BIM – Building Information Modelling – is a process to ensure the planning, design and construction of buildings is efficient and collaborative. It’s a collegial way of different building professionals sharing their data to create a 3D model of the building. Consequently, with informed decisions, BIM can ensure accessibility of homes and buildings at all stages of construction.
AI also has the potential to ensure accessibility so it’s time to join the dots. A research team from Griffith University presents a framework that brings together machine learning and BIM. The context of the study is accessible housing as outlined in the Livable Housing Design Standard in the 2022 NCC. It also has relevance to the government funded Specialist Disability Accommodation.
There is an increasing need to integrate machine learning and BIM to detect access features and universal design requirements. This is particularly important in housing.
This study, Enhancing accessibility in smart cities: AI-based autonomous inspection and certification framework, is of particular interest to building certifiers.
From the abstract
This research emphasises the importance of accessibility in current building codes. The focus is on universal design features and their compliance within urban environments. We investigated challenges in conventional and advanced building inspection methods and explored how machine learning (ML) technologies can transform accessibility inspections.
Key points from the study
We aimed to develop a conceptual framework leveraging OpenCV and ML to detect accessible housing features and ensure compliance with accessibility standards. Key findings from the review include:
- highlighting universal design by addressing the needs of ageing and disabled populations
- identifying significant limitations in conventional inspection methods, such as inefficiency and subjectivity
- emphasising the role of datasets, photogrammetry, and Lidar point cloud data in improving accuracy for accessible design evaluation
- demonstrating how integrating BIM and ML can enhance consistency in compliance verification
The framework is yet to be implemented, but it provides a strong foundation for certifying accessible housing and offers future directions for real-world applications.
Automating accessibility compliance in homes
Two researchers from the Technological University Dublin tackle the same topic focusing on Part M of the Irish building code. They say their research shows how their tools reduce time, cost and liabilities associated with manual checks. At the same time they promote universal design principles.
This is about embedding Part M accessibility parameters into visual programming scripts. For example, corridor widths and door dimensions are colour-coded where correction is needed.
The image above is Figure 13 from the research paper showing a 3D view of a BIM model post visual programming assessment. The paper is necessarily technical but gives an idea of where assessment and certification are heading.
This process could be applied where local authorities ask clients or designers to demonstrate how they are achieving accessible design for a mass development. Note that Ireland’s Centre for Excellence in Universal Design promotes government policy on universal design.
The title of the article is, Automating accessibility compliance in a building design: A visual programming approach to Part M of Irish building regulations using BIM. Scroll down the page – the article comes up first in these proceedings.
From the abstract
We investigated the use of visual programming within Building Information Modelling (BIM) to automate compliance checking with Part M of Irish building regulations, focusing on accessibility in design. We propose a method for real-time evaluation of design models to identify compliance and non-compliance.
The tool allows adaptive inputs such as corridor widths and door dimensions—linked to colour-coded visual indicators highlighting areas needing correction. The tool can adapt to integrate with changing regulations.
We can compare designs against minimal regulatory requirements and the more inclusive Universal Design (UD) standards. Testing with a BIM model confirmed real-time feedback on compliance and non-compliance with Part M, suggesting improvements aligned with universal design principles.
Challenges such as varying interpretations of regulations and the need for greater digital literacy were noted, suggesting areas for further improvement.
Use BIM to ensure accessibility
The purpose of Magdalena Kladz’s paper is to show the application of BIM in designing for accessibility. She uses an existing single-family home to illustrate how it works and explain some of the technicalities. The home was chosen because of population ageing and the desire to age in one’s own home.
The case study looks at different means to make the home accessible. The illustrations and images are useful supports for the text. The image is an example of a 3D model of a construction framework applied to a bridge from Trimble Construction.
The case study looks at different means to make the home accessible. The illustrations and images are useful supports for the text. While the case study is a single home, the process is applicable to any building. As Kladz says,
“… designing accessible housing contributes to urban sustainability and reduces the negative impact of construction on the environment. Adapting existing buildings and constructing new ones according to universal design principles allows for long-term fulfilment of residents’ needs, without the necessity of demolishing and rebuilding.”
The title of the of the article is Using BIM for the development of accessibility. The video below provides an overview of BIM and how it works.