A Building Information Modelling (BIM) framework for Enhanced User Participation in Mass Housing Projects in Africa

Abstract

Government’s response has witnessed phenomenal increase in mass housing infrastructures in a deliberate attempt to provide accommodation to the citizenry. Attainment of liveability standards and other personal tastes are a growing source of concern to many housing facility users, mass housing projects’ (MHP) stakeholders, and researchers alike. This study identifies the public participatory methods used in MHP; examines the challenges of identified public participatory approaches in MHP; assesses the prospects of Building Information Modelling (BIM) or Information Communication Technology (ICT) participatory framework for customised MHP; proposes an integrated BIM/ICT public participatory framework for customised MHP. The study methodology involved a critical review and exposition of relevant related literature, and concludes that Nigeria and other African nations adopt mass housing programmes that do not reflect the specific needs of end users. The study recommends the use of ‘citizen control’ in order to share the responsibilities of decision making; to take advantage of the compatibility of BIM/ICT for an interface that ensures user participation; and finally, a wide adoption of the study’s BIM/ICT framework in order to reap the benefits of public participation in customised MHP that meets users’ requirements