Implementation of Virtual Design Reviews in the Generation of As-Built Information

Generation of as-built building information is a growing necessity for retrofitting and renovating existing facilities. As building information modeling (BIM) is increasingly adopted in the construction industry, the development of information-driven models is becoming a standard for existing buildings, even before the design phase starts. Additionally, it is essential to evaluate and review the generated information before the design can begin. Therefore, the goal of this paper is to provide an exploratory two-step study (i.e., process mapping followed by a proof-of-concept experiment) on the implementation and assessment of visualization tools. These tools were implemented for the design review in the generation process of as-built information. To achieve this goal, four residential retrofit projects that required the production of as-built information were selected. In the first step, it was identified, within the generation process, where designers and surveyors typically review information and drawings. This step was achieved by process mapping of the building information flow for a typical residential project. Then, visualization tools were implemented for two of the projects, while the other two served as a control. In the second step, the records for requests for information (RFI) issued by the engineers for each of the projects were recorded. Based on the results, the projects that included visualization tools not only did have fewer RFIs, such as the location of building elements. The paper provides a unique perspective on implementation of visualization technology for the design review of as-built information. This study adds to the existing body of knowledge related to visualization in design reviews, which has been leveraged mainly in new construction projects.