Collaborative design using a shared IFC building model—Learning from experience

This paper reports on a multi-disciplinary building design studio where a shared IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) building model was employed to support a collaborative design process in a teaching context. The paper discusses the background to the idea of design collaboration based on a shared building model, looking at both the nature of design decision-making, as well as the process opportunities afforded by close multi-disciplinary collaboration and rapid feedback through design analysis. The paper reflects on our experience in running an initial studio class in 2004 and, more recently, planning for a repeat studio in 2005, focussing on the operational issues that are encountered when working with a shared building model during a design process. The paper concludes with a statement of the lessons learnt and strategies to be adopted in future projects of this nature.