Integrating building information modeling (BIM) with sustainable universal design strategies to evaluate the costs and benefits of building projects

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a well-known innovative approach in project design and construction. The use of BIM enables designers to control project cost from the early stage of its life cycle. The cost impact resulted from the construction of sustainable building is one of the main resources that designers should consider when designing such type of facilities. As the North American population is aging Universal Design requirements (design that accommodate the needs of human regardless of their ages and abilities) should be considered in conjunction with the sustainable design criteria to achieve sustainable universal design (SUD). The aim of this research is to investigate the benefits and costs associated with adopting the concept of sustainable universal design applied for building projects. Therefore, this paper proposes a methodology to develop a model that integrates BIM tools with SUD requirements and strategies (i.e. Energy, material, and indoor air quality and barrier free environment) and to evaluate the associated benefits and costs of proposed buildings at their conceptual design stage. The proposed model consists of three main modules. First, a database module, which is mainly devoted to illustrate items necessary toward SUD approach including: hand rails, entrance slope with its associated material and lighting shapes and specification. All of the mentioned items will be in accordance with the standards (i.e. Canadian National Building Code (CNBC), LEED, international standards). Second, a 3D design module will describe the design components and system used in the different areas in the 3D conceptual design (i.e. living room, toilet, and kitchen). Finally, a cost benefit analysis module that will evaluate the initial cost of each designated area that complies with the needs of aging people who have chronicle health conditions, where the total cost and benefits is calculated accordingly. The effective development of the integrated model will help owners, designers, and developers to ...