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Evolution of BIM and Integrated Sustainable Design Process (From Hand-

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 International Conference on Civil Engineering
Architecture & Urban Sustainable Development
27&28 November 2013, Tabriz , Iran

Evolution of BIM and Integrated Sustainable Design

Process (From Hand-drafting to ID technology)
Morteza Aliabadi *, Seyed Mohammad Reza Mirsharafi,

1. Masters Architecture student, Tabriz Islamic Art University, Tabriz, Iran;

Mo_aliabadi@yahoo.com
2. Bachelors Architecture student, Tabriz Islamic Art University, Tabriz, Iran;
Mr.mirshrafi@live.com

Abstract
Theoretical developments in Building Information Modelling (BIM) suggest that not only is it useful
for geometric modelling of a building's performance, but also that it can assist in the project
management (PM) and sustainable design architecture. BIM and sustainable design both are
changing the way architects think about architecture. This paper reviews evolution of architectural
software from hand-drafting to iBIM technology and demonstrates that the BIM design process has
the greatest impact on constructions and can be easily applied to sustainable architecture. This paper
will focus on the inspiring possibilities offered by digital software and fabrication for architecture,
with classification all the different technologies and techniques that are now strongly impress
contemporary architecture and process designs. The purpose of this paper is to explore the extent to
which the use of BIM has resulted in sustainable design, architecture and the application of the
technologies and their adoption software in the evolution of the architecture design process. This
paper also proposes a ‘BIM technology’ based sustainable architecture to ensure ‘best value’ in
construction projects. The findings indicate that in the sustainable architecture, there is a high
potential for BIM benefits to be realized. Actual returns and investments will vary with each project.
The evidence also suggests that there are varying levels of BIM implementation and adoption and
therefore the need for a specific tool to facilitate integrated sustainable design.

Key words: Building Information Modeling (BIM), Sustainable Design, Integrated Design (ID),
architectural design
 International Conference on Civil Engineering
Architecture & Urban Sustainable Development
27&28 November 2013, Tabriz , Iran

1. Introduction
The Roman architect Vitruvius in the early 1st century AD, gives information about the
different building types as well as about machines and mechanics in his treatise "De
Architectura"1. Following this tradition architectural education and responsibility include
social, economic and natural sciences, mathematics and law. According to Vitruvius each
building must exhibit the three qualities of firmness2, utility and beauty. [1] Before the twentieth
century technical development drawings were made in ink on paper or a similar material, and
any copies required had to be laboriously made by hand. Until the latter part of the twentieth
century, all architectural drawings were manually produced, either by architects or by trained
(but less skilled) draughts men (or drafters), who did not generate the design, although they
made many of the less important decisions. [2] The twentieth century saw a shift to drawing on
tracing paper, so that mechanical copies could be run off efficiently. "The development of the
computer had a major impact on the methods used to design and create technical drawings" [3,
p. 12] it is the use of computer software to create drawings. Today "with the development of
numerous Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and other software packages, the variety of design
process available to architects, which may influence the contemporary architecture styles and
fabrication of architecture and its component, is greater than ever". [4, p. 6] Since the 1980s, as
the complexity of buildings began to increase (in terms of structural systems, services, energy
and technologies), the field of architecture became multi-disciplinary with specializations for
each project type, technological expertise or project delivery methods. The preparatory
processes for the design of any large building have become increasingly complicated, and
require preliminary studies of such matters as durability, sustainability, quality, money, and
compliance with local laws. "The increasing proliferation of computers and advanced modeling
software has enabled architects to conceive and construct a design that would be very difficult
to develop using traditional methods." [4] The complexity of forms and structures and HVAC
Equipment and other construction fields a strong influence on the situation of contemporary
architects who are drawn back into being fully involved in the making. BIM has been built upon
a strong foundation of earlier technologies and design methods. Digital Modeling and
Fabrication is a process that joins Design with the Construction / Production through the use of
3D modeling software and additive and subtractive manufacturing processes. "Digital
architecture allows complex calculations that delimit architects and allow a diverse range of
complex forms to be created with great ease using computer algorithms" [5]. These tools allow
designers to produce digital materiality, which is something greater than an image on screen,
and actually tests the accuracy of the software and computer lines. The application of CAD
technologies as part of the production of physical models and prototypes is becoming
widespread through processes such as CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacture), Computer
Numerical Control (CNC) milling and rapid prototyping. Computer milling and fabrication
integrate the computer assisted designs with that of the construction industry. In this process,
the sequence of operations becomes the critical characteristic in procedure. Architects can

1
Ten Books on Architecture
2
Firmitas
 International Conference on Civil Engineering
Architecture & Urban Sustainable Development
27&28 November 2013, Tabriz , Iran

propose complex surfaces, where the properties of materials should push the design. On the
other hand Building information modeling (BIM) is the logical development of the CAD
drawing, a relatively new technology but fast becoming mainstream. The design team
collaborates to create a three dimensional computer model, and all plans and other two-
dimensional views are generated directly from the model, ensuring spatial consistency. This
paper describes the BIM process to be a dynamic, continuously evolving strategy for designing
and making buildings. A maturity model shown in Fig. 1 defines the levels of Architectural
techniques.

Figure 1:BIM maturity map

2. The evolution of architectural software

Most architectural software can be classified as a chronology of styles which changes over time.
These may reflect the emergence of new ideas and new technology, which make new styles
possible. When drawing technology changes, architecture usually does so gradually, as
architects learn and adapt to new ideas. (See Fig. 2)
 International Conference on Civil Engineering
Architecture & Urban Sustainable Development
27&28 November 2013, Tabriz , Iran

CAD 2D

Model
CAM
walkthroughs

Clash detection

Project
3D Model
visualisation
Virtual mock-up
models
Architectural Software

Prefabrication
The evolution of

Construction
planning and
4D Time management
BIM Schedule
visualisation

Quantity Takeoffs
5D Cost
Real Time’ cost
estimating
Lifecycle
6D Facilities management
Management
Data Capture

IiBIM nD Integrated Design

• Figure 2: The evolution of Architectural Software, Authors

3. Computer-Aided Design (CAD)

This paper tries to identify a new process and a way of thinking about BIM that is different than
previous processes based off older technology. For this goal, first classify the architectural
software. CAD software is used to increase the productivity of the designer, improve the quality
of design, improve communications through documentation, and to create a database for
manufacturing. [6, p. 4] There are several different types of CAD. (See Fig. 3) These provide
an approach to the drawing process without all the fuss over the scale and placement on the
drawing sheet that accompanied hand drafting.
 International Conference on Civil Engineering
Architecture & Urban Sustainable Development
27&28 November 2013, Tabriz , Iran

Google SketchUp

Sketching Programs SketchBook Pro

Plan Design
Concept Modelers and
Rendering programs
Form-Z

Conceptual Modelers 3D Studio Max

AccuRender

Maya
CAD

Architecture
Animation Programs
computer simulation
Softimage
Computer-Aided
Design (CAD)
Drafting Programs AutoCAd
Computer Numerically
Controlled (CNC)
VectorWorks

Catia
Design Development Hierarchial Structure
Programs (Parent-Child Systems)
Solidworks

Figure 3: Computer-Aided Design classifications, Authors

4. Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM)

The techniques of digital fabrication generally fit into four main categories: cutting, subtraction,
addition and formation. These heading are analogous to traditional processes used in
architectural model-making and even full-sized prototype, wherein materials are manually
worked with tools to achieve the desired result. [4, p. 88] However, it is useful at this point to
understand the differences between BIM techniques. (See Fig. 4)
 International Conference on Civil Engineering
Architecture & Urban Sustainable Development
27&28 November 2013, Tabriz , Iran

3D Digitalizing Arm
3D Scanning
Reverse Engineering
Coordinate Measuring
Machine (CMM)

Plasma-Arc

2D Fabricatin Laser-Cutters
CAM

Water-Jet

G-Code

Subtractive Fabrication
Computer Numerically
Controlled (CNC)

Additive Fabrication Stereolightography (SLA)

Automotive industry
Formative Fabrication
Technique

Figure 4: Computer-Aided Manufacturing classifications, Authors

5. Building Information Modeling (BIM)

The concept of BIM has existed since the 1970s. [7] BIM is a technology that has improved the
way structure are designed as built. Just as CAD improved upon hand drafting, BIM is
improving upon CAD. [8] II is a revolutionary technology and process that has transformed the
way buildings are designed, analyzed, constructed, and managed. [9, p. 2] Along the way, BIM
has been variously defined, according to the user's profession, perspective, or agenda. In BIM
Handbook, Eastman et al. (2008) defines BIM as "modeling technology and associated set of
processes to produce." Building information modeling change the way architects, engineers and
contractors work today. It promotes collaboration among all members of a project team, and
open the door for additional members to add relevant information to the design before
considerable development has occurred." [8, p. 3] With the development of BIM technology
and advanced analytical modeling software in recent years, the variety of design processes that
inform the fabrication of architecture is now greater than ever. BIM techniques have enabled
architects and construction engineers to design and construct buildings that would be almost
inconceivable using more traditional methods. BIM allows us to digitally prototype projects the
same way the automotive and aerospace industries have done for years. We have to accept the
rising challenge of information complexity in the design process and construction. Beside new
software development and digital management of information we can concentrate our research
capacities on the design process. It takes what we know about design and construction and
hands it to computer that return results that we may analyze and use in making decisions. BIM
is not just software. BIM is a process and software… "BIM means not only using three-
 International Conference on Civil Engineering
Architecture & Urban Sustainable Development
27&28 November 2013, Tabriz , Iran

dimensional modeling software, but also implementing a new way of thinking." [9, p. 4]
Architecture, Consult and construction industry professionals are choosing to use BIM to
improve the thinking design and construction process. (See Fig. 5)

Autodesk Revit

Component-Based
Graphisoft Archicad
Programs

Parametric Plug-In Bentley Microstation

BIM

AutoLISP

Algorithmic Design Grasshopper

RhinoScript

Figure 5: Building Information Modeling classifications, Authors

6. Difference between CAD and BIM

Classical CAD, mathematical models may be also interpreted through this geometrical
approach which shows its compatibility. CAD can be defined as both computer aided design
and computer aided drafting, but both cases emphasize the "computer-aided" aspect of the
proposal. BIM can be defined as both building information modeling and building information
management, and, the "building information" aspect is emphasized. [8, p. 11]

CAD + specifications = BIM.

The advent of computer-assisted drafting (CAD) did little to change the nature of drawing. [10,
p. 1] in both Hand Drafting and CAD, the architect must manually construct and coordinate
various orthographic views3 of a hypothetical building. A cutting-edge technology, building
Information Modeling (BIM) software allows AEC professionals to produce data-intensive 3D
building models that far exceed those rendered with the 2D limitations of CAD, today's industry
standard. Unlike CAD, however, no consensus has been reached among AEC industries for
agreed upon guidelines direction BIM models. [8] As BIM continues to develop, clearly, not
all businesses will adopt systems and technologies at the same rate. BIM adopters will need to

3
Plans, Sections, elevations, and details
 International Conference on Civil Engineering
Architecture & Urban Sustainable Development
27&28 November 2013, Tabriz , Iran

go through a managed process of change which encompasses their internal organizational

interfaces with external supply-base and clients. [11] (Table 1) describes the steps of the BIM
software technology progress.

Table 1:ofM content development by software Industry, Authors

Product Name Manufacture Primary Function

Cadpipe HVAC AEC Design Group 3D HVAC Modeling

Revit Architecture Autodesk 3D Architectural Modeling and Parametric Design

AutoCAD Architecture Autodesk 3D Architectural Modeling and Parametric Design

Revit Structure Autodesk 3D Structural Modeling and Parametric Design

Revit MEP Autodesk 3D Detailed MEP Modeling

AutoCAD MEP Autodesk 3D MEP Modeling

AutoCAD Civil 3D Autodesk Site Development

Cadpipe Commercial
AEC Design Group 3D Pipe Modeling
Pipe

3D conceptual modeling with real time cost

DProfiler Beck Technology
estimating.

Fastrak CSC (UK) 3D Structural Modeling

Fabrication for
East Coast
AutoCAD 3D Detailed MEP Modeling
CAD/CAM
MEP

7. Integrated Design (ID Technology)

Recent advances in building information modelling (BIM) have disseminated the utilization of
multidimensional (nD) CAD information in the construction industry. [12, p. 126] BIM is an
IT enabled approach that involves applying and maintaining an integral digital representation
of all building information for different phases of the project lifecycle in the form of a data
repository. [13] The new genre of "scripted, iterative, and indexical architecture" produces a
proliferation of formal outcomes, leaving the designer the role of selection and increasing the
possibilities in architectural design. [5, pp. 51-54] "Professionals in the building and
construction industry have been slow to jump on the integrated design bandwagon. [14]
 International Conference on Civil Engineering
Architecture & Urban Sustainable Development
27&28 November 2013, Tabriz , Iran

Integrated design is a collaborative method for designing buildings which emphasizes the
development of a holistic design. The integrated design process requires multidisciplinary
collaboration and has evolved in conjunction with the rise of multidisciplinary design firms and
sustainable design. An essential element of Sustainable Building Design is an indoor
environmental quality, including air quality, illumination, thermal conditions, and acoustics.
The integrated design of the indoor environment is essential and must be part of the integrated
design of the entire structure. (Fig. 6)

Figure 6:BIM maturity levels at Stage 1 [15]

8. BIM and ID Technology and Sustainable Design

When the information is much richer and more robust, the management of this information
must change in order to fully utilize its potential. [9, p. 4] By analyzing information in the
model, we can create buildings that use less electricity, have more efficient and effective heating
and cooling systems, and protect their occupants from harm. [8, p. 13] The general finding
indicates that BIM is an appropriate tool for project managers and should be considered by the
PM profession as a way to help manage construction projects. [16, p. 978] The evidence from
the analysis of the documented cases is that the use of BIM, which can be classed as an
“unconventional system,” has potential benefits to the management of construction projects.
[17] BIM strategies can be focused for sustainable design in architecture projects. In 1994, the
Consult International du Batiment (CIB), an international construction research, networking,
organization, defined the goal of Sustainable construction as "… creating and operating a
healthy built environment based on resource efficiency and ecological design." [18, p. 9] The
CIB articulated Seven Principles of Sustainable Construction, which ideally inform decision
making during each phase of design and construction process, continuing through the builder's
entire life cycle. (See Table 2)
 International Conference on Civil Engineering
Architecture & Urban Sustainable Development
27&28 November 2013, Tabriz , Iran

Table 2:The Seven principles of Sustainable Construction. [18]

1 Reduce resource consumption (reduce).

2 Reuse resource (reuse)

3 Use recyclable resources (recycle).

4 Protect nature (nature).

5 Eliminate Toxics (toxic).

6 Apply life-cycle costing (economics).

7 Focus on quality (quality).

BIM is a substantial departure from the traditional design methodology that architects have
followed millennia, thanks to both 3D digital modeling capabilities and critical features of view
extraction. [10, p. 4] With BIM, the intelligent model is developed first, and drawing views are
resulting. The BIM-design process is initially approximately time-consuming, but of critical
interest to designers is the opportunity to spend relatively more time on design, design more
effectively, and capitalize on performance feedback from the virtual building to design for
greater sustainability. With BIM technology, intricate sustainable parameters can be managed.
BIM softwares enable the designer to define relationships between elements or groups of
sustainable elements, and to design values or expressions to organize and control those
definitions. In general, Sustainability goals for a project can be organized into three overlapping
categories corresponding to the triple bottom line. These categories and their subcategories (if
applicable) are shown in Fig. 6
 International Conference on Civil Engineering
Architecture & Urban Sustainable Development
27&28 November 2013, Tabriz , Iran

Figure 7: Triple Sustainable factors [19, p. 94]

8. Discussion and Conclusion

The discussion about how to register the digital architecture in the history and tradition of the
architecture according to an assumed logical continuity such as emphasizes on new paradigms
in the architectural design process. BIM as an emerging research field has limited existing
studies, the literature review therefore goes beyond academic publications to also include white
papers and technical reports from major vendors of BIM related applications (see, [20], [21],
[22]) The previous research showed that Cost was the one most positively influenced by the
implementation of BIM followed by Time, Communication, Coordination Improvement and
Quality. [16] Also past research showed that the time savings influenced the overall project
duration and had positive effects on the schedule critical path, time increases were often related
to extra modelling time or converting drawings into a model. [16, p. 978] Some of extra costs
that can be reduced or eliminated by implementing BIM from the beginning of projects.

However, BIM should not be thought of as a decision engine or "Configurator" that will select
the right product for a project, or tool that will automatically generate our specifications based
 International Conference on Civil Engineering
Architecture & Urban Sustainable Development
27&28 November 2013, Tabriz , Iran

on the products. These are noble concepts. The Architects can communicate with the
construction team and provide the level of information that they envision providing. All the
while, the collaboration and data standards are being created, and the rest of the team can
discuss what additional information and data sharing needs there might be. The beauty of this
process is that team has its own answers. Although this may seem like a bold statement, it's the
truth. Projects may vary in expectation as well as size and complexity and even different team
members, but the ability to have questions answered within the group is one of the main benefits
of integrating teams between multiple stakeholders. [9, p. 277] Fig. 7, explains the Integrated
Sustainable design process of constructing ‘Full Sustainable Design Model’ to maintain the
target value of the BIM Sustainable project's software which is initially obtained in ‘Sustainable
BIM software analysis.

The contemporary architects and engineers can rely on these novel technology beside their
experienced conservation design methods. BIM technology still needs a lot of improvement in
order to fulfill this version. In future we will see improvement, innovative solution of BIM
technology more and more intensely.

Figure Error! Bookmark not defined.: BIM and ID technologis ability to utilize in sustainable
design, Authors

References

[1] D. Rowland and T. Howe, Vitruvius: Ten Books on Architecture, Cambridge: Cambridge
University Press, 1999.
 International Conference on Civil Engineering
Architecture & Urban Sustainable Development
27&28 November 2013, Tabriz , Iran

[2] "Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition: Drafters," 2013.

[3] B. Gary and E. Wiebe, Technical Graphics Communication, 2009, p. 12.

[4] N. Dunn, Digital Fabrication In Architecture, London: Laurence King Publishing Ltd, 2012.

[5] A. Ali and C. Brabbia, Digital architecture and construction, London: WIT press, 2006, pp. 51,
54.

[6] K. L. Narayan, Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing, New Delhi: Prentice Hall of India,
2008, p. 4.

[7] C. Eastman and P. Teicholz, BIM Handbook: A Guide to Building Information Modeling for
Owners, Managers, Designers, Engineers and Contractors, Hoboken, New Jersey: Wiley & Sons
Inc, 2011.

[8] R. S. Weygant, BIM Content Development: Standards, Strategies, and Best Practices, Hoboken,
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[9] B. Hardin, BIM and Construction Management: Proven Tools,Methods, and Worlflows, 1st ed
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[10] F. Levy, BIM in small-scale sustainable design, Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons,
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[11] A. Porwal and K. N. Hewage, "Building Information Modeling (BIM) partnering framework for
public construction projects," Automation in Construction, vol. Vol: 31, pp. 204-214, 2013.

[12] Y. Jung and M. Joo, "Building information modelling (BIM) framework for practical
implementation," Automation in Construction, vol. Vol: 20, pp. 126-133, 2011.

[13] N. Gu and K. London, "Understanding and facilitating BIM adoption in the AEC industry,"
Automation in Construction, vol. Vol: 19, pp. 988-999, 2010.

[14] R. Deutsch, BIM and Integrated design : Strategies for Architectural Practice, 1st ed ed.,
Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc, 2011.

[15] K. Barlish and K. Sullivan, "How to measure the benefits of BIM — A case study approach,"
Automation in Construction, vol. Vol: 24, pp. 149-159, 2012.

[16] D. Bryde, M. Broquetas and J. Marc Volm, "The project benefits of Building Information
Modelling (BIM)," International Journal of Project Management, vol. Vol: 31, pp. 971-980,
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[17] T. Williams, Modelling Complex Project, London: Wiley, 2002.

 International Conference on Civil Engineering
Architecture & Urban Sustainable Development
27&28 November 2013, Tabriz , Iran

[18] C. J. Kibert, Sustainable construction: green building design and delivery, Hoboken, New
Jersey: John wiley & Sons, Inc, 2005.

[19] A. R. Pearce, Y. Han Ahn and H. Global, Sustainable Buildings and Infrastructure: Path to the
Future, London and New York: Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group, 2012.

[20] G. Aouad, A. Lee and S. Wu, Constructing the Futur: nD Modeling, London: Taylor & Francis,
2006.

[21] C. Lee, "BIM: Changing the AEC Industry," in PMI Global Congress 2008, Denver, Colorado,
USA, 2008.

[22] Maunula, "The Implementation of Building Information Modeling: A process perspective,"

SimLab Publications, Helsinki, Finland, 2008.

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