Digitalization in the Building Industry: Framework for Research

Present research revolves around developing a framework for research within digitalization of the building industry with Build 4.0 and Internet of Things (IoT). Digitalization has been present since the 80’ies with Computer Aided Design (CAD) and the emergence of Building Information Modeling (BIM) in the 90’ies where BIM, today, is a requirement in most large-scale building projects. Today, Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) is used in the design and construction process, thus increasing user involvement and quality control and simulations and Virtual Design and Construction (VDC). A driver in the development has been the increased focus on the sustainable agenda and the need of collaboration between the different professions in order to work with sustainable solutions.
BIM has so far focused on the design and building process. However, there is a huge potential within Facility Management (FM) and automation of control of indoor climate to optimize comfort and reduce energy consumption, linking to IoT with sensors and control systems. Furthermore, BIM can be linked to customized production of building-elements, thus pushing the development of Build 4.0.
In the building-industry, the potential within IoT and Build 4.0 is vaguely implemented and explored. With the building-industry as a steppingstone, a cross-disciplinary framework can explore the possibilities from design and production to re-use, and the benefits for companies and users by implementing digital technologies such as IoT and Build 4.0 as means to respond to sustainability and well-being in relation to the built environment