Native vs. custom BIM functions : an enclosure design case study

Abstract

Building Information Modeling (BIM) has become one of the major digital trends in AEC information technology and is also increasingly used by many architects. This thesis explores support for enclosure design in commercial BIM Design Tools. Computational requirements for enclosure design are defined first. These include iterative design, data integration, and performance analysis support. Next the Gasometer B in Vienna is described. It was used for the case study and was chosen because of the freeform shape of its enclosure. In the following, the Gasometer enclosure is modeled in two representative BIM Design tools, Revit and Rhino. While the former tool supports enclosure design with native, that is, built-in functions, the latter supports geometric design in general but may be customized for the purpose of enclosure design. Modeling tasks included massing design, schematic enclosure design, and detailed enclosure design. Based on the experience from the modeling exercise, the tools are evaluated with respect to the computational requirements. The thesis concludes with observations on how to improve computational support for enclosure design in BIM Design Tools.