ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews the context for computation within the building industry. From the 1950s onward, a growing number of applications have been developed that attempt to facilitate the tasks and processes within the building lifecycle. The lifecycle classification consisting of these six phases: feasibility, design, construction planning, construction, operation and demolition planning. Before a building project is initiated, a feasibility study is usually undertaken. The feasibility study matches the goals of a proposed building project against resources and identifies those special issues requiring response. The fundamental task of design is to further specify the project in sufficient detail so as to allow its construction and to verify that it realizes the intentions of the client. The construction planning phase involves the bidding and tendering processes. The construction schedule is an entirely new representation of the building project, identifying construction sequences and assembly operations for each unit of the building. The last phase of building model is in support of demolition.
