BIM-based modeling and management of design options at early planning phases

At early planning phases, the investigation of possible design options helps to find a suitable design for the client despite complex boundary conditions. In this context, the use of BIM models offers new prospects by representing a valuable input for simulation and analysis tasks. This paper aims at enabling a model-based management of design options. An applicable data model needs to be defined that supports the generation and exchange of design options. The developed concept avoids the use of separate models for explicit designs and thus, prevents the creation of redundant information. Furthermore, managing possible design variants within a single model increases the consistency of the provided information. Option categories to represent design options are introduced to structure the complex possibilities which might evolve when proceeding with the design process. Graph Data Models (GDM) are proposed as a transparent approach to describe and manage the resulting models as they provide a structured overview on affected elements and interdependencies. The results of the developed concept are shown by a case study focusing on high-rise buildings. Following the presented approach, architects, designers, contractors and clients are provided with a transparent description of design options which supports the decision making process from the very beginning.