A Model for a Distributed Building Information System

Abstract

This paper sets the theoretical and technological framework for the development of a distributed model for a holistic Building Information System. It commences by summarizing versioning and revision control models in software engineering. Then it proceeds to establish parallels between the distributed revision control process and the building design process and argues that the underlying structure of Building Information Modelling can be exploited for the development of a similar structure for building design. The fundamental framework of such a system, called Distributed Building Information System (DBIS), is described and implementation strategies are discussed, while the potential difficulties are also addressed.