Using Building Information Modeling for Green Interior Simulations and Analyses

There is a growing trend of green building design that relies on technologies and computer simulations based on building information modeling (BIM) during the design process. Green building project teams are increasingly adopting BIM due to its capabilities of analyzing and simulating various design scenarios to make informed decisions to achieve green objectives. However, there is currently a gap in the technological approach to achieving green design in interior design. In order for interior designers to make informed decisions for effective green interior designs, interior designers need to understand the critical functions of BIM-based simulations and analyses in achieving green interior environments. This exploratory paper intended to discuss how BIM can be used for green simulations during the design process and to provide a framework for incorporating BIM-based green simulations and analyses to interior design projects based on four categories found from literature review. Four types of methods included are visual analysis, prescriptive analysis, web-based external simulation, and external simulation and visualization. Four types of methods were examined with case studies performed in an interior design course over 3 years. The course utilized BIM and BIM-based external building performance simulation and analysis tools to achieve green interior environments. Lastly, the paper discusses interior design pedagogical issues with using BIM-based simulations and analyses including student learning experiences as well as the challenges and benefits of incorporating green simulations to interior design projects.