Considering the Feasibility of Semantic Model Design in the Built-Environment

Grzybek, H., Xu, S., Gulliver, S. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4503-5448 and Fillingham, V. (2014) Considering the Feasibility of Semantic Model Design in the Built-Environment. Buildings (2014), 4 (4). pp. 849-879. ISSN 2075-5309 doi: 10.3390/buildings4040849 (Grzybek, H.; Xu, S.; Gulliver, S.; Fillingham, V. Considering the Feasibility of Semantic Model Design in the Built-Environment. Buildings 2014, 4, 849-879.)

Abstract/Summary

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is the process of structuring, capturing, creating, and managing a digital representation of physical and/or functional characteristics of a built space [1]. Current BIM has limited ability to represent dynamic semantics, social information, often failing to consider building activity, behavior and context; thus limiting integration with intelligent, built-environment management systems. Research, such as the development of Semantic Exchange Modules, and/or the linking of IFC with semantic web structures, demonstrates the need for building models to better support complex semantic functionality. To implement model semantics effectively, however, it is critical that model designers consider semantic information constructs. This paper discusses semantic models with relation to determining the most suitable information structure. We demonstrate how semantic rigidity can lead to significant long-term problems that can contribute to model failure. A sufficiently detailed feasibility study is advised to maximize the value from the semantic model. In addition we propose a set of questions, to be used during a model’s feasibility study, and guidelines to help assess the most suitable method for managing semantics in a built environment.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://centaur.reading.ac.uk/id/eprint/38123
Identification Number/DOI	10.3390/buildings4040849
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Henley Business School > Digitalisation, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
Uncontrolled Keywords	Building Information Modeling, BIM, semantic, modeling, feasibility
Publisher	MDPI
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