Game-like interactive environment using BIM-based virtual reality for the timber frame self-build housing sector

• Published in: Automation in construction Vol. 142; p. 104496
• Main Authors: Potseluyko, Lilia, Pour Rahimian, Farzad, Dawood, Nashwan, Elghaish, Faris, Hajirasouli, Aso
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.10.2022
• Subjects: BIM; Collaboration; Design automation; Gamification; Integration; Parametric design; Unreal engine; Integration; Design automation; Collaboration; BIM; Unreal engine; Parametric design; VR; Gamification
• ISSN: 0926-5805
• DOI: 10.1016/j.autcon.2022.104496

BIM, gamification, and Virtual Reality applications are more often used to serve the interests of Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA). This paper presents a comprehensive study to exploit these technologies' innovative approaches and capabilities. The study is specifically adopted to implement small and medium-size architectural and construction practices with a limited budget and time dedicated to visualisation creation. The collected evidence proved that a game-like platform combined with BIM could provide simplified data delivery to a client, leading to customer satisfaction, confidence and increased sales. The designed workflow and templates were tested in the case study of a small self-build construction company. The staff was trained to provide BIM data correctly and use supplied game templates. The case study demonstrated that automation of the VR House Configurator creation is achievable. The study's outcome is an integrated solution to regenerate BIM models in the game environment and utilise the house configurator's organised furniture library and costing interface. Furthermore, the usability tests confirmed the applicability, practicability, and validity of the developed framework and tools to deal with the revealed challenges in the self-build sector. Finally, the research provided a fresh approach for the companies in the sector, a step-by-step guide for implementing the innovative changes, and detailed descriptions of the methodologies and workflows. •A novel BIM, VR, and DfMA framework is developed to streamline the self-build design process•The designed workflow and templates were tested in the case study of a small self-build construction company•The BIM, VR and DfMA based design interface implements the integrated design and customization strategy•Enhancing design quality and reducing potential reworks in manufacturing, assembly & construction fields through automation•Optimizing existing collaboration workflow in BIM standards through making direct link with client in the design process