Digital Methodologies and Sustainable Development: Applications in the Production of Sustainable and Smart Buildings and Cities
Professional practices in architecture and civil engineering have shown an increasing use of digital methodologies, with a particular emphasis on BIM (Building Information Modeling). In the Brazilian context, the BIMBR strategy stands out, along with the recent Public Contracts and Bidding Law No. 14.133, which has established BIM as the preferred method for all public procurements. At the same time, the country is addressing international requirements for reducing carbon emissions, aiming to combat climate change and promote sustainable development. These demands require mastery of new digital methodologies. Within this context, two key issues emerge: (A) the quality and sustainability of construction materials and building processes, and (B) the digitalization of the design and construction process. Thus, the primary objective of this research project is to evaluate the alternatives offered by digital methodologies for the design and construction of buildings and cities, aiming to meet sustainable development goals, with a focus on goals 4, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, and 13. The methodology to be adopted involves: (1) identifying and testing the possibilities that the LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) methodology, integrated with BIM, MP (Material Passport), and VR (Virtual Reality), offers to designers and builders; (2) proposing appropriate construction solutions for the production of social housing through RP (rapid prototyping) of innovative building components that meet population demands in terms of quality, environmental performance, and low cost; and (3) assessing the impact of new methodologies on professional practice, presenting alternatives for their integration into academic training to guide architects regarding the possibilities offered by the evaluated methodologies.