THE USE OF VISUALISATION TO COMMUNICATE DESIGN INFORMATION TO CONSTRUCTION SITES

Abstract

Architectural drawings, physical models and sketches are the main visualisation tools used in building design. They are accepted methods of communication between designers and builders. However, these tools are not adequate to provide sufficient information about design ideas and details to builders. Computer visualisation can effectively be used as a communication tool between design and construction teams that are geographically dispersed.This paper describes a research project that is concerned with how computer visualisation can be used during the construction stage of medium and high-rise buildings to facilitate communication between the construction site team and the design team, ensure adherence to design details, and provide specific guidance in complex assembly and/or construction operations. An industry survey questionnaire was carried out to investigate the current use of visualisation in communication between design and construction teams. The preliminary analysis of the results shows that the most common methods used by designer and site teams for clarifying information about buildability problems were traditional tools and methods, which have serious limitations in supporting virtual construction project teams.