Web Stack eats AEC

A New Data Frontier

As the Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Operations (AECO) industry continues to evolve, the potential for a new approach to data standardization, inspired by the successful model of browser standardization, looms large. This article postulates a way forward for AECO data standardization, drawing parallels with the web stack's journey and envisioning what a 'web stack for Building Information Modeling (BIM)' could look like. How Browser Standardization Paved the Way for Today's Digital Experience In the annals of internet history, the evolution from static web pages to the interactive, integrated digital landscapes we navigate today marks a pivotal epoch. Central to this transformation has been the standardization of web browsers. This article delves into how this process not only streamlined web development but also catapulted the internet into a new era of innovation and user engagement.

The Fragmented Early Web to a Unified Vision

The 1990s witnessed the birth of the internet, but it was a disjointed world. Early browsers like Netscape Navigator and Internet Explorer had their own rules for rendering web pages, creating a development nightmare. This era, described by Zeldman (2009) in "Designing With Web Standards," was marked by the need for developers to create multiple versions of the same website for different browsers, hindering the web's potential. The turning point came with the formation of the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) in 1994, which Tim Berners-Lee, the inventor of the World Wide Web, described as crucial for the web's future. W3C's mission, as outlined in "Weaving the Web" (Berners-Lee, 1999), was to create common protocols that promote its evolution and ensure its interoperability. This move towards standardization marked the beginning of a new era for web development.

The Ripple Effects of Browser Standardization

Developer Empowerment and Efficiency: As noted by Flanagan (2006) in "JavaScript: The Definitive Guide," standardization simplified the development process, enabling developers to write code that worked uniformly across different browsers. This efficiency unlocked new potential for creativity and innovation in web design.
Enhanced User Experience: Standardization led to a more consistent and reliable user experience. Users no longer had to contend with broken layouts or non-functional features when switching browsers, as highlighted by McFarland (2015) in "JavaScript & jQuery: The Missing Manual."
The Birth of Modern Web Applications: With a standardized platform, technologies like AJAX (Asynchronous JavaScript and XML) gained prominence, as discussed in Garrett's seminal essay "Ajax: A New Approach to Web Applications" (2005). This enabled the creation of complex, dynamic web applications, transcending the limitations of the early static web.
Fostering Innovation and Competition: Standardization leveled the playing field for browser developers, fostering healthy competition and innovation. Browsers focused on speed, security, and feature enhancements, benefiting end-users and developers alike.

Browser standardization was more than a technical milestone; it was a catalyst that transformed the internet into a dynamic, interactive platform. It paved the way for the rich, user-centric web experiences we enjoy today, and set the stage for continuous innovation in the digital realm.

Section References

Zeldman, J. (2009). "Designing With Web Standards."
Berners-Lee, T. (1999). "Weaving the Web."
Flanagan, D. (2006). "JavaScript: The Definitive Guide."
McFarland, D. (2015). "JavaScript & jQuery: The Missing Manual."
Garrett, J. J. (2005). "Ajax: A New Approach to Web Applications."

Navigating the Complexity of BIM Standardization in AECO:

In the past 15 years, the Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Operations (AECO) industry has seen a significant shift with the adoption of Building Information Modeling (BIM). While BIM has revolutionized project management and design processes, its journey towards standardization has been fraught with challenges and triumphs. This article explores the difficulties, pitfalls, and successes of BIM standardization in the AECO industry, offering a comprehensive look at its transformative impact.

The Early Days: A Fragmented Approach

A lack of standardized practices marked the initial adoption of BIM in the early 2000s. Different firms used different BIM software, leading to compatibility issues and inefficient workflows. As Eastman et al. highlights in "BIM Handbook: A Guide to Building Information Modeling" (2008), this period was characterized by a pioneering but disjointed approach to BIM implementation.

Standardization Efforts: Overcoming Hurdles

Interoperability Challenges: One of the biggest hurdles in BIM standardization was achieving interoperability among various BIM software. The Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) standard, as discussed in "Building Information Modeling" (Kensek, 2014), was a significant step towards resolving this issue, but not without its complexities and resistance from software vendors.

Global Variations, BIM standardization also faced challenges due to regional differences in building codes, practices, and regulations. The establishment of standards like PAS 1192 in the UK and the National BIM Standard-United States demonstrated progress, yet highlighted the complexity of creating universally accepted standards.

Successes and Milestones

Collaboration and Efficiency: Despite the challenges, standardization efforts have led to improved collaboration and efficiency in the AECO industry. Projects have become more integrated, with enhanced communication and reduced errors, as evidenced by the success stories in "The BIM Manager's Handbook" (Eynon, 2016).
Advancement in BIM Technologies: The push for standardization has spurred the development of more sophisticated BIM tools and technologies, accommodating various aspects of building design, construction, and management.
Educational and Professional Development: The standardization journey has also led to the development of specialized BIM educational programs and certifications, as noted in "The BIM Management Handbook" (Dossick & Neff, 2020), enhancing the skill set within the industry.

Looking Forward: A Continued Journey

The journey of BIM standardization is ongoing. While significant progress has been made, the constantly evolving nature of technology and global practices means that adaptation and flexibility remain key. The future of BIM standardization lies in striking a balance between universal standards and accommodating regional nuances. The past 15 years have been pivotal in shaping the role of BIM in the AECO industry. Despite the challenges and complexities, the standardization of BIM has undeniably led to numerous successes and continues to be a driving force in the industry’s evolution.

Section References

Eastman, C., Teicholz, P., Sacks, R., & Liston, K. (2008). "BIM Handbook: A Guide to Building Information Modeling."
Kensek, K. (2014). "Building Information Modeling."
Eynon, J. (2016). "The BIM Manager's Handbook."
Dossick, C. S., & Neff, G. (2020). "The BIM Management Handbook."

Learning from Browser Standardization

The success story of web browser standardization, led by entities like the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), offers valuable lessons for AECO.

Key takeaways include:

Universal Standards: Just as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript form the universal pillars of web development, a standardized BIM data protocol could ensure interoperability and consistency across various BIM software and platforms. Collaborative Development: The collaborative approach of W3C, involving diverse stakeholders, could be emulated in AECO, bringing together architects, engineers, contractors, software developers, and industry bodies to co-develop standards.
Open Standards: The open nature of web standards, free from proprietary constraints, suggests a similar approach for BIM data standardization, fostering innovation and widespread adoption.

The 'Web Stack' for the production of building stock: A Conceptual Framework

Envisioning a 'web stack for BIM' involves conceptualizing a layered structure of technologies and protocols that work seamlessly to support the diverse needs of the AECO industry. In the realm of Building Information Modeling (BIM), the concept of a Universal Data Language (UDL) draws inspiration from HTML in the web world. UDL aims to become the foundational language for describing building elements and project data, ensuring a uniform understanding across diverse BIM platforms.

Universal Data Language (UDL): Analogous to HTML, a UDL for BIM could serve as the foundational language for describing building elements and project data, ensuring uniform understanding across platforms.
Design and Visualization Layer (DVL): Similar to CSS, this layer would manage the presentation aspects of BIM, such as visual styles, rendering, and user interfaces, allowing for customizable yet consistent visualizations.
Interactive Functionality Protocol (IFP): Echoing JavaScript's role, the IFP would introduce dynamic, interactive capabilities into BIM software, enabling real-time collaboration, data manipulation, and enhanced user engagement.
Integration and Communication Standard (ICS): This would be akin to web APIs, facilitating the integration of various tools and software, and enabling seamless data exchange and communication between different systems and stakeholders.

Section 1 - Universal Data Language: Interchange & Interoperability

Just as HTML serves as the backbone for web content, UDL could standardize the way building data is described and interpreted. This uniform language would address the current fragmentation in BIM data formats, similar to how HTML unified web content structure.

The Role of UDL

Standardizing Data Descriptions: UDL would provide a common framework for describing every aspect of a building project, from architectural design to structural details.
Enhancing Interoperability: With UDL, different BIM software can seamlessly share and interpret data, much like web browsers with HTML.
Facilitating Data Exchange: UDL would simplify data exchange between stakeholders, avoiding the complexities of converting between different data formats.

Real-World Analogues In the realm of Building Information Modeling (BIM), the integration of standardized data languages has been a significant focus for industry leaders. Companies like Autodesk and Bentley Systems are spearheading efforts to incorporate these standardized languages into their BIM software. This move is instrumental in driving the industry toward a unified approach to managing and interpreting building data.

At the same time, Building Smart, an organization dedicated to standardizing processes within the construction industry, has been working diligently to develop a universal building data language. Their efforts are integral in shaping a more cohesive and interoperable future for BIM technologies but lack good examples of implementation. In this landscape, Speckle Systems emerges as a notable innovator. With their open-source approach, they provide a centrally defined data model called Kits. These Kits serve as the foundation for translating building data between different software platforms. The open-source nature of Speckle Systems' approach is particularly significant as it fosters collaboration and innovation within the industry. It allows for a more inclusive development process, engaging a broader community in refining and expanding the capabilities of BIM data translation.

The approach taken by Speckle Systems, in contrast to the more proprietary methodologies of larger corporations, illustrates a growing trend in the BIM industry towards open standards. This trend is beneficial for fostering innovation and collaboration and essential for ensuring that the industry can adapt to the rapidly evolving technological landscape. Another innovator in this arena is NVIDIA in their product Omniverse, which uses a language formed at Pixar called Universal Scene Description USD. In all honesty, this seems to be a combination of a universal data structure and a universal display layer. USD has attributes for geometry and data, but also of rendering and visualization, materials, etc which one would expect for where it comes from. NVIDIA has put significant effort into courting AEC technology professionals and some implementations of it are impressive and show value.

The ongoing development of universal data languages and tools like those offered by Speckle Systems & NVIDIA is vital for the future making buildings. It promises a more seamless, efficient, and collaborative approach to building design and construction, where data interoperability is no longer a barrier but a facilitator of progress. The concerted efforts of established companies, non-profit organizations like Building Smart, and innovative startups like Speckle Systems are collectively shaping a more integrated and efficient future for the AECO industry. Through their varied approaches, they are addressing the critical need for standardized, interoperable data languages in BIM, paving the way for enhanced collaboration and innovation in building design and construction.

The adoption of UDL could revolutionize the AECO industry by bringing a level of standardization and interoperability akin to what HTML brought to the web. This progression towards a universal language for building data promises a more integrated and efficient future in construction and design.

References & Resources:

Data pools as the foundation for the smart buildings of the future
Creating A Common Data Language for Building Energy Performance
Creating a universal language for city data
Why the majority of data projects fail: The Case for a Universal Data Language
Why CRE Needs a Universal Data Language Now More Than Ever

Section 2 - Design and Visualization Layer (DVL): A Common Language

In the evolving world of BIM, the Design and Visualization Layer (DVL) is analogous to CSS in web development. DVL focuses on managing the presentation aspects of BIM, such as visual styles, rendering, and user interfaces, allowing for customizable yet consistent visualizations across platforms.

Understanding DVL in BIM

The Design and Visualization Layer (DVL) in Building Information Modeling (BIM) transcends mere aesthetics; it is pivotal in crafting functional, user-friendly interfaces that revolutionize how architects and engineers interact with building information models. The potential of DVL extends beyond current architectural visualization standards. It heralds a future where construction documents are not static PDFs but dynamically published views of BIM, accessible across mobile and web interfaces. This evolution will become the norm, transforming how project data is communicated and interacted with. DVL's capability for graphical communication through diagrams, symbols, and traditional drawing conventions, complemented by written descriptions, remains a foundational skill for engineers and architects. This skill is vital in encapsulating the essence of what needs to be constructed, enabling others to apply their expertise in devising the most effective construction methods. Preserving this attribute in the DVL is crucial. Losing the essence of traditional engineering and architectural communication in the pursuit of technological advancement would be detrimental. It's not just about keeping the old ways, but about integrating them into new technologies to enhance understanding, efficiency, and collaboration in the construction process. The innovation in DVL for BIM should therefore respect and incorporate the traditional strengths of architectural and engineering communication while embracing new technologies to make these designs more accessible, interactive, and adaptable to the changing needs of the construction industry. This approach ensures that the transition to more advanced BIM visualization tools not only retains but also enriches the core communication principles vital to the industry.

The Impact of DVL

Customizable Visualizations: DVL allows users to tailor the visual aspects of BIM models, improving clarity and understanding of complex designs.
Consistent User Experience: Like CSS in web design, DVL ensures that despite customization, the fundamental visual and functional aspects of BIM models remain consistent across different platforms.
Enhanced Collaboration: By providing clearer visual representations, DVL enhances collaboration among stakeholders in the building process.

Industry Innovators

Firms like Graphisoft and Revit are pioneering in integrating advanced visualization layers in their BIM solutions, enhancing both functionality and user experience. The DVL for BIM represents a significant step forward in how building information is visualized and interacted with. It's a crucial component in making BIM more accessible and effective for the diverse needs of the AECO industry.

Section 3 - Interactive Functionality Protocol (IFP): Bringing Dynamic Interaction

The Interactive Functionality Protocol (IFP) in BIM, drawing parallels with JavaScript in the web domain, is set to introduce dynamic, interactive capabilities into BIM software. This innovation enables real-time collaboration, data manipulation, and enhanced user engagement in the AECO sector.

The Essence of IFP in BIM

IFP is about making BIM models not just visual tools but interactive environments where changes can be made in real-time, information can be queried, and collaborative decision-making can happen instantaneously.

The Promise of IFP

Real-Time Collaboration: IFP enables multiple stakeholders to interact with BIM models in real time, making collaborative decision-making more efficient.
Enhanced Data Manipulation: With IFP, users can dynamically interact with BIM data, altering and updating models on the fly.
User Engagement: IFP makes BIM models more accessible and understandable for all stakeholders, not just technical experts.

Leading the Charge

Companies like Trimble and Autodesk are integrating interactive functionalities in their BIM tools, allowing for more dynamic and collaborative work environments. The integration of IFP in BIM is a game-changer, bringing a level of interactivity and collaboration that parallels the dynamic capabilities of JavaScript in web applications. This evolution marks a significant step towards more efficient, interactive, and user-friendly BIM practices in the AECO industry.

Section 4 - Integration and Communication Standard (ICS): The Web API Equivalent

In the context of BIM, the Integration and Communication Standard (ICS) can be likened to web APIs in the digital world. ICS is about facilitating the integration of various tools and software, enabling seamless data exchange and communication between different systems and stakeholders in the AECO industry. Exploring the Role of ICS in BIM ICS is the bridge that connects different BIM tools and platforms, ensuring that data flows smoothly and efficiently across systems, much like APIs connect and integrate different web services.

The Impact of ICS

Seamless Tool Integration: ICS allows for the smooth integration of various BIM tools, software, and platforms, enhancing workflow efficiency.
Facilitating Data Exchange: With ICS, data exchange between different systems becomes more streamlined, reducing the risk of data silos.
Enhancing Collaboration: ICS fosters a more collaborative environment by ensuring that all stakeholders have access to the necessary data, regardless of the BIM tools they are using.

Innovators in the Field

Software giants like Autodesk and Nemetschek are leading the way in developing ICS-like capabilities, enabling better integration and communication across their BIM product suites. The development of ICS in the BIM landscape is akin to the role of APIs in web development, breaking down barriers between different systems and enhancing the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the BIM process in the AECO industry.

Challenges and Considerations of a new BIM stack

Industry Adoption: Convincing the entire AECO industry to adopt new standards is a significant challenge, given the existing investment in current systems and practices. This sounds like a huge problem, but remember, an end user of a browser does need to know the standards of web stack to gain from it. The people affected in this are the existing Saas companies and anyone wanting to build new software and provide value to the articles, engineers, and contractors that run business building structures.
Technical Complexity: The multifaceted nature of construction projects adds layers of complexity to standardizing BIM data. This is a real challenge and is where hiring the right teams makes so much of a difference. On a spectrum of people who know construction but not software building, to people who know software building but not construction, a good mix is a diversity of people across it.
Balancing Innovation and Standardization: Ensuring that standardization does not stifle innovation is critical, as the AECO industry is rapidly evolving with new technologies.

Conclusion: A Vision for the Future, call to action.

By drawing inspiration from the browser standardization model, the AECO industry can embark on a transformative journey toward a more integrated, efficient, and collaborative future. This vision of a 'web stack for BIM' not only addresses current interoperability challenges but also opens doors to untapped potential in the realm of digital construction and design.

A Refined Data Model for BIM in AEC