Examining the use of building information modeling (BIM) for interior design process in a professional setting

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2016-08

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Abstract

The dissertation used a qualitative approach to explore BIM applications in a professional interior design setting and BIM users’ perception in practice. An interior architecture firm in Dallas where the research worked as an architectural technician was the place for field observation participant. Field notes, memos, and log books were used to record phenomena and events throughout the firm operation while BIM software had been applied. To make the dissertation more trustworthy, interviews with BIM users was also performed inside and outside the firm. A total of ten in-house employees with one to nine years’ Revit working experience and six free BIM users were recruited to form the sampling for the interview data collection method. Grounded theory method was implemented using Sociotechnical System (STS) theory to direct the analysis themes.

The analyzed results showed that adaptability and responsible autonomy of BIM application s were salient features in the interior design process when the firm moved from traditional hand drawing and CAD tool to BIM technology. The implementation of BIM in three scenarios of interior design process reflected an adaptation of the new technology to the existing organization. The BIM transition affected not only the firm but also its staff as well. BIM users primarily were in favor of the BIM applications with some negative responses from senior staff. However, the BIM usage was limited in simple tasks instead of a complete deployment for high-level implications. Future research was intended using experimental studies to test relationships among AEC stakeholders and outcomes to evaluate the effectiveness of BIM usage in interior design.

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Keywords

Sociotechnical system, Building information modeling (BIM)

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