Investigating the impact of BIM and computational design on construction productivity

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Advanced computational techniques and modern approaches to building information modeling (BIM) have facilitated the design of highly complex architecture in recent years. However, this increase in the level of complexity of architectural concepts has also correlated with a decline in the level of productivity on construction sites. To address this challenge, it is critical that construction knowledge be incorporated into the computational design process. The main objective of this research project is to investigate the degree to which computational design can be utilized to improve the constructability of precast concrete structures and the efficiency of their installation. We are in a unique position to pursue this goal because we have full site access to a construction project and because we have a fully engaged industry partner who is responsible for the installation of facade components on this project. Working with the industry partner, we will be understand how computational design and BIM can be enriched by practitioners' knowledge, and how such enrichment can improve constructability and productivity on construction sites. This research project builds on lean construction principles that are required for performing productivity and constructability analysis, as well as the concept of feature-based modeling for knowledge formalization in the computational design process. In this research, we will employ a mixed method research methodology including semi-structured interviews, informal discussions, video recordings and direct observations in the field. We will analyze the productivity of the facade installation work by our project partner and will perform a rigorous time study analysis to identify waste and inefficiencies in the execution. Based on this analysis, we will identify design conditions that hindered the construction process and resulted in poor productivity. Finally, we will analyze the original computational design algorithm and using the outcomes of the previous steps, identify additional design features that could be further developed to incorporate this type of construction knowledge in the design process. The research findings will provide the project partner with a comprehensive