No abstract

Background: The AEC practice using BIM technology in Central European (CE) context is still very young; the previous experiences demonstrated a number of upcoming problems with BIM implementation on technical-(heterogonous data, interfaces, large data volumes) but even more so on process-level (question of responsibilities and work-load distribution, lacking standards or conventions on building-representation and in general lack of experience and knowledge on integrated practice). The optimal data management, transfer and synchronization within inhomogeneous software context, as is often the case within inter-firm construction projects, require enormous organization, coordination and communication effort in the earliest design-phases. The BIM implementation implies therefore necessity of fundamental rethinking of the conventional design process, which in CE context is still predominantly based on sequential, segmented practice. Methods: At the Vienna University of Technology a BIM-supported multi-disciplinary planning process with students of architecture, structural engineering and building physics, using several BIM-software tools was simulated. From the qualitative and quantitative evaluation of this BIM-supported multi-disciplinary collaboration will enable the compilation of guidelines for efficient use of BIM in design and planning process for the planners and standardization bodies. Results: First insights on process-quality, such as team-, process-and technology satisfaction, as well as conflict-and stress levels will be presented in this paper. We were able to identify numerous technical problems related to the data transfer and inconsistencies in translation, which resulted in participant dissatisfaction and significant increasing of work-loads.

Although a number of studies are devoted to studying design practice, very little is known about how the managerial decisions are made to steer the design process. This article sets forth an exploration of managerial decision making in the interdisciplinary design process. To this end, the paper derives a theoretical framework, which posits that process-level design management is based on decision-making frames that set the context for design activity. The paper provides evidence for the theoretical framework by using data from an interpretive case study of a large-scale engineering infrastructure project. The case study findings set out the role of process-level design management as the identification, enforcement, and anticipation of decision-making frames. The theoretical relevance of the findings is in the model of process-level design management described as a reflective practice. The findings contribute to practice by introducing the considerations of frame identification, enforcement, and anticipation into the design management skill set.

Buildings cause 40% of total energy consumption, and 20% of CO2 emissions worldwide. In the European context, the main potential for the achievement of energy efficient built environment remains with the existing stock. This paper will present the life-cycle oriented renovation strategies for historic, especially large social housing stock, in order to meet the increased requirements in terms of energy efficiency simultaneously providing affordable housing and meeting the demands for monument conservation. Specific renovation-issues such as insufficient standard or size of housing units, demographic change (aging of society), thermal insufficiencies and partial obsolescence of building structure are bound to the age and typology of this specific stock. The developed strategies are based on the variations of façade-insulation technology and in further step on variation of building-hull refurbishment-level and energy system, applying the methodology of life cycle analysis (CO2-equivalent assessment) and calculation of amortization-periods for refurbishment-investment. The developed renovation strategies were evaluated in terms of cultural-historical, ecologic and economic criteria.The findings demonstrate the importance of operation-phase in the building life-cycle, which is crucial for the economic and ecologic impact causing the largest energy consumption and related CO2 emissions. Due to the very long payback periods for refurbishment in the context of social housing, incentives for owners as well as support for the use of more sustainable heating systems for the tenants are necessary.

No abstract