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In recent years, there have been rapid developments in techniques available to capture three dimensional data with regards to the existing built environment. Such technologies support the collection of both large scale landscape and streetscape data, as well as information pertaining to building details such as sculpture and decorative features. During the past five years, there has also been a similar development in the software technologies available to support building information modelling (BIM). Whilst the emphasis in terms of initial introduction of BIM has been predominantly within the construction phase of new developments, there is clear potential to incorporate 3D data pertaining to the existing environment, with apparent value in terms of both the conceptual design phase and during detailed consideration of spatial layout and environmental analysis. This paper describes the processes involved in incorporating on-site collected 3D data within BIM, including modelling and analysis processes

Effective collaboration and maximum effort from stakeholders during the feasibility and concept design stages in architecture provide the greatest potential for added value for the overall success of a building project, from the initial design through to construction and operation. What is more, design processes within different disciplines have been extensively mapped and they provide a valuable insight for managing the information between different conceptual stages. Based on that information, a pre-defined conceptual design protocol is established, tested and compared to the current paradigm of conceptual design. The aim of such a protocol is to enhance the conceptual design activities by guiding the multidisciplinary design team through the conceptual stage, highlight the importance of that stage and, eventually, provide the maximum information that will feed into later and more advanced design stages, aided by tangible user interfaces (TUIs) mediated collaboration. The initial results of the research are showcased and further research potentials are pointed out

Efficient collaborative design during the early design stages in architecture is a condition for effective overall design and construction and visual and tactile interfaces can facilitate and support collaborative design leading to promoting communication and effective information exchange. The collaborative design process is captured nowadays within shared Building Information Models (BIMs) that bridge spatial, temporal and conceptual barriers, and the technological means for sharing that information are based on cloud technologies. Nevertheless, BIM models tend to be focused on detailed and construction design stages while the current paradigm on early stages conceptual design tends towards still using analogue means of communication. The focus of this paper is about bridging the conceptual design stage with the later detailed design BIM ones by using tactile and tangible interfaces and digital and cloud technologies. As a result, the information and initial ideas are effectively transferred between the different design stages. A specific case study is presented to illustrate the conceptual design process of a multidisciplinary focus group using both analogue means and tactile and tangible user interfaces (TUIs).

This paper aims to present the process of visualizing historic statues of the city of Aberdeen. 3D laser scanning was the main method utilized to obtain the 3D data, which was then transformed into a series of 3D surface models. A laser scanner typically has a range of over 100m (300m for the equipment used here), and records data to levels of accuracy almost impossible to achieve using 'traditional' surveying techniques. The data recorded by a scanner takes the form of a 'point cloud', which can be combined with on-site photographs to build up a realistic and accurate virtual model. The paper concludes with discussion of how such data can be readily transferred into industry-standard Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) models, thus, allowing the compilation of a buildings and monuments 'library' available to the city council and to the public for future urban projects and city regeneration. It is argued that the ability to incorporate data extracted from 3D scan-based models will promote the easier implementation of the 3D information within digital arts, architecture, structural engineering or other purposes. The paper represents an interesting collaboration between disciplines from architecture and computing, and provides a practical and innovative case study which sits between technical advances, and electronic and visual arts.