A BPMN-Based Process Map for the Design and Construction of Façades

Authors

  • Eleanor Voss Glass and Façade Technology Research Group, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge
  • Qian Jin Glass and Façade Technology Research Group, University of Cambridge, Cambridge
  • Mauro Overend Glass and Façade Technology Research Group, University of Cambridge, Cambridge

Downloads

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7480/jfde.2013.1-2.646

Abstract

Process mapping can lead to significant efficiency and quality improvements in construction engineering and is an ideal basis for developing IT support tools. The increasing complexity and multidisciplinary nature of façade design and construction suggest that a process map would be beneficial in this sector of the construction industry, but it has received limited attention to date. This paper presents a verified process map of the façade design and construction process.  The map is the first of its kind to represent, in detail, the whole process relevant to all façade types, from commencement of the façade consultant’s and contactor’s participation, to the end of their involvement. The paper describes the process by which the mapping notation was selected, followed by the development and verification of the process map, including testing in two independent research projects. The BuildingSMART’s BPMN notation is found to have superior system features and comprehensibility for this application and the resulting process map is easy to interpret and verify by industry experts. The trialling of the map in the two research projects indicate that the map is a useful tool for assessing process improvements in the façades sector.

How to Cite

Voss, E., Jin, Q., & Overend, M. (2013). A BPMN-Based Process Map for the Design and Construction of Façades. Journal of Facade Design and Engineering, 1(1-2), 17–29. https://doi.org/10.7480/jfde.2013.1-2.646

Published

2013-07-17

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 1-2 (2013)

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2013 Eleanor Voss, Qian Jin, Mauro Overend

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Authors or their institutions retain copyright to their publications without restrictions.

References

Agbasi, E., Mcwilliams, R., Stevens, W., Stapleton, J., Anumba, C. J., & Gibb, A. (2003). CIMclad, RAIS Report, Organisational-level issues bearing on CIM implementation: Facade Engineer’s Perspectives. Whitby Bird and Partners Report.

Aouad, G., Cooper, R., Kagioglou, M., & Sexton, M. (1999). The development of a process map for the construction sector. In CIB Working Groups W65/W55. South Africa.

Austin, S., Baldwin, A., Li, B., & Waskett, P. (1999). Analytical Design Planning Technique: a model of the detailed building design process. Design Studies, 20(3), 279-296.

BuildingSmart. (2008). Information Delivery Manual - Overview. Retrieved July 25, 2010, from http://iug.buildingsmart.com/idms/overview

Dawood, N. (2002). Development of automated communication of system for managing site information using internet technology. Automation in Construction, 11(5), 557-572. doi:10.1016/S0926-5805(01)00066-8

Eastman, C., Lee, G., & Sacks, R. (2002). A New Formal and Analytical Approach to Modeling Engineering Project Information Processes. In CIB W78 (pp. 125-132). Aarhus, Denmark.

Eastman, C. M., Jeong, Y.-S., Sacks, R., & Kaner, I. (2010). Exchange Model and Exchange Object Concepts for Implementation of National BIM Standards. Journal of Computing in Civil Engineering, 24(1), 25. doi:10.1061/(ASCE)0887-3801(2010)24:1(25)

Eastman, C., Sacks, R., & Lee, G. (2003). Development and implementation of advanced IT in the North American precast concrete industry. Precast Concrete, (March), 1-16.

gFT. (2012). Glass and Facade Technology Research Group. Retrieved from www.gft.eu.com

Gray, C., & Al-Bizri, S. (2007). Modelling Trade Contractor Information Production. Architectural Engineering and Design Management, 3(1), 39-48.

IDEF. (2010). www.idef.com. Retrieved September 22, 2011, from www.idef.com

Jin, Q, Overend, M., & Thompson, P. (2011). A whole-life value assessment and optimisation model for high-performance glazed facades. In Proceedings of International conference of Building Simulation. Sydney, Australia.

Jin, Qian, & Overend, M. (2013). A prototype whole-life value optimization tool for facade design. Journal of Building Performance Simulation. doi:10.1080/19401493.2013.812145

Kagioglou, M., Cooper, R., Aouad, G., & Sexton, M. (2000). Rethinking construction: the Generic Design and Construction Process Protocol. Engineering Construction and Architectural Management, 7(2), 141–153. doi:10.1046/j.1365-232X.2000.00148.x

Kalian, A., Watson, A., Agbasi, E., Anumba, C., & Gibb, A. (2004). Modelling the building cladding attainment processes. Business Process Management Journal, 10(6), 712-723.

Karhu, V. (1997). Product Model Based Design of Precast Facades. Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden.

Karhu, V. (2001). A generic construction process modelling method. Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden.

Karsai, P. (1997). Facade Procurement: The role of the facade consultant. In ICBEST ’97. Bath, UK.

Klein, T. (2013). Integral Facade Construction. Rotterdam: Design: Sirene Ontwerpers. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.7480/a%2Bbe.vol3.diss3

Klotz, L., Horman, M., Bi, H. H., & Bechtel, J. (2008). The impact of process mapping on transparency. International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, 57(8), 623–636.

Kochikar, V. P., & Narendran, T. T. (1994). On using abstract models for analysis of flexible manufacturing systems. International Journal of Production Research, 32(10), 2303-2322. doi:10.1080/00207549408957069

Koskela, L. (1995). On Foundations of Construction Process Modelling. In CIB Workshop on Computers and Information in Construction. Stanford, California.

Laitinen. (1999). Model Based Construction Process Management. Durability of Building Materials and Components, 8, 2844-2863.

Pavitt, T. C., & Gibb, A. G. F. (1999). Managing Organizational Interfaces in the Cladding Supply Chain: Initial Results From Expert Interviews. In W. Hughes (Ed.), 15th Annual ARCOM Conference (Vol. 2, pp. 15–17). Liverpool, UK.

Pavitt, T. C., & Gibb, A. G. F. (2003). Interface Management within Construction: In Particular, Building Facade. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 129(1), 8. doi:10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9364(2003)129:1(8)

Pingtserng, H. (2004). Developing an activity-based knowledge management system for contractors. Automation in

Construction, 13(6), 781-802. doi:10.1016/j.autcon.2004.05.003

Tzortzopoulos, P., Sexton, M., & Cooper, R. (2005). Process models implementation in the construction industry: a literature synthesis. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 12(5), 470-486.

Vaz, D., Al Bizri, S., & Gray, C. (2008). The management of the design of modern curtain wall cladding systems. In ARCOM 24th Annual Conference (pp. 759-768). Cardiff, UK.

Voss, E., & Overend, M. (2012). A Tool that Combines Building Information Modeling and Knowledge Based Engineering to Assess Façade Manufacturability. In ABS 2012. Graz.

Wix, J., & Karlshoj, J. (2010). BuildingSMART: Information Delivery Manual Guide to Components and Development Methods.

Wynn. (2007). Model-based approaches to support process improvement in complex product development. University of Cambridge.