Concentrate on only BIM for sustainability in construction, rather than also considering the project development phase.
You may want to think more on the discussion, as that will be the important part of this assignment.
Write a term paper on one of the following topics.
1) Virtual Design and Construction. Which project type would benefit more from employing VDC: New Construction or Re-development projects? Substantiate your answer by quoting real life cases, and examining the critical success factors for VDC.
2) BIM and Safety. Explore the application of BIM on safety planning and/or safety management. Suggest the information requirements required for successfully applying BIM for safety.
3) BIM for Infrastructure Asset Management (Bridges, Roads, Rail or other public infrastructure). Investigate the Infrastructure Asset Management Framework, and discuss how BIM may add value to this framework. Also, explore the challenges of data interoperability to support BIM and Infrastructure Asset Management.
4) LeanBIM and its variants (e.g. KanBIM). Survey present frameworks which integrate BIM with Lean Construction. Discuss the similarities and differences between the frameworks, and suggest improvements if possible.
5) BIM for Automated Code Compliance. Discuss the feasibility and the extent to which BIM may be used for automated code compliance. Describe why fully automated code compliance has not been achieved yet.
6) BIM and 3D Printing/Augmented Reality. Survey the technologies associated with Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing), or with Augmented Reality. Discuss how BIM and 3D Printing/Augmented Reality can be used to enhance the construction phase of a project. Develop a business case for either technology by discussing how a contractor can benefit from its use.
7) BIM and Sustainability. What are important sustainability issues for project development and construction. Survey the capabilities of BIM for sustainability analysis. Hence discuss the existing gaps in the use of BIM for sustainability.
8) Any other topic. Discuss the topic with us first if you want to try an alternative topic. What is expected of your research paper:
1. Work in Pairs.
2. Establish the State of the Art. Do a comprehensive literature review from journals and other sources. Cite your sources properly. Ensure that your literature supports your discussion.
3. Expand on the topic if you wish, but make sure you have a clear problem definition.
4. Creative solutions, methodologies, frameworks (if this applies to your topic).
5. Critical analysis of the issues at hand.
6. Sound and logical arguments.