Nørkjaer Gade, P; Nørkjaer Gade, A; Otrel-Cass, K and Svidt, K (2019) A holistic analysis of a BIM-mediated building design process using activity theory. Construction Management and Economics, 37(6), pp. 336-350. ISSN 01446193
Abstract
Building Information Modelling (BIM) is said to hold potential for increasing efficiency of the design processes in the building industry. However, designers struggle at times to apply the different BIM-tools. In order to understand this disjoint, it is necessary to understand first the existing practices of different specialists in the building design process in order to improve future development and implementation of BIM. The aim of this article is to investigate the consequences of using BIM-tools in a collaborative building design setting consisting of different specialists. A case study was carried out to trace when BIM-tools were used (or not) in an inter-organizational design process of a naval rescue station in Denmark. The design process was holistically examined through the lens of Activity Theory which is an analytical framework. Five key findings were identified: the mediating role of 3D visuals, real-world coupling with point cloud, rule-breaking to ensure design completion, inability to integrate BIM-analysis into the design and the use of heuristics to form and choose among design solutions.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | activity theory; building design; building information modelling; case study |
| Index terms: | analytical framework, Denmark, point cloud, design process, implementation, building industry, designer, coupling, activity theory, organizational design, heuristic, case study, building design, building information modelling, efficiency |
| Subjects: | performance management, theoretical framing, digital design, Geography, systems engineering, information systems, industry analysis, business, risk assessment, profession, data collection methods, design methods, architectural design, data analysis and analytics, contractual arrangements |
| Topics: | Engineering Principles, Research Practice, Geographical Context, Risk Management, Roles and Professions, Procurement, Digital Applications, Design Practice, Quality Management, Organizational Design |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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