Building Information Modeling and Building Performance Simulation-Based Decision Support Systems for Improved Built Heritage Operation

Angelo Massafra (), Carlo Costantino, Giorgia Predari and Riccardo Gulli
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Angelo Massafra: Department of Architecture, University of Bologna, 40136 Bologna, Italy
Carlo Costantino: Department of Agriculture, Forests, Nature and Energy, University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
Giorgia Predari: Department of Architecture, University of Bologna, 40136 Bologna, Italy
Riccardo Gulli: Department of Architecture, University of Bologna, 40136 Bologna, Italy

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 14, 1-31

Abstract: Adapting outdated building stocks’ operations to meet current environmental and economic demands poses significant challenges that, to be faced, require a shift toward digitalization in the architecture, engineering, construction, and operation sectors. Digital tools capable of acquiring, structuring, sharing, processing, and visualizing built assets’ data in the form of knowledge need to be conceptualized and developed to inform asset managers in decision-making and strategic planning. This paper explores how building information modeling and building performance simulation technologies can be integrated into digital decision support systems (DSS) to make building data accessible and usable by non-digital expert operators through user-friendly services. The method followed to develop the digital DSS is illustrated and then demonstrated with a simulation-based application conducted on the heritage case study of the Faculty of Engineering in Bologna, Italy. The analysis allows insights into the building’s energy performance at the space and hour scale and explores its relationship with the planned occupancy through a data visualization approach. In addition, the conceptualization of the DSS within a digital twin vision lays the foundations for future extensions to other technologies and data, including, for example, live sensor measurements, occupant feedback, and forecasting algorithms.

Keywords: built heritage; performance-based management; building information modeling; building performance simulation; digital twins (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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