An Ontology-based Approach to Solving the Digital Representation Problem in Architectural Engineering

This article addresses the need for computer-aided design systems in Architectural Engineering (AE) design for building construction, an essential aspect of every building's design that is currently underserved by existing software solutions. First, we analyse the various challenges facing the development of better tools and propose that a fundamental problem of representation lies behind most of them. Next, we suggest a desideratum for representing building constructions digitally in our tools, and we argue that a formal ontology is best suited for the task. Numerous systems have been proposed for developing ontologies, many of which rely on a domain-independent upper ontology. This common upper layer supports the creation of more specific ontologies in an interoperable and mutually supportive way. The BFO upper ontology and the corresponding methodology are briefly introduced, followed by a review of many existing ontologies relevant to AE. Lastly, we introduce a prototype proto-ontology for describing building constructions and their related phenomena: the building construction ontology. We present the most important terms and modules of BCON and then demonstrate its use through a small case study of a relatively simple construction detail. Finally, we highlight the many possible applications of such a representational system.