Creativity with Building Information Modelling Tools

Introduction

Building Information Modelling (BIM) has the potential to significantly change the traditional design process, raising concerns within both academia and professional design studios. The impact of BIM technology on architectural design creativity has been previously debated in academic publications, such as Ibrahim and Rahimian (2010); Meneely and Danko (2007); Zarzycki (2010); and Moreira (2010). Other mediums conducting BIM and design creativity debates includes seminars, and professional`s online social networks. A questionnaire survey was conducted to collected primary data; the UK top 100 architectural firms based on the Building Magazine 2010 (group one), and Co-operative Network for Building Researchers (CNBR) Yahoo group (group two) were selected as questionnaire respondents. This paper focuses on the impact of BIM tools on architectural design creativity. However, architectural design is a process that usually starts with the following sequence: a client`s brief; design appraisal; and the conceptual idea (schematic design) that is later developed and realised as a design product. BIM tools play a major part in achieving productive design outcome and reducing total design hours through digital automation. Reddy (2011) states that BIM also provides the ability to develop the wildest design concept within the constructability analysis of their design.

The BIM tools used to realise BIM`s benefits are arguably decreasing design creativity in the opinion of some BIM users, academics and professional architectural designers within the Architectural Engineering and Construction (AEC) Industry; whilst increasing creativity to others. Creativity is important in the realm of design, it takes place in diversity, series of products, events and accomplishments; It can be found in various fields of disciplines. Attributes of creativity adopted from Pederson and Burton (2009) described creativity more closely as: Idea/analogy/knowledge; problem definition; original/originality; novel/new; imagination/artistic/aesthetic interests; risk taking /complicated/complex; and innovation/ freedom/ flexible. Creativity refers to the ability to invent new products, processes, solutions, and work of art that are useful and depicts originality; creativity can also be defined as a technique for creative thinking. The definitions of creativity in Table 1 were chosen to show in-depth and diversity in creativity. The applicability of creativity occurs in different realms of life. However from the various definitions of creativity in Table 1, creativity can be defined as new knowledge, product, development, or original idea that is useful, valuable, beneficial and important to our lives.