Integrating Building Information Modeling and Virtual Reality to Facilitate the Implementation of Universal Design for Facilities at the Conceptual Stage

The demographic projection expects that in 2024 one in five Canadians will be over 65 years old. This shift is compelling designers to consider the entire lifespan of occupants during their design process. Universal Design (UD) is defined as a design to accommodate all people to the greatest extent possible. It emphasizes the design’s usability by people regardless of their age, gender and ability, and it aims to house everyone irrespective of their chronic health conditions. Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a significant development in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry in a more collaborative and automated way. It helps AEC professionals in planning, designing, constructing, and operating a facility. Integrating BIM and Universal Design allows designers to easily and efficiently incorporate Universal Design standards at the conceptual design stage of buildings using the functionalities and capabilities of BIM tools. On the other hand, integrating BIM and Virtual Reality (VR) allows immersive visualizations of proposed buildings’ design models. It offers users unique real-time simulations in an interactive environment while enhancing communication and interaction between owners and designers to meet occupants’ satisfaction and needs in reducing future modifications and alterations for their dwellings to age in them. Therefore, this study proposes the development of an automated model to be used at the conceptual design stage of buildings to facilitate the adoption of universal design standards and processes. This paper introduces a methodology to integrate Universal Design requirements, Accessible Design and Conventional Design Standards with BIM at the conceptual design stage of buildings to help designers and owners select optimal design alternatives based on their predefined criteria.