Course content

This course covers deep understanding principles interoperability supporting increased digitalisation of the architects, engineers, contractors / facility management (AEC/FM) -industry. It gives experiences in use of BIM related standards, frameworks and methods for development of specification for interoperable exchange or information related to real tasks in the AEC/FM industry.

Learning outcome

A student who has completed this course should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence: Knowledge On successful completion of this course the student will: • have advanced knowledge about interoperability in BIM-based solutions • have knowledge about BIM based standards (developed and under development) • have knowledge about the European Interoperability Framework (EIF) Skills On successful completion of this course the student can: • use standards, frameworks and methods for information modelling methods to enable interoperability in exchange of relevant information for defined purposes in the AEC/FM industry • perform analyses of interoperability of defined tasks thorough the life cycle of the built environment • specify requirements for enabling interoperability in defined tasks and processes in the AEC/FM industry General competence On successful completion of this course the student: can perform research within interoperability applicable for the AEC/FM industry • has a deep understanding of the different levels of interoperability to enable applicable solutions

Learning methods and activities

This PhD course has a flexible implementation and will be a combination of campus and online teaching and guidance. Teaching is set up as a flipped classroom. The plenary teaching will usually include three thematic modules of 2-4 hours in duration. Great emphasis is placed on guidance for each individual student. It is assumed that the student works on a project as part of PhD or Master's studies that will result in a report or a scientific article/paper.

Students are recommended to contact the course coordinator for further information and adaptation of their own project.

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

No formal requirements for specific courses, but knowledge about interoperability and data models are recommended. It is recommended that the students have a project where interoperability is an essential part; see more about assessment.

Required previous knowledge

No formal requirements for specific topics, recommended prerequisites should be satisfied in order to follow the course. The course will be run if at least 3 students with relevant background wish to attend. If you wish to attend, please contact the course coordinator. Students not admitted to the PhD programme in engineering may be approved by the course coordinator.

Course materials

European Interoperability Framework (EIF). Selected reports from the library available at: https://ec.europa.eu/isa2/library_en

Standards, excerpts from:

ISO/EN/NS 16739-1:2020 Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) for data sharing in the construction and facility management industries — Part 1: Data schema

ISO/EN/NS 19650 Organization of information about construction works -- Information management using building information modelling - Part 1: Concepts and principles, Part 2: Delivery phase of assets, and Part 3 Operational phase of assets.

No mandatory literature, but will be adapted to each student's project.

Reports and presentation posted at digital classroom, approximately 300 pages.