TopoBIM: Web-based Spatial Topology for Early Design Participation

TopoBIM is a 3D web-based viewer for BIM data that facilitates the capture of stakeholder knowledge related to project requirements and constraints in early design. The software provides an interface for viewing 3D models and data for selected room types and adding topological annotations. The use of topological representation is proposed as a method for facilitating knowledge capture, allowing decisions about the details of plan layout to be deferred and widening the potential for participation in the early stage design process. Topological representation is widely employed in the engineering disciplines, but is not commonly used as a means of capturing schematic information in early design. TopoBIM is proposed as a methodology and workflow for the introduction of topology in early design, and as an example of lightweight, bespoke software that informs design by allowing stakeholders to perform specific tasks using BIM data, without the constraints and limiting complexity of BIM authoring environments.