Bim environment based virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) resource optimization system for small to medium-sized architectural design firms

The recent fourth industrial revolution and the era of post-COVID-19 have ushered in a series of technologies including a 5G network and online systems, such as cloud computing technology. In other industries, extensive studies on cloud platforms utilizing such technologies were conducted. Although the cloud environment has taken on greater importance in the construction sector as well, it was used only for servers, failing to fully reflect the characteristics of the cloud system. In particular, compared to large architectural design firms, it is challenging for small to medium-sized design firms to establish a virtual cloud computing environment, which requires high capital investment. Targeting small to medium-sized architectural design firms in Korea, this study was conducted to introduce the VDI system, one of the cloud computing technologies that was recently used in other industries, to the BIM environment for initial application, operation, and management. Specifically, after an analysis was carried out to see if the VDI system utilized in other industries may resolve the hindrance faced with the BIM environment in the construction industry, the KBimVdi system was created based on an algorithm for estimating server scales by analyzing the VDI system suitable for the BIM work environment. This was followed by a validation of the KBimVdi system based on selected projects carried out by small to medium-sized architectural firms where BIM was used for design work.