Enabling Bidirectional Interoperability between BIM and BPS through Lightweight Topological Models

Building Performance Simulation (BPS) tools have become prevalent in the Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Operation (AECO) sector to assess building performance for various purposes. However, some challenges persist in achieving full interoperability between BPS and Building Information Modeling (BIM). This paper proposes a different approach to BIM-BPS interoperability based on creating space-based Topological Models (TM) for data exchange using Visual Programming (VP) algorithms. The VP approach allows for complex geometrical operations, the automatic reflection of changes made to the BIM model in the BPS model, and easy synchronous modification of these models to encourage design exploration. The proposed workflow is tested on the heritage building of the Faculty of Engineering in Bologna, Italy, with the aim of establishing the basis for developing a Digital Twin (DT) of the building for optimising its energy management. This approach can also be used for the early-stage analysis of new constructions, providing a comprehensive view of building performance.