a transformation tool for ideas and concepts in matter and architectonic form. It uses digital mechanisms that incorporate computational principles to computational structures. This category of digital design is called Performative Design. The general aim of the present paper is to formulate a digital design process conceptual framework that explains the Performative Design practice. The question to be made is what are the design practice assumptions aimed at the incorporation of performance as the propeller of the architectonic form generation process? Two hypotheses were investigated in this context. The first hypothesis was that the digital design model called performative has as assumption a design process based on cooperation, automated design process, parametric modeling, and interoperability. The second hypothesis was that it is possible to simulate the practice of Performative Design according to these assumptions in design workshop teaching experiments. In order to meet the general and specific aims and answer the raised hypotheses, this research has developed an investigation through exploratory and explanatory research. The first one started with the familiarization of the problem through literature review and case studies. The case studies were carried out in international reference design office. The second was done with experimental research. The analysis of the theoretical reference and case studies gave origin to a conceptual framework for the performative design characterized by the following factors: the essentially cooperative multidisciplinary practice in the architectonic synthesis resulting in changes in the appropriation of authorship; the simultaneous use of analogical and digital design techniques resulting in the coexistence of manual, semi-automated and/or automated decision stages; parametric modeling with emphasis on the topological design replacing typological tradition; interoperability marked by the analogical and digital information flow made possible by BIM - Building Information Modeling - as a fragmented evolutional process which allows the necessary freedom to the process. The conceptual framework involves the coexistence, in the same process of digital design, of different methods based on performance for the resolution of different parts or systems of the building. Such coexistence of different models and methods allows the solution of complex design problems, and also harbors and pacifies the controversial relationship form X function. The experimental result related to the validation of the conceptual framework in the experience of design workshop has confirmed that despite the limitations and restrictions of this universe, it was possible to stimulate morphogenesis in a creative and efficient way. The experiences with the use of the BESO method for form generation by structural performance have allowed the following: to create multiple design solutions within a space of solutions, to easily use the tooling (even not knowing some concepts related to the structure behavior), to allow the running of a large number of cognitive actions in a short time, to make new formal explorations, to value the structural performance as the motor of building form generation / Doutorado / Arquitetura e Construção / Doutor em Engenharia Civil

Although the construction industry has been evolving for centuries and researchers have been seeking innovative solutions for decades, diverse challenges still exist in making the construction process faster, safer, cheaper and more accurate. It is believed that Building Information Modeling (BIM) can lead to greater efficiency through the incremental collaboration. The data in BIM system is extremely useful and can be generated to optimize the project delivery processes. However, since BIM increases the project design cost and requires a big learning curve, project participants are concerned about the cost of project, which has hindered the adoption of BIM for the project delivery. This paper, using a case study, describes how BIM functions to help cut down costs, optimize schedule, and benefit the project participants. The analysis of project cost and time control focuses on life cycle. The recommendations for the future use of BIM are made generally.

Facility management (FM) is a profession that deals with diverse types of information and requires multiple specific types of knowledge and skills. The technology of facility information management develops slowly, compared to the fast-changing building and construction technologies. With its popularity in facility design and construction, Building Information Modeling (BIM) is promising to reform the information and communication needs of facility managers. Yet there are still a lot of untapped potentials in using BIM during a facility's post-construction phases. The purpose of this study is to develop insights on the possible ways to improve facility information management with BIM from the real world examples and from literature. To start with, two case studies are conducted to get a better understanding of the current practice of facility information management. One is on the dynamic flow of information from the owner's perspective. The other is on the delivery of facility information to the owner from the contractor's perspective. The two case studies provide a close and holistic look at the real world of FM, which facilitates the interpretation of literature in the next stage. A comprehensive literature overview is conducted on the application of BIM in FM. The overview covers the benefits and obstacles of BIM application, various types of FM information, and technologies that enable more functions to manage FM information. / Master of Science / After the completion of building construction, the contractors will turn over the building to the owner for his occupancy and use, also called facility management (FM). Along with the building, the information related to the building is also handed over to the owner to support their operation and maintenance of the building, like the manuals that go with a product. This facility information encompasses multiple disciplines regarding the building. The management of this building information is difficult without the support of information technology. Building information modeling (BIM) is a promising technology for information management that intuitively links information to 3D objects. It is already popularly adopted in design and construction, but its continued support for building owners on information management is still at the exploratory stage. The purpose of this study is to develop insights on the possible ways to improve facility information management with BIM to support owners as they operate and maintain the building. To start with, two case studies are conducted to get a better understanding of the current practice of facility information management. One is on the dynamic flow of information from the owner’s perspective. The other is on the delivery of facility information to the owner from the contractor’s perspective. The two case studies provide a close and holistic look at the real world of FM, which facilitates the interpretation of literature in the next stage. A comprehensive literature overview is conducted on the application of BIM in FM. The overview covers the benefits and obstacles of BIM application, various types of FM information, and technologies that enable more functions to manage FM information.

Rail Overhead Line (ROL) is a design tool, owned by the company Bentley Systems AB. The design tool is used by overhead line engineers at Sweco Rail to design contact line for electric railway. Sweco Rail intends to establish themselves on the Norwegian market together with their sister company Sweco A/S. Before entry into the new market, a development of ROL is required. The objective with the thesis has been to identify the requirements and the development needs, which are required to adapt ROL against the Norwegian market.The administrations Jernbaneverket and Trafikverket, which are major customers to Sweco, requires more often that Building Information Model (BIM) is to be used in their projects. The goal with the use of BIM is to lead the work to a more efficient management, as well as reduce the risk of information being lost between various stages and processes within the projects. Before entry on the Norwegian market, it is therefore necessary of Sweco Rail and Bentley to adjust ROL in order to be able to deliver 3D-models. The 3D-models have to fulfill the requirements that the Norwegian administration Jernbaneverket demands of the use of BIM in projects.To identify the development needs that are required for a Norwegian adjustment of ROL; interviews, observations and a study of governing documents was performed. Customer needs were identified and translated to requirements. These requirements led to the identified development needs.The result showed that 56 development needs have to be fulfilled before ROL can be used as a design tool on the Norwegian market. The identified development needs include actions with the intention that the design tool can be used in greater extension on the Swedish market. Sweco and their resources can rectify 22 of the 56 development needs. For the remaining 34 development needs, the owners Bentley Systems need to take responsibility for the solutions that is required to satisfy the needs. / Rail Overhead Line (ROL) är ett projekteringsverktyg, vilket ägs av företaget Bentley Systems AB och används av kontaktledningsprojektörer på Sweco Rail. Projekteringsverktyget används för att projektera kontaktledningsanläggningar. Sweco Rail AB har för avsikt att etablera sig på den norska marknaden tillsammans med systerbolaget Sweco A/S. Inför etableringen på den nya marknaden erfordras en utveckling av ROL för att verktyget skall kunna nyttjas vid projektering i Norge. Syftet med arbetet har varit att identifiera de krav och utvecklingsbehov som krävs i avsikt att anpassa ROL för den norska marknaden.Det blir allt mer vanligt att förvaltningarna Jernbaneverket och Trafikverket, vilka är stora kunder till Sweco, ställer krav på att arbetssättet Building Information Model (BIM) skall användas i projekt. Målet med användningen av BIM är att få en effektivare förvaltning samt reducera risken för att information försvinner mellan olika skeden i projekten och processer. Inför etableringen på den norska marknaden behöver därför Sweco och Bentley Systems anpassa ROL för att bland annat kunna leverera 3D-modeller vilka uppfyller de krav norska Jernbaneverket ställer på användningen av BIM i projekt.För att identifiera utvecklingsbehoven, vilka krävs för en norsk anpassning av ROL, genomfördes intervjuer, observationer samt en studie av styrdokument. Kundbehov identifierades och översattes till krav, vilka även låg till grund för de identifierade utvecklingsbehoven.Resultatet av arbetet visade att det finns 56 stycken utvecklingsbehov, vilka behöver uppfyllas för att ROL skall kunna användas vid projektering för den norska marknaden. Av de identifierade utvecklingsbehoven återfinns även åtgärder av verktyget vilka skulle kunna gynna projekteringen på den svenska marknaden. 22 stycken av de 56 utvecklingsbehoven kan Sweco åtgärda med hjälp av sina resurser på företaget. För de resterande 34 utvecklingsbehoven behöver ägarna av ROL, Bentley Systems, ta ansvar för de lösningar som krävs för att behoven skall tillfredsställas.

The purpose of this thesis is to determine if Building Information Modeling (BIM) is an effective means for encouraging stakeholder collaboration throughout the building design/construction process and improving upon affordable and sustainable strategies for infill housing development. The research methodology includes literature reviews, interviews, case studies, simulations, and experimentations. Literature reviews include documentation regarding BIM, housing affordability and policy, sustainable design strategies, and integrated design practice. I conducted interviews with local stakeholders who had participated in local affordable/sustainable housing projects. The primary case study was the Alley Flat Initiative (2003-2010) which I had the opportunity to be involved with in various capacities as a participant observer. Simulations were performed using a BIM software tool to ‘redesign’ the first Alley Flat Initiative prototype and compare design workflows. Finally, experimentation was done involving the instruction of BIM software and exploring its use within an academic design studio environment. The findings indicate four significant conclusions. First, the research suggests that inflated soft project costs (overhead, administration, and services) can be reduced if local city governments were to adopt BIM in conjunction with housing review and permitting processes. In addition, the city could use BIM data to quantify building impacts on energy and resources over time. Second, sustainability innovation can be easier to integrate within a BIM workflow due to the high-capacity of the software to exchange information with third-part analysis tools. One particular barrier that must be overcome, however, are financial barriers due to software and staff training costs associated with BIM technology. Third, BIM requires ‘front-loading’ projects with more information earlier in the design process, which encourages greater transparency and more direct collaboration between stakeholders. A fully leveraged BIM workflow may not be feasible beyond local small-scale architects and builders due to the relatively steep learning curve and higher software costs, but a hybrid approach might be possible depending on how residential construction practices and BIM software development evolves in the near future. And fourth, BIM can make project information centralized, accessible, and long-lasting – serving as a communication and learning tool across disciplines and between expert and non-expert participants. The product of this research includes recommendations for all stakeholder groups engaged in leveraging BIM for affordable and sustainable housing development. Additional related topics of inquiry which fell outside the scope of this research are also included for future investigation. / text

The healthcare sector is mainly characterised by changing technologies, increasing market demands, social pressures, and political pressures. A significant amount of money has been invested by the Department of Health through the National Health Services (NHS), Private Finance Initiative (PFI), and Local Improvement Finance Trust (LIFT) to provide healthcare services. This has resulted in development of several new healthcare facilities. Since formation of the NHS in the mid 19th century, significant developments in medical technologies, and increasing health and safety and privacy related concerns almost every decade new approaches towards designing were observed. Thus, modern technologies (interoperable tools) and concepts such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), building simulation, healthy/sustainable facilities, healing environments and so forth have been incorporated and proved to be major catalysts for a change in overall design practices for healthcare. Despite significant investment and advancement in technologies, many existing healthcare facilities, even today remain significantly unimproved or inadequate when energy and overall performance is considered. It is, therefore, important to evaluate existing facilities and, consequently, refurbishment processes and tools for the same. This was the focus of this research. Recently, energy efficiency and carbon emissions are considered major issues by industry and government because of increasing importance of environment and issues related to global warming, climate change. In 2008, existing healthcare facilities were responsible for over £410 million worth of energy consumption and 3.7 million tonnes of CO2 emissions. Considering the above mentioned issues, the government has imposed following two key targets especially for existing healthcare facilities; to achieve 55-65 GJ/100m3 energy consumption and to reduce the level of primary energy consumption by 15 per cent (0.15 million tonnes carbon from 2000 level) by 2015. Also, the literatures suggest these facilities are energy inefficient because their performance is unsatisfactory and they fail to provide comfortable environment for patients despite significant energy consumption. Thus, these facilities should be considered for refurbishment. Recent developments in the construction sector such as BIM based tools or tools that are interoperable can help the project team involved during a refurbishment of a healthcare facility to take decisions and maintain acceptable environmental quality during and post refurbishment. However, there are many ideas and methodologies proposed for development of new healthcare facilities, but the challenges in using these methodologies, such as BIM, energy simulation for refurbishment of existing healthcare facilities and above mentioned targets provided a base and context for this research. The research used both primary and secondary data collection techniques, such as literature review, case studies and a questionnaire survey. The later phases of the research highlighted a clear need for immediate actions on existing healthcare facilities, if government targets related to energy consumption and overall performance are to be achieved. Thus, redevelopment of existing healthcare facilities to support the 21st century (modern) technologies to reduce environmental impacts and improved users' satisfaction was considered as priority areas. One of the key challenges for existing healthcare facilities is the presence of occupants during refurbishment in adjacent spaces, which may not be a problem for other types of existing buildings; there is also a lack of information on existing healthcare buildings. The research findings revealed that refurbishment lacks broad perspective, for example, issues related to mechanical systems, aesthetic considerations and redesigning facilities have never been given a sufficient importance. A Healthcare Energy and Refurbishment (HEaR) framework and decision making process was developed as part of this research to enable healthcare organisations to adopt modern methods for re-designing of existing facilities, and to exploit refurbishment practices with consideration to energy consumption. The framework was validated by demonstrating it to professionals; experts from the industry. Keywords: Building Information Modelling, energy, existing healthcare facility, framework, refurbishment.

Offsite construction solutions have gained significant prominence over recent years. Much of the interest however, has been focussed on the building sector, in particular housing. The Civil Engineering and Infrastructure sector (CE&I) has comparatively seen little growth in this aspect. Specific exemplars for some high-profile projects, such as the Heathrow Airport control tower, do exist, but there have been far less applications of the new and emerging technologies and approaches that have been influential in the building sector recently. In addition, Offsite itself is not a well-defined supply sector, but rather a conglomeration of various, largely material or technology-based supply networks. This makes it difficult to realise new opportunities, especially in different sectors of the construction industry. This thesis is the culmination of a four-year Engineering Doctorate (EngD) research programme investigating the components that affect the realisation of offsite in the CE&I sector. It commences with an introduction to the research and its aims and objectives, and moves on to present the methodological considerations. During the four Work Packages (WP) conducted, a total of 78 individuals participated and contributed to workshop and interviews, together with an extensive critical review of literature. All primary and secondary data was examined with appropriate methods, such as a comparative case study and an emergent thematic analysis, upon which a series of conclusions and subsequently recommendations were drawn. The findings clearly identify that CE&I is more risk averse, and defines offsite differently, to the building sector. Each CE&I sub-sector has specific drivers and barriers to offsite, and due to the relative longevity of CE&I projects (both procurement, design, and construction) makes it difficult to benchmark and quantify offsite and its benefits. Large programmes of works rather than small projects are key to realising offsite as they provide confidence to the supply chain of long term investment. In addition, clients are pivotal for driving offsite as they can influence the industry s focus; nevertheless, investment cycles in infrastructure clients hinders offsite realisation. For holistic offsite implementation organisation need to have a top-down strategy. Therefore offsite requirements should be embedded within the project delivery governance processes. Its realisation is linked directly to recruitment, training and research and development plans. Building information modelling (BIM) now plays a key part in offsite realisation in CE&I as from 2016 it will be compulsory for all centrally-funded government works. BIM however, does not directly increase the offsite implementation, but it can help enable offsite due to the ability to define the design earlier in the project lifecycle. In addition, BIM encourages the use of software that can help identify the repetition of components, therefore increasing the potential for economies to scale. Finally, with the use of such software, delivery teams can simulate the construction sequence and therefore further help to enable offsite by reducing logistical challenges.

The development of Building Information Modelling (BIM) guidelines for campuses and universities has evolved on a case-by-case basis and there is no standard format in the development of these guides. There are however, common elements in these guidelines. This study reviews the applications of Building Information Modeling (BIM) from the perspective of owners of higher education campus facilities and proposes a structured approach to develop documented guidelines to assist the owner’s staff in the use of BIM, primarily with existing facilities. More specifically, this study proposes a set of guidelines to assist the Facilities Management department at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in using BIM for their existing campus facilities. Since 2005, WPI has been using some components of BIM in the design and construction of new facilities and has extended BIM uses to support facilities and space management in some of the existing buildings. Some positive experiences and benefits have been derived from these applications, but to date no formal and systematic approach has been established in documenting and organizing processes for the different BIM uses on campus. The objective of this research project is to conduct an extensive review of documented approaches and guidelines for BIM uses developed by other universities and incorporate the different experiences with the use of BIM at WPI to create a set of formal guidelines exclusively for WPI for the efficient implementation of BIM in future design, construction, renovation, facility, and space management of a facility. The research collected information from the WPI Facilities Management department through surveys and interviews, to better understand the current issues associated with facility management and space planning. A case study analysis that involved the use of 3D Building Information Models of several buildings on the WPI campus was performed to validate the possible use of the BIM in the efficient delivery of information for new and renovation projects as well as for its ability to benefit in the space planning process. Existing documented guidelines developed by five other universities that have pioneered the development of their guides were also reviewed to determine common elements in their BIM-based practices and to incorporate these when applicable into the BIM guide for WPI in such a way that will effectively contribute to the BIM adoption and standardization of procedures reflecting the unique characteristics of this institution. This study identifies the benefits of utilizing BIM and standardization through the BIM guide primarily for existing construction and facilities management. The attempt to identify commonalities and standard pieces to develop a BIM guide for WPI will help improve overall operational efficiency and productivity of the organization. This provides a unique opportunity to be engaged in the process of standardization, using existing content as a reference to achieve harmonization of concepts, terms, definitions and the overall structure or framework that the documented guide is delivered within. The outcome is a WPI-BIM guide which will help assist facility owners in developing an overall BIM strategy that supports the organization’s core goals, develops the necessary contract conditions, and generates implementation plans to successfully execute BIM within the organization.

This research recognizes the need for building simulation/performance tools that can easily be integrated into the building design process. The study examines available simulation tools and attempts to determine why these tools are not used by building designers/architects. Findings confirm that the complexity of simulation tools created by scientists, who are more technically oriented, discourages use by architects who are more visually oriented people. The evaluation and analysis of available simulation tools suggests a thorough research methodology for creating a new front-end interface that solves current usage problems. The research is limited to the interface design of the new front-end which is named Integrated Building Design Information Interface (IBDII). The new front end provides an interface that allows designers to make more informed decisions during the design process while providing a front-end that supports AutoCAD and permits a user interface where the mode of input is graphical and not numerical. Criteria for the new front-end interface enable the development of a series of mock-up interface designs that are responsive to the needs of architects. A working graphical user interface of the building information prototype is created and is then put through an empirical user testing. The usability testing establishs the usefulness, effectiveness, likeability and learnability of the developed interface design. The testing includes six factors which act as indicators of usability and provide suggestions for future developments. The testing evaluation ascertains that the interface is easy to learn and use. Findings also show that the best feature of integrated building design information front-end is its interface design and there is room for improvement in the way input is selected.