A framework for obtaining a BIM-compatible design solution based on quantitative decisions on building performance

Abstract

The direction towards high-performance buildings soars the complexity of the design process. Therefore, Building Performance Simulation (BPS) tools are used to aid designers to realize the implications of early design decisions. Coupling BPS tools and geometrical tools featured with Building Information Modeling (BIM) has recently received much attention. Yet, Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD-based) geometrical tools are still the preferred choice for a large portion of designers. Therefore, this paper aims to develop a Performance-based Design Framework (PbDF) to aid designers in obtaining an optimal design solution compatible with BIM software based on a quantitative decision that satisfies both daylighting, energy, and cost of buildings at the early stage of design. The PbDF included 3 D modeling, daylight and energy simulations, cost calculations, decision-making using Technique for Order by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), and BIM generation. The framework was tested through two stages and validated by face validity approach. The test results demonstrated that the proposed framework can assist designers to efficiently propose high-performance designs and send them to BIM software to complete the rest of the tasks required for design and construction. The PbDF was accepted as reasonable for its intended purpose by people who are knowledgeable about the performance-based design.