A Conceptual Framework for an Intelligent Planning Unit for the Complex Built Environment

Most of the projects in the built environment system are unique in nature and different in design, construction, and operations. Thus, it is difficult to establish a streamlined flow in the entire process of the complex built environment system and to arrange and optimize the required resources in a timely manner. To address this challenge, it is necessary to reduce the complexity of the built environment system and to provide the decision-makers with timely and accurate information for making better decisions. For achieving this objective, this paper aims to develop a conceptual framework for an Intelligent Planning Unit (IPU) for the complex built environment system, which consists of three phases (i.e., IPU planning, IPU application, and IPU network). An IPU represents a well-defined planning unit that can be initiated to achieve a specific purpose (e.g., cost, schedule, materials, and process). An IPU can be defined by breaking down the physical entities and processes in the complex built environment system into carefully planned units (even nano-scale units). A well-defined IPU can be replicated and implemented at the different levels of complexity; and then, it can be improved through a refinement process using the intelligent feature of communication. This paper illustrated the IPU concept through several examples and also highlighted possible challenges and opportunities in implementing the IPU concept in the complex built environment system. This paper is designed to ensure that a project meets the client expectations on various aspects in the complex built environment system.