Open Collections

Abstract

While the construction industry is experiencing fast-paced digitalization, existing studies on BIM-LCA integration result in computer-based solutions isolated from the immersive co-designing environment, which deprives engineers and architects of engaging in an interactive, collaborative, and full-scale viewing experience. This paper seeks to fill this knowledge gap by suggesting a low-latency approach to designing a WebSocket-based solution that will integrate BIM, sustainability assessment, and Mixed Reality technologies into one platform capable of providing consistent interaction between parametric modeling software and immersive visualization. Design alternatives for an apartment building project in Kelowna have been created using Dynamo scripts for AutoCAD. Twenty-seven variants have undergone the analysis using the software tool, One Click LCA, to evaluate their performance in terms of their embodied carbon content and other parameters related to sustainability. The obtained results were analyzed using a COmplex PRoportional ASsessment (COPRAS) approach within an MCDA framework, allowing finding out that Design Alternative A26 is the best performing one. Geometry and materials information are automatically generated from the BIM model in OBJ and MTL file formats and sent to a WebSocket cloud server. A special Unity plug-in reads OBJ and MTL files and generates a full 3D model in MR space. The functions of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) are integrated into the mixed reality environment via MRTK-3. The model dashboard is distributed to the HoloLens headset using the UWP application. Information provided by means of MR design will be transferred to the construction stage, providing on-site visualization and decision-making capabilities, thus minimizing design changes and material waste. Contrary to all other BIM-LCA solutions, the proposed non-proprietary platform allows users to keep project information current, facilitating real-time data exchange during design and construction phases. This study proves that a combination of BIM modeling, WebSocket data transfer, and MR visualization substantially improves human-computer interaction and collaborative work among stakeholders when applying sustainable design practices. No external third-party MR software is required.