Information Technology and Architectural Practice: Knowledge Modeling Approach and BIM

This paper presents recent developments in information technologies and their impact on architectural design. It presents a practical technique for knowledge-based information modeling extending the currently prevailing Building Information Modelling (BIM) to include information beyond the building elements, and to foster analysis during the design process. Interactive web-based application for information discovery and design analysis is discussed as a case study. The application integrates several aspects of the early schematic design, and is intended for demonstration of integrated design factors. Introduction Architectural design requires immense amount of information for inspiration, creation, and construction of buildings. The process from the initial conception to the finished product involves substantial knowledge and involvement of multidisciplinary agents, such as architects, engineers, and planners as well as their collaboration. As buildings become more complex due to the introduction of innovative technologies and increased awareness of social and communal needs, design process requires significant modifications of previous practices to respond to newly emerging requirements. Improved environmental sensitivity, energy efficiency, integrated building systems, lifesafety and security measures, as well as high performance are the driving factors at present. These factors might not result in the development of new building types, but rather they change the nature of architectural discourse and practice and impact the design process. In particular, integrated practice, use of virtual building, simulations, modeling, and analysis of design decisions have become crucial. Recent developments in information technology are providing means and methods for improvement of current practices to respond to these changes. Energy and thermal simulations, modeling of structural behavior, improved design representations, and enhanced collaboration using digital media are being utilized in the design process. Traditional CAD programs present data based on geometric entities, capturing the spatial relationships but not the domain-specific information. Building Information Model (BIM) provides a common database of information about a building including geometry and attributes. The goal of BIM is to provide a common structure for information sharing that can be used by all agents in the design process and construction, as well as for the facility management after a building is constructed and occupied. BIM allows designers to fully use the concepts developed during the schematic design phase, advance data transfer into