Improving building life-cycle information management through documentation and communication of project objectives Page: 4 of 14
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IMPROVING BUILDING LIFE-CYCLE INFORMATION
MANAGEMENT THROUGH DOCUMENTATION AND
COMMUNICATION OF PROJECT OBJECTIVES
Robert J. Hitchcock
ABSTRACT
Most currently available computer tools for the building industry proffer little more than
productivity improvement in the transmission of graphical drawings and textual specifications,
without addressing more fundamental changes in building life-cycle information management. This
paper describes preliminary research into the development of a framework for the documentation
and communication of the project objectives of a building project. When implemented in an
interactive networked environment, this framework is intended to promote multiple participant
involvement in the establishment and use of a common set of explicit goals, from the earliest phase
of a project throughout its life cycle. A number of potential applications for this framework are
identified. The requirements for integrating this life-cycle information with a product model of the
physical design of a building, in an attempt to document and communicate design intent, are also
discussed.
INTRODUCTION
Fragmentation is a defining characteristic of the building industry in the United States. This
fragmentation has evolved in parallel with increasing specialization in the professional building
disciplines, and is greatly exacerbated by the business model presently in place within the industry.
While advancing computer technology has continuously promised a revolution in building
information management, most currently available computer tools proffer little more than
productivity improvement in the transmission of graphical drawings and textual specifications,
without addressing more fundamental changes in building life-cycle information management.
This paper describes preliminary research into the development of a structured framework for the
identification, elaboration, communication and interactive application of the project objectives of a
building project. This framework will provide an informational foundation for an interactive forum
intended to promote multiple participant involvement in the establishment and use of a common set
of explicit goals, from the earliest phase of a project throughout its life cycle.
The overall objective of this research is to develop innovative information management methods
that can be used to facilitate communication between the numerous and diverse participants in the
life cycle of a building or facility. This study addresses information flow in both forward and
backward (as feedback) directions between all phases of the life cycle, including: conception and
planning, design, engineering, construction, commissioning, operation and maintenance.
An underlying focus of this study is the potential for increasing energy conservation in buildings
and mitigating other environmental impacts through improved life-cycle communication.
However, the conceptual basis for this information management is generalized to all life cycle
issues.-1-
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Hitchcock, R.J. Improving building life-cycle information management through documentation and communication of project objectives, article, August 1, 1995; California. (https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc685641/m1/4/: accessed April 19, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, UNT Digital Library, https://digital.library.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.