A Novel Mesh-Based Workflow for Complex Geometry in BIM

Abstract

Various well-established digital modeling software platforms enable architectural design teams to rapidly sculpt and iterate over complex, doubly curved, and organic geometries. However, the software platforms that are used to author such geometries are rarely the same that are used for later-stage project development and delivery. For these phases of project execution, projects of even modest complexity are managed through building information modeling (BIM) software. Yet most BIM solutions are not suitable for natively handling the design of geometrically complex forms, failing to provide lightweight, responsive, or flexible authoring interfaces. A further complication is their inability to readily import or integrate any complex geometric elements or assemblies generated elsewhere. The development of improvements to interoperability between authoring and production software therefore remains an important goal in contemporary architectural practice. This paper describes a practical methodology that then engages various Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) and open-source programming tools to address the problem of interoperability for complex geometry in BIM. Specifically, it identifies meshes as a well-positioned data structure for use within the context of preparing complex design geometry for BIM production. We describe a novel technique for the efficient interoperability of complex NURBS poly-surface objects from one authoring platform, employing design meshes that cleanly capture not just geometry, but also user and procedurally derived descriptive data elements for advanced representation and analysis within a BIM production environment.