Information Modeling in Architectural Design: Collaborative Environment for Decision-Making Process

Architectural design is a complex process involving numerous factors. Historically, designers have been researching and developing methods to aid the design process, and to represent the building as a three-dimensional object occupying space by different means—words, models, drawings, perspectives, specifications, etc. The new trend in architectural practice is that buildings are being designed as three-dimensional objects with certain properties and attributes, and the information about them can be exchanged and shared. The existing tools are usually focused on a specific task, such as drafting, simulations, structural analysis, project management, collaboration, etc. These are always distinct, complex, and often require high level of involvement from the user. Moreover, the results from one application cannot be analyzed from another perspective, resulting in time loss and inefficiency. The problem is that architects usually do not spend a lot of project time in the early phases and quick decisions are required, but the tools do not support that process. In this paper, web-based application for decision-making process in architectural design is discussed, focusing on early-phase schematic design. The application integrates several functions necessary for schematic design. The benefit of this approach is that it assists the designer in the process and aids the decision-making