The realisation that much of conventional, modern architecture is not sustainable over the long term is not new. Typical approaches are aimed at using energy and materials more efficiently. However, by clearly understanding the natural processes and their interactions with human needs in view, designers can create buildings that are delightful, functional productive and regenerative by design. The paper aims to review the biomimetics literature that is relevant to building materials and design. Biomimetics is the abstraction of good design from Nature, an enabling interdisciplinary science, particularly interested in emerging properties of materials and structures as a result of their hierarchical organisation. Biomimetics provides ideas relevant to: graded functionality of materials (nano-scale), adaptive response (nano-, micro-, and macro-scales), integrated intelligence (sensing and actuation at all scales), architecture and additional functionality. There are many examples in biology where emergent response of plants and animals to temperature, humidity and other changes in their physical environments is based on relatively simple physical principles. However, the implementation of design solutions which exploit these principles is where inspiration for man-made structures should be. We analyse specific examples of sustainability from Nature and the benefits or value that these solutions have brought to different creatures. By doing this, we appreciate how the natural world fits into the world of sustainable buildings and how as building engineers we can value its true application in delivering sustainable building.

BackgroundHealth and safety (H&S) on a construction site can either make or break a contractor, if not properly managed. The usage of Building Information Modeling (BIM) for H&S on construction execution has the potential to augment practitioner understanding of their sites, and by so doing reduce the probability of accidents. This research explores BIM usage within the construction industry in relation to H&S communication.MethodsIn addition to an extensive literature review, a questionnaire survey was conducted to gather information on the embedment of H&S planning with the BIM environment for site practitioners.ResultsThe analysis of responses indicated that BIM will enhance the current approach of H&S planning for construction site personnel.ConclusionFrom the survey, toolbox talk will have to be integrated with the BIM environment, because it is the predominantly used procedure for enhancing H&S issues within construction sites. The advantage is that personnel can visually understand H&S issues as work progresses during the toolbox talk onsite.

Purpose -The section of the research presented in this paper reviews and explores health and safety (H&S) issues on construction sites. It has the sole intention of using better computer visualisation to meet the needs of site practitioners in understanding such H&S problems.Design/methodology/approach -The methodology follows a traditional literature review approach to understand the development of BIM technology up to its current status. A questionnaire survey was conducted to gather information on the embedding of H&S planning by site practitioners within the BIM environment.Findings -BIM has the potential to be used in H&S planning procedures, particularly in those related to tasks on construction sites. A framework for an integrated visual tool is developed for better H&S practice on site. It may be used actively by all practitioners, starting with site induction, and addresses, inter alia, personal hazard perception.Research limitations/implications -This paper provides a foundation for developing a tool that helps construction personnel explore potential H&S risks on site before construction begins. By introducing a framework for integrating BIM and project planning, a prototype can be developed to demonstrate the application of the proposed framework.Originality/value -The research presented in this paper introduces BIM usage during the construction stage as a tool that supports a H&S toolbox. The paper proposes the useful framework for better H&S practice on site that can be used actively by all practitioners. The intention is to find a way forward in addressing 'real' H&S site issues that may not be easily understood by practitioners without the full aid of visualisation scenarios.Communication Management: Management is expected to use a variety of formal and informal means to promote and communicate its commitment to safety (Baxendale & Jones, 2000). Simon and Piquard (as cited in Mohamed (2002)) claim that both management communication and employee feedback are critical for safety improvements and reporting near misses and unsafe conditions and practices. Most current H&S communication on construction sites tends to be one-directional without feedback from the operatives or any recording of their carrying out various activities.On Site H &S Communication: From the information garnered in the literature review, a questionnaire was developed and sent to practitioners to ascertain current on-site communication methods. The analysis of this survey is reported in the ensuing paragraphs.From the analysis of results as presented in Table 1, expressed as percentages of practitioners' responses, it appears that toolbox meetings, followed by workshops/seminars and HSE guides, are regarded as the current best forms of communication to site operatives. Currently, on-site communication using BIM and other visualisation tools is not a common practice. It may appear that BIM is not so well known and, therefore, scores lowest. The reasons for this may be that contractors on site are not yet familiar with the BIM tech...

The growth and advantage of Building Information Modeling (BIM) has recently gained momentum in the expanding needs of the construction industry, one that varies across disciplines. The UK government is the largest public stakeholder client that has realized the benefits and advantages of BIM when used in procuring projects. The usage and adoption of BIM in all UK government-procured projects with a Level 2 BIM status will be mandatory by 2016. Will this target be achievable by 2016? This study investigates that possibility. A critical review of the BIM literature was carried out and the evidence based on the government target of 2016. At the current stage, it appears that Level 2 adoption is achievable by 2016 for large construction firms. However, the technology needs to be properly tailored to meet SMEs variables, if the Level 2 status is to be achieved for the entire industry.

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