Computational Representations of Built Environments (5 ECTS)

Learning outcomes

The student
• can identify and explain the relevant machine understandable representations and formats used for entities of different scopes in built environments (building products, buildings, urban areas)
• understands how the models based on each representation are created
• can identity and explain the levels of interoperability within and between different representations
• understands the roles of application programming interfaces, data representations and formats, and query languages in accessing data
- understands how different representations can be interlinked
- can apply relevant programming tools to structure and utilise each of the representations
- can create software solutions utilising relevant representations.

Content

• Basic concepts: representation, format, model
• Levels of interoperability (technical, syntactic, semantic, pragrmatic)
• BIM and evolution of model data (stages/LODs)
• OpenBIM: IFC, BCF, bSDD, IDS
• Open tools: IfcOpenShell, That Open Engine
• City models: CityGML, CityJSON
• Linked data and granular representations (URI, RDF, SPARQL)
• Ontologies for built environment (OWL and established ontologies)

Prerequisites

Programming skills in Python and Javascript sufficient to
• implement simple algorithms
• utilise libraries such as IfcOpenShell or That Open Engine
• access the APIs of systems providing data about built environment.

Teaching methods

Lectures
Assignments (include Python programming)
Use of the Moodle workspace
Independent studying

Location and time

Time: Period 1, autumn 2025
Place: Myllypuro campus

Learning materials and recommended literature

Provided during the course through the Moodle workspace

Alternative completion methods of implementation

Not available

Exam dates and retake possibilities

Exam after the end of the Period 1

Student workload

45 hours of lectures
15 hours of guided exercises
75 hours of work on assignments and independent studying

Assessment methods and criteria

Evaluation is based on the results of
- the given assignments and
- the exam

Evaluation scale

0-5

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

The student has achieved the minimal objectives of the course. The student will be able to identify, explain and use the concepts, representations, and formats related to computational representations of built environment, and is familiar with the relevant software development tools. The student has achieved the minimum requirements of the learning exercises. The competencies acquired form the basis for the student to build their knowledge in construction domain software development, eventually enabling a job position in software testing or development.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

The student has achieved the objectives of the course well, even though the knowledge and skills still need improvement in some areas. The student will be able to identify, explain and use the concepts, representations, and formats related to computational representations of built environment, understands their interrelations and applications, and can participate in developing software solutions utilising them. The student has completed the required learning exercises at good or satisfactory level. The student has the capability to apply the knowledge in further studies and in ordinary software development work in the construction domain.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The student has achieved the objectives of the course with excellence. The student will be able to identify, define and use the concepts, representations, and formats related to computational representations of built environment, can analyse and define new interrelations and applications for them, and can independently develop innovative software solutions utilising them. The student has an excellent basis to apply the knowledge in further studies and in software development work in the construction domain.