Building Information Modeling for Participatory Decision-making Processes

Abstract

This paper presents and discusses the partial results of ongoing research on the development of computer applications connected to Building Information Modeling (BIM) software, aiming at the participation of non-technical actors in decision-making processes for public facilities projects. The research proposes the construction of a web-based application in which remote collaboration between technicians and non-technicians can be carried out in architectural design processes. The article points to the relevance of such cooperation in newly industrialised countries, reviews the key features of BIM, and presents the application currently under development. The paper focuses the theoretical discussion and characterisation of relationships between the involved parties and the practical implications of these reflections on the structure and design of the application. This research work is underway at the research group Nomads.usp of the University of São Paulo (USP), Brazil, and expects to contribute to the formulation and implementation of public policies in the sectors involved.