Dynamics of design collaboration. BIM models as intermediary digital objects

Engineering and architectural design research has studied the uses of various kinds of artefacts and visual representations like sketches, drawings and design plans. The implementation of Building Information Modelling (BIM) creates a new constellation of instruments and calls for further reconceptualising of the collaborative design process. The paper presents analysis of BIM models as co-developed intermediary objects in the design. They function both as objects of joint problem solving and as a concrete but dynamic means for collaboration both virtually and in face-to-face meetings. We suggest that BIM models provide novel forms of 'virtual materiality': in design meetings BIM models provide a tangible means for designers' collaboration. Versatile indexical use of 3D BIM models dominates discussion and problem solving in design meetings.Peer reviewe

Digital Last Planner System Whiteboard for Enabling Remote Collaborative Design Process Planning and Control

The coronavirus outbreak forced design companies to consider how the flow of information and work processes could be managed in the context of remote design work. This research aims to put a digital Last Planner System (LPS) whiteboard to the test in support of remote collaborative design process planning and control and identify its benefits and challenges. The synergies between lean and digital practices were explored by developing solutions in two different case studies, one in the UK and the other in Estonia. Research results were interpreted, and the main lessons learned were articulated. The digital LPS whiteboard enabled and supported the remote planning and control of design projects and processes. The digital LPS whiteboard had the following process-related benefits, including, for example, increased transparency, understanding, engagement, flexibility, and continuous improvement. Challenges in the use of the digital whiteboard were generally due to an excess of information and meetings, the social limitations of virtual meetings, and a lack of relevant IT competencies. Recommendations for individuals interested in planning, developing, and testing a digital whiteboard for remote implementation of the LPS are made. Further research on the entangled nature of digital whiteboard functionality and LPS behaviors is needed

Cell, parasitism, and proliferation – Design framework of self-organization for architecture and urban design

In this century of urbanization, cities have become complex systems that face diverse socio-environmental challenges. The task for planners and architects is to find suitable solutions which correspond to these challenges in order to achieve sustainable cities. Significantly, construction is one of the highest carbon-emitting industries, but it is essential for modern life. To date, the mainstream design approach for architecture and urban design has been the rigid and top-down masterplan. This static design approach is implemented for efficiency in this property-led society, and architectural projects see the final moment of the construction as complete. However, the persuade toward sustainable cities led to the requirement for adaptive and flexible architecture and urban design for future dynamic changes. This call for adaptive capacity underlies sustainability and resilience theory. This study's goal is built on the assumption that the city is an organism and treats architecture and urban design as forms of integration. The Japanese Metabolism propositions are unconscious responses to architectural sustainability and include the feature of self-organization. To correspond to the cross-scale system and organic city assumption, the concept of Japanese Metabolism and self-organization was chosen as the fundament to this research. The goal of the study is to develop a self-organization design structure for urban and architecture design based on a review of theories and cases. Buildings and cities can evolve depending on user lifestyles and needs. The alternative offered by this study aims to respond to the vulnerable environment and space requirements of the future