The research plan for this project is to develop an object-oriented model of a building that represents the physical components of the building; the functional and spatial systems of which these physical objects are a part; the tasks performed to construct these components, the timing of these tasks, and the relationships between these components and tasks (design intent). Although the initial focus is on building modelling, many of the concepts developed here will be equally applicable to other designed entities, such as railcars. Such a modelling environment will provide an information-rich and flexible foundation on top of which intelligent tools for design, design verification, and construction management can be built.
