Building information modeling (BIM) has traditionally been considered as a tool for the graphical representation of architectural and engineering projects. This technology has become a key instrument for the development of virtual models that simulate the constructive process and facilitate the analysis of the designed solutions to detect incidents linked to traditional bi-dimensional projects. This article focuses on the use of this technology to optimize the design of MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) facilities and architecture by developing virtual BIM models. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to analyze two experiences of complex buildings that have developed a BIM Execution Plan to improve the coordination of all disciplines involved, in order to explore how these real experiences can contribute to the implementation of the use of this technology in the construction industry. The results of the research are divided into two aspects: on the one hand, the improvements that BIM brings to the coordination and optimization of MEP facilities, linked to the typification of design incidents detected to anticipate conflicts between disciplines, facilitate collaborative design between different agents, keep graphic documentation updated and avoid execution problems and additional costs; and on the other hand, the keys to facilitating the extension of the use of this technology in the industry. Therefore, the conclusions of the research point out to the need for improvement in the automation of incident detection and the reduction in design process deadlines, as well as the need to simplify the virtual modeling process to bring it closer to unqualified personnel involved in the workflow and facilitate the implementation of this technology in the construction industry.

One of the key problems facing the construction industry concerns the requirement to integrate sustainability criteria that effectively reduce the environmental impact throughout the lifecycles of buildings. For this, it is necessary to use digital tools with the capacity to evaluate the environmental performance of the different solutions proposed through the design process. In this context, the objective of this study was to establish a protocol of sustainable standards defined by the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM), employing building information modeling (BIM) technology to simplify the integration of these indicators in the initial phases of the design process. This study focuses on a case study associated with the use of BIM technology and the BREEAM method. The results of the analysis enable us to define which of the BREEAM indicators can be integrated into and evaluated in BIM environments in the initial phase of the design process and to identify the environmental improvements and economic costs associated with these indicators. This study concludes that the indicators associated with the geometric and spatial definition of the building are the most influential in improving sustainability in the initial design phase, without requiring significant economic investment. In turn, these are easy parameters to evaluate using BIM, reducing design times compared to the use of traditional tools; this facilitates their involvement in the design phase and enables them to have a real impact on improving the environmental conditions of the final construction.

The automation of environmental assessment processes aimed at reducing the ecological footprint of industrial facilities, buildings, and infrastructure is one of the main challenges currently faced by the construction sector. In this context, Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a comprehensive methodology that enables the creation of digital models, facilitating the analysis of environmental performance throughout the life cycle of built assets. In addition to the capabilities offered by BIM, specialized tools for environmental impact analysis implement the standardized life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology. However, one of the current limitations is the integration of BIM models and LCA tools. Few software solutions enable automated data transfer, complicating the environmental assessment process. The objective of this study is to evaluate the reliability of data transfer from BIM models to LCA tools, using an industrial warehouse as a case study. The research compares two LCA tools: Athena Impact Estimator, specialized in the construction sector, and SimaPro, a professional tool with advanced capabilities. This study is structured in two phases: (i) the development of a BIM model in Revit, including the definition of structural and functional components and the export of data to LCA tools, and (ii) the execution of the life cycle assessment in compliance with ISO 14040 and EN 15804 standards. The results show methodological and interoperability differences between the two tools, highlighting their strengths and limitations in terms of the precision of the results, resource consumption, training and expertise requirements, scope of environmental impact calculations, and adaptability to the construction sector in the integration of an LCA with a BIM model.

Recent advances in visual programming tools for algorithmic modelling have significantly expanded the possibilities for designing industrial products. This study analyses the capacity and adaptability of Grasshopper, a graphical algorithm editor integrated with Rhinoceros 3D, as a parametric design tool in the development of product platforms. Three case studies were conducted to evaluate the impact of parameter configuration in product families: perfume bottles, outdoor furniture, and desk organisers. The analysis provided insight into the ability of Grasshopper to (1) automate the generation of product variants within platforms; (2) enable the flexible creation of scalable, customised design alternatives; and (3) improve efficiency in the platform design process in terms of time and technical resources. The results show that Grasshopper provides strong capabilities for customising geometric parameters compared to traditional modelling in Rhinoceros 3D. However, its adaptability is more limited when customisation involves interdependent parameters, such as those related to ergonomics or usability, due to the difficulty of translating these requirements into algorithmic structures. In addition, the initial definition of parameters and constraints may restrict modifications in later design phases. These findings underline the need for algorithm models that support iterative adjustments and flexible reconfiguration throughout all phases of the design process.

Metodología de diagnosis de la vivienda vacía en ámbito local. El caso de Bormujos (Sevilla)

El Plan Andaluz de Vivienda y Rehabilitación, como figura marco de los planes municipales de vivienda y suelo, apunta hacia la activación de vivienda y suelos vacantes como uno de los objetivos prioritarios de la política de vivienda. Localidades andaluzas como Bormujos o Bollullos de la Mitación (Sevilla), con sectores suburbanos inconclusos, promociones fallidas y vivienda inacabada o vacía, se enfrentan al reto de dar respuesta a las necesidades de acceso de sus ciudadanos incentivando acciones de movilización de ese stock vacante.