A Cloud-based BIM Platform for Interior Design

In recent years, Building Information Modeling (BIM) has become an important issue in the area of interior design. Some BIM technology applications include 3D modeling environments, parametric design tools, and building simulation applications. However, the crucial information seems to be ignored and results in some negative consequences in most interior design processes. Most interior designs ignore information like building structure information, process management or materials used in interior spaces. As a result, some problems occur such as a constructing site could not match the construction drawings, or cheaper and non-certified materials are used without checking. As far as the development of BIM, it is still deficient in BIM applied to the interior design process. This research has developed a system called BIMcast, which is a cloud-based BIM platform for interior design management, communication and coordination. The BIMcast attempts to create a BIM-based interior design process and support negotiation with clients in order to improve the quality of interior design. This paper investigates the state-of-the-art BIM technology and provides a real-world application of interior design. We record and analyze the process of BIM interior design process and re-arrange the design process. The BIM-enabled design process is facilitated by tracking quality control check points, supervising on construction site, and coordinating clients and other professionals. In order to fix the leaks of management and operation issues, BIMcast has delivered a cloud-based BIM platform to the owner of house, enabling BIM technology to help the client, the designer, and the contractor to improve the coordination process. It is expected that BIM technology can extend interior design applications in support of building life cycles.