Conventional practice on managing information in construction has sometimes created a miscommunication and errors among construction players. Therefore, Information Communication Technology (ICT) has introduced Building Information Modeling (BIM) for managing construction projects effectively and efficiently. Different terms on definition of BIM have been used and expanded widely with different perspectives. The aim of this paper is to explore the notion of BIM development from the year of 1975 to 2013. The methodology of this paper is based on literature review on BIM definitions. The findings reveal that there are six perspectives in BIM development which are design, estimation, construction process, building life cycle, performance and technology. From the development of BIM, it can be concluded that BIM is a new methodology that involves the use of technologies in order to improve collaboration and communication of construction players as well as the management of documentation.

Building information modeling (BIM) produces positive results for the construction delivery process. BIM obtains these types of results by enabling information interoperability in respect of a building or facility throughout its life cycle phases starting at the conceptual design, continuing to facility management, and, in particular, dealing with contractual challenges for BIM-based construction projects. In spite of these compelling contributions by BIM in optimizing construction processes, their complexity leaves them still vulnerable to risk and uncertainty from unforeseen circumstances. The case study presented in this paper has developed insights into the implications of enhancing information interoperability by assessing the following categories of BIM-based contractual issues: (1) technology compatibility, (2) auditing procedures, (3) responsibilities, information and communication technology (ICT) protocols, and processes, and (4) transfer procedures. Project documents were reviewed followed by semistructured interviews with eight relevant project stakeholders to enable data triangulation. The set of results obtained was based on adopting the hierarchical Jaccard’s coefficient cluster analysis that then initiated a starting point from which a more comprehensive data interpretation was developed. Several new codes emerged from the session. Respondents described BIM as a new strategic management innovation, and they discussed the need to consider legal aspects when devising BIM contracts. The strategies were then consolidated into a model data validation conceptual framework as a means of protecting the data from loss, corruption, and/or manipulation.

Level of Development (LOD) is a protocol exhibit to address the basic guidelines of Building Information Modeling (BIM). The basic guidelines were created to identify specific content requirements, authorize use and purpose. LOD identifies how much information is known about a model at a given time. The use of LOD is to reduce the problems due to inadequate information needed in projects. Therefore, this paper aims to explore the implementation of LOD in projects using BIM in the Malaysian construction industry. In order to do so, a literature review was carried out to identify basic guidelines of the LOD specification. In addition to this, semi-structured interviews were conducted with BIM consultants from the public and private sector. The findings revealed that the implementation of LOD in Malaysia is varied with its own purpose. From the use of LOD, it helps construction players to get the information that they can be used.

Purpose: Building information modeling (BIM) has been proven to enable outstanding results in construction processes by enhancing knowledge sharing with regard to a building or facility throughout its life cycle from the conceptual design to facility management. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the extent to which the use of BIM has impacted the legal and contractual implications of the existing construction contracts for aligning the three sets of relevant development domains: BIM functionality, contract procurement methods, and BIM legal and contractual issues to enhance the efficient use of valuable resources. Design/methodology/approach: This exploratory study was undertaken by analyzing the literature using a novel approach involving a matrix that juxtaposes BIM functionalities for each project life cycle with contract procurement methods. As part of the study, 28 interactions of BIM legal and contractual issues have been identified, as representing positive and negative interactions. Findings: The interaction matrix framework that juxtaposes BIM functionalities and procurement methods highlights the theoretical and practical relationships identified between the methods. It also simultaneously recognizes the constructive and destructive interactions between these development domains by means of critically identifying the possible interactions of the legal and contractual aspects of both the BIM project procurement and the practical aspects of BIM project delivery. Originality/value: The present study contributes to the existing literature by extensively identifying the probable interactions of contractual issues within BIM functionality with contract procurement methods throughout the life cycle of a building construction project.

Population ageing is a worldwide phenomenon experienced by developed and developing countries. It occurs when the median age of a country rises and shifts the distribution of that country’s population towards older ages. Malaysia is experiencing a dramatic increase in the number of elderly people. Recent medical advances and improvements in hygiene and food supply have led to the people of Malaysia having a longer life expectancy. This paper comprehensively reviews articles and journals to discover the concepts, definitions and issues regarding the ageing population globally and in Malaysia, particularly looking at how elderly people can age in place. The concern over ageing is not just about the size of the old age population but, more importantly, about their health, welfare, care and living arrangements as well as the implications for infrastructure, housing, income and economic growth. The built environment plays a role in defining the conditions for people to live healthy lives, and older people require high-quality built environments that suit their needs across the whole life course – a building stock and infrastructure that supports independent living and enhances quality of life for the ageing population. Lifetime houses which fulfil the desires and vital requirement of most households whilst considering the changing essentials of households with elderly and aged people require careful consideration. This paper will review the key areas of housing for elderly people to support the concept of ageing in place as an independent living lifestyle.

The construction industry has been characterised by fragmentation, lack of integration and complexities in processes and activities. These characteristics could threaten the delivery of project objectives which could ultimately have a negative impact on construction project success. The construction industry is associated with numerous activities, processes, organisations and individuals. Improving the collaboration between the parties within the construction industry will enhance productivity whilst maximising efficiency and effectiveness. Providing the construction industry parties with access to accurate and up-to-date information along with efficient communications via a reliable, competent and appropriate network is frequently a challenge. The main objective of this paper is to investigate the construction collaboration tools along with the concepts of cloud computing and context-awareness. The findings in this research are based on a thorough review of the comprehensive literature on IT, computing and construction. Accordingly, this study presents and develops the concepts and potential of innovative collaborative tools, such as Context-Aware Cloud Computing Information Systems (CACCIS). Implementing CACCIS in the construction industry will facilitate the construction supply chain processes, relations and networks along with increasing the opportunities for enhancing competitive advantages. Firstly, it is hoped that this study will contribute to improvements in construction industry collaboration which could ultimately improve and enhance its competitive advantages. Secondly, it proposes a fresh vision of construction industry integration and, most significantly, collaboration in an efficient way that will eventually maximize productivity and enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the construction industry