Optimization in Building Information Modeling (BIM)

Optimization in Building Information Modeling (BIM) is crucial for improving the quality of the architectural, structural and MEP designs, reduction of costs through efficient consumption of time,machinery,material and human resources during both design and construction stages, and for enhancing the overall building performance and sustainability. The optimization methods and tools can be used in a wide range of application areas ranging from structural design to energy efficiency of buildings. Optimization methods when implemented together with BIM empowers project stakeholders with advanced analysis and simulation possibilities to increase quality of design and construction, while contributing to the sustainability of buildings.



Although the optimization methods and tools that can be used together with BIM applications provide advanced analysis and simulation possibilities to all stakeholders of the construction and building, the industry is not fully benefiting from them, as traditional design and construction approaches having the quick win perspective still dominate the construction industry. When BIM appeared as a paradigm change in modeling that bridges the gap between the stakeholders and processes, it also brought opportunities due to the support it provided for advanced analysis that can only be done by utilizing the integrated information backbone of a building. Some new tools and technologies benefited from these advantages in design stages, but the value of optimization within a BIM environment still underestimated and the opportunities that optimization methods that are supported by BIM tools will bring to design and construction is still a hidden gem. This special issue aims to shed light to the opportunities provided by optimization tools and applications for the BIM-based design and construction processes.



The special issue covers a wide range of topics on the use of optimization tools and applications for the BIM-based design and construction, and we welcome research articles and literature reviews. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

• BIM-based Optimization in Design: Generative Design, Layout Optimization, Optimization for Form Finding,Facade and Indoor Design Optimization for Energy Efficiency,Optimization for Cost Reduction, Optimization for Reducing Environmental Footprint and Waste

• BIM-based Structural System Optimization:Structural System Optimization for Cost Reduction, Structural System Optimization for Reducing Environmental Footprint

• Optimization in 4D/5D BIM:Optimization for better scheduling with BIM, Optimization for better cost management with BIM, Workflow Optimization,Site layout Optimization

• Optimization for Comfort and Sustainability:Design Optimization for Thermal Comfort,Design Optimization for better lighting and acoustics,Design Optimization for Reducing Environmental Footprint

• Optimization for BIM-based FM:Optimization for better space and person allocation with BIM, Optimization of Predictive Maintenance Processes,Design Optimization for Better Wayfinding and Navigation,Design Optimization for Supporting Emergency Operations

Keywords: Building Information Modeling, Optimization, Design, Construction, Scheduling

Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.