Using Parametric Modeling to Improve the Equipment Systems Coordination Process for Buildings

The coordination of equipment systems has become a major challenge for building contractors. Specialty design firms and trade contractors, working independently, provide these systems. For the past several years the equipment systems coordination has involved sequentially comparing and overlaying drawings from multiple trades, in which representatives from each equipment trade work together to detect, and eliminate spatial and functional interferences between equipment Systems. This multi-discipline effort is time-consuming and expensive. With the recent development of Building Parametric Modeling(BPM)this process is now able to evolve with the software technology. Using examples from several case studies, this paper demonstrates how BPM can improve the Equipment Systems coordination process in buildings. The results of this research provide a foundation for a revised work process utilizing modeling software and information technology.