Development of the BIM-VDC Information Industry in Architectural Design and Construction has recently incorporated virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) technologies. Combined with BIM Facility Management (BIM-FM), this development integrates the Internet of Things, Big Data, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Human Intelligence (HI) into design and construction processes. In 2014, Autodesk collaborated with David Benjamin to create the Living Laboratory and partnered with Dutch developer Van Wijnen Groep to develop the Alkmaar Housing project.
At Alkmaar Housing, the Living Laboratory employed AI and generative design to evaluate multiple design options under specific constraints such as site conditions, owner budgets, and net zero energy targets (Walmsley and Villaggi, 2018). In 2016, Carl Bass delivered a keynote speech on Machine Learning at the Autodesk University (AU) conference. The following year, Autodesk advanced its research on AI-assisted design through the BIDS program, which explored the interaction between designers’ perception/recognition and artificial intelligence to automate design solution generation and enhance BIM software capabilities.
Autodesk also demonstrated automated office layout software, TestFit, developed in collaboration with NVIDIA and Gensler as part of the VGAN project, to support building design. Currently, AI-driven commercial design software is increasingly available on online platforms, including:
1. GenMEP, a derived design plugin for Autodesk Revit 3D modeling software;
2. Higharc, which combines AI for residential design;
3. AI applications integrated into Spacemaker, Archistar, and TestFit for commercial real estate;
4. Automated office configuration solutions combined with AI at WeWork.
The progressive development of BIM-ICT technology in construction is illustrated in NBIMS (2015) and buildingsMARTalliance® initiatives. The NBIMS-US 2021 Vision Task Force outlined a future where BIM-ICT technology incorporates unmanned construction utility vehicles (UCUVs), smart tools, sensors, and tags such as RFID to enhance safety. AR devices and head-mounted displays, like Google Glass, are expected to play vital roles in planning, operation, maintenance, assembly, and construction. Additionally, laser scanning remains crucial not only for site investigation but also for quality control and assurance.
Commercial products like the construction site photo and video management platform Smartvid.io utilize machine learning, speech recognition, and image recognition to automatically tag construction site photos and videos. By transforming unstructured data into structured information, Smartvid’s AI supports on-site project information management. Meanwhile, Doxel has developed autonomous robots capable of adapting to various construction site conditions. These robots perform laser scanning independently and align the scanned data with the BIM model. This matching process identifies on-site objects and automatically analyzes task execution status by comparing BIM progress data with actual visual progress.
Doxel further calculates daily workload changes for each task using scanning data, measuring real work efficiency and assisting with on-site construction management. Other emerging BIM-ICT software and hardware startups include Indoor Reality, Runnur, DOT Product, IkeGPS, OnTarget, Assemble Systems, InsiteVR, DAQRI, Iris VR, and ViaTechnik.
However, these advanced BIM-ICT technologies come with high costs, which can be a barrier for BIM-VDC adoption among stakeholders in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. That concludes this overview of the Development of the BIM-VDC Information Industry in Architectural Design and Construction. I hope this article has been helpful!
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