Framework for decentralised architectural design BIM and Blockchain integration

Theodoros Dounas*, Davide Lombardi, Wassim Jabi

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

69 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The paper introduces a framework for decentralised architectural design in the context of the fourth industrial revolution. We examine first the constraints of building information modelling in regard to collaboration and trust. We then introduce Blockchain infrastructure as a means for creating new operational and business models for architectural design, through project governance, scaling collaboration nominally to thousands of agents, and shifting trust to the infrastructure rather than the architectural design team. Through a wider consideration of Blockchains in construction projects we focus on the design process and validate our framework with a prototype of BIM design optimisation integrated with a Blockchain mechanism. The paper concludes by outlining the contributions our framework can enhance in the building information modelling processes, within the context of the fourth industrial revolution.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)157-173
Number of pages17
JournalInternational Journal of Architectural Computing
Volume19
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2021

Keywords

  • Blockchain
  • Building Information Modelling
  • Ethereum
  • Integrated Project Delivery
  • design collaboration
  • governance
  • incentives
  • trust

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