Process and product modeling for computational support of building commissioning

In the context of architectural evaluation this research investigates the computability of building commissioning. The objective is showing that a data model that represents building commissioning information and operations can be used to facilitate standardization efforts in this domain and support the development of computational tools.; Architectural evaluation is multifaceted. A building can be considered either as a single object or as a complex system that is composed of independent units. This creates the need for multiphase, multi-agent evaluation procedures. Ordinarily, isolated measurements with discrete objectives determine our evaluation of buildings. However, the goal of the AEC (Architecture Engineering Construction) industry should be the persistent improvement of the quality of buildings through continuous evaluation. This goal can be achieved: (1) if evaluation is done systematically, (2) if the evaluation data can be kept and updated for future use, and (3) if there is continuity of information throughout the different phases of building lifecycle.; Commissioning is a new area of practice and research in the industry that promotes evaluation of buildings during several points in the delivery process. It is a multi-phase process that ensures that the interacting systems in a building are properly installed and operating. Building commissioning has the potential to make architectural evaluation a persistent part of building lifecycle. However, current practice lacks standardization in commissioning procedures, computational support is not fully utilized, and building information produced during the commissioning process is rarely used as a reference for maintenance activities during phases of occupancy.; In order to address these issues this study aims to develop a product model, which will provide a basis for computational support in the digital environment. It will allow standardization of the commissioning processes and promote seamless data exchange, which can create continuity for commissioning information in different phases of the building lifecycle.