This message has been cross posted to the following Discussion Forums: Committee on the Environment and Technology in Architectural Practice .
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CALL FOR PAPER
for the 100th ACSA Annual Meeting
at MIT Boston, MA
March 1-4, 2012
Submission Deadline of full paper: September 14, 2011
More Info:https://www.acsa-arch.org/conferences/100.aspx
Theoretical Implications of BIM: Performance and Interpretation In a simulation driven design context the significance of information is often assumed to be absolute; information is equated with performance. But the significance of information in a performative context is interpretive. The locus of the information's value is assigned by those utilizing it - and, there are different forms of simulation that garner categorically disparate forms of information in combination and relative isolation. Some forms are technical, some reductive, and others that remain contextual and projective.
At a moment where simulation driven design is being absorbed into architecture curricula on a broader scale it is appropriate for the academy and profession to reflect on the theoretical implications of the technology. In design studios and seminars students are utilizing Building Information Modeling (BIM) software to explore its underlying concepts and potential benefits through collaborative design and integrated project delivery. In cross disciplinary advanced construction environments, facility management and life cycle processes are being explored. In those contexts, BIM is primarily utilized as an analytical tool to increase efficiency in design, production, construction and occupancy phases. In design, fundamental simulations can provide specific predictive information about solar access, total solar radiation, thermal efficiency and fluid dynamic behaviors. In production, clash detection, automated schedule generation, and 4D construction modeling represent only a few of the predictive technical interpretations that may be employed through simulation. In both realms there is a dedication to the technical interpretation of information - an interpretation that runs the risk of being non-reflective and may only affirm assertions associated with functionalist thinking.
By contrast, there are circumstantial contingencies that suggest several models of theory that may be invested in the methodological employment of BIM. In general terms, information modeling provides an environment in which information can be attached to three dimensional representations as building element information. Conceptually, by ordering these elements as process information, there is no limitation to the kind of information that can be stored. Beyond the generation of prosaic cost and element scheduling, potential exists more speculative forms of information might be catalogued in recombinant form - the visceral qualities of paintings in particular spatial contexts combined with demographic information in a neighborhood model or, individual formal ordering preferences in a residence combined with efficiencies in the assignment of recycled content building materials to the enclosure system. In speculating, BIM can be considered beyond its instrumentality and evolve as mechanism to mirror the culture in which we live.
This session seeks to solicit discussion focused on proposals for potential theoretical orientations in Building Information Modeling. The mechanisms to engendering positive and relevant sensibilities in the academic setting should be considered fundamental. Papers focusing on instrumental reason in the context of situated understanding of place, population, representation, and purpose are requested.
If you have any questions please contact Ute Poerschke (
uxp10@psu.edu) or John Folan (
jfolan@andrew.cmu.edu).
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Ute Poerschke Assoc. AIA
Associate Professor
The Pennsylvania State University
University Park PA
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