Abstract
Over the last decade, the widely use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) has significantly improved the efficiency of architectural, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry in China. Many studies have been dedicated to how BIM could help in construction works. However, due to lack of BIM application in landscape filed, limited researches could be found on how many excessive works could be prevented by BIM and its ecological value in protecting local environment, especially for those hillside areas with relatively vulnerable ecosystem, which covers over two thirds of the land in China. This paper aims to set up a BIM-based landscape design workflow and examine its effectiveness in reducing construction waste produced in design process. One project case of hillside residential district planning design was carried out by applying the established BIM workflow, showing that earthworks were reduced significantly, and the final net cut/fill volume was controlled at 32.45m3 after project completion. Minimizing earthworks prevents the local topsoil and vegetation from been destroyed by unnecessary constructions. Utilizing BIM in landscape design enables the architects to pursue a more ecological and integrated design solution, paying more attention to the relationship between human beings and nature.
Highlights
1.1 Background information According to the British Standards Institution, Building Information Modelling (BIM) is defined as a “digital representation of the physical and functional characteristics of a building over its life cycle” [1]
The objective of this study is to examine the effectiveness of BIM in improving the ecological value of landscape design by providing scientific design solutions based on quantitative analysis, reducing excessive construction works, and raising working efficiency and visualisation level during the project life cycle
This research summaries characteristics of BIM application in landscape in reducing excessive works and protecting local environment in ecologically fragile areas, establishes a BIM workflow and demonstrates it in one case study of hillside residential landscape design project, in order to examine to what extent BIM helps in improving design efficiency and minimising earthwork waste
Summary
1.1 Background information According to the British Standards Institution, Building Information Modelling (BIM) is defined as a “digital representation of the physical and functional characteristics of a building over its life cycle” [1]. BIM integrates all the data and information related to the project or being created during AEC projects life cycle and presents them and their relationships in standardised and dynamically updated digital 3D models. It has significant advantage in cost control and collaborative work among project participants, and could be used for design, and for calculating workload, simulating construction, project maintenance and so on. The objective of this study is to examine the effectiveness of BIM in improving the ecological value of landscape design by providing scientific design solutions based on quantitative analysis, reducing excessive construction works, and raising working efficiency and visualisation level during the project life cycle. If a project design shows respect to the local environment and takes ecological effect into consideration at the very beginning of the project, the benefits it brings could be sustainable, including reducing the maintenance cost in the long run
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