A Context-Sensitive Framework for Sustainable Digital Construction in Developing Cities

Digital building methods are now increasingly available as powerful technologies in sustainable urban construction. However, many researchers continue to regard digital building technology primarily based on its technical capabilities alone and have neglected the importance of context and place, particularly in culturally sensitive and community embedded urban contexts. In this article we propose an analytical framework that addresses digital building practices as part of an integrated approach to enhance the sustainability of the urban development process. A qualitative descriptive research method was used to collect data from urban project cases where digital tools (Building Information Modelling, digital mapping and performance simulation) were utilized in complex social, spatial and cultural processes. Document review, participant observation and expert interviews were used to gather data and thematic coding and performance mapping were used to analyze the results. Our findings indicate that digital fabrication can be a valuable contribution to sustainability in addition to being environmentally friendly through the use of materials and energy; it can also enable contextual decisions, generative design processes and local identity.Results indicate that digital building is in line with local constrictions and traditions and are more of a strategic solution for sustainable urban transformation than an engineering tool. The framework generated offers practical assistance to architects, urban planners and construction practitioners for integrating digital driven innovation as well as sustainable factors into heritage-accented cities.