The Economic Paradox of Design and the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within Building Information Modelling (BIM)

The management of data in complex construction projects represents a significant challenge in the design and realization of infrastructure. This paper examines the implementation of an integrated Common Data Environment (CDE) to centralize graphical and non-graphical information, aiming to optimize coordination, improve quality, and increase productivity throughout the project lifecycle. The study advocates for shifting effort to the initial design phases where decisions have the maximum impact on performance and cost. It further explores the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within Building Information Modelling (BIM) workflows, emphasizing that structured data collection is a prerequisite for advanced automation. The methodology aligns with Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) models and Concurrent Design principles to foster stakeholder collaboration. Results indicate that establishing a centralized data repository allows for the effective deployment of predictive AI models. The article concludes that the successful digital transformation of the construction sector requires a collective commitment to collaborative cultures and rigorous data centralization from the onset of conception.