Data Management and Virtual Reality Applications of BIM models

Nowadays new digital technologies play an important role in the AEC sector, which are going through a significantly changing period. In this process BIM represent the main character, revolutionizing the traditional way of working in the main operative phases: Design, Construction and Maintenance. However, having all these aspect under a unique methodology can bring several problems without a strong framework to regulate the whole procedure. The huge quantity of information, as well as the high number of involved people, are the main weak points, that can become the main strong points when Facility Management is involved in the process. In this scenario this work will analyse a real project located in Genova (Italy), seeing as a complex structure as an hospital can be regulated through the BIM methodology. The thesis will focus on two fundamental aspects of the new construction methodology: Data Management and Virtual Reality. The first part aims to analyse correlation between BIM and its information, focusing also on the study case, proposing operative solution through the BIM software Revit and the visual programming toll Dynamo. The second part will show advantage integrating virtual reality technologies in the AEC sector, showing how build an interactive virtual simulation using the game engine software Unity based on our study case. At the end of this work we have seen the importance of new technologies for the future of Construction Industry, showing the aspect to involve always more people into the process and particularly for complex structures.