On the Process of Building Knowledge to Support the Design of Digital Tools: A Case Study for Future Residential Buildings on Campus

Abstract

Abstract This article presents the process of building knowledge to inform the process of developing a design application for mid-­‐size urban settings. We call such an application Campus Information Modeling – CIM. Four different strategies are exposed, with special interest in a behavioral study regarding users’ qualitative evaluation of buildings they inhabit and how such information will be used in the design of the CIM tool. Finally, implications and future research are discussed. Keywords: Campus Information Model; Building knowledge; Behavioral Study; Software Design. Introduction Digital tools such as geographic information systems (GIS) and building information model (BIM) support both, planning and design activities at regional and building levels respectively. However, there is a lack of tools to inform planners, designers, and decision makers when forecasting new facilities and intervening existing ones at scales such as campuses and small neighborhoods. In addition, current GIS and BIM tools offer limited real time evaluation for budgetary and financial simulations, operational costs, and user accommodation. Moreover, to the best of our knowledge GIS and BIM tools does not include among their tools and functions capability to include spatial qualitative data. These three issues can be addressed under one single core question that, we think, is aligned with the main theme this conference possess; How do we build knowledge for design? In order to address such a question we present here our work, currently under development and based on a real case in a large university in the US. The housing department of the university is increasing the number of beds they offer, and at the same time seeking to improve the environment they provide for students. In short, they seek more beds and better buildings. Consequently, the goal of this project is to build an application with capabilities to evaluate in real time different scenarios at campus scale comparing different types of residential buildings. We call this application Campus Information Modeling(C IM). Campus Information Modeling (CIM) converges all sources of spatial, financial, and users’ data about buildings, structures, and land into a common information intermediate scale framework. However, before delving deep into CIM model issues, we envision a key question that emerge prior the development of such a tool: What kind of information does such a system need, and which arethe most reliable sources to obtain that data? To address this question we designed a strategy to gather different types of reliable data that may be used for real time evaluation of design options. Thus, four approaches for data acquirement were used in the design of the strategy for capturing data: First, we completea revision of the existing buildings in campus. Second, we review the financial model regarding construction and operation budgets in residential buildings in campus. Third, we dida literature review of current issues in college housing. Fourth, we ran a behavioral study with students living in campus. These four steps providethe set of data that became the inputs to develop themodel of the CIM tool. Using as case study the renovation of residential buildings for undergrad students that will take place during the next academic year we offer here the methodological approach designed to build and embed knowledge on such tool.