We proudly announce that a paper penned by our researchers at the Seskin Virtual Construction Laboratory (VCLab) has been awarded the esteemed Thorpe Medal by the European Council on Computing in Construction (EC3). The Thorpe Medal recognizes a paper contributing to practical or research aspects of engineering informatics disciplines in the built environment. This award underscores the practical value and impact of the paper on engineering informatics practice.
Prof. Rafael Sacks (right) and Zijian Wang (left) receive the Thorpe Medal from Dr Pieter Pauwels (middle) at the 2023 EC3 & CIB W78 Conference in Crete, Greece
Titled “Exploring graph neural networks for semantic enrichment: Room type classification,” the paper was authored by two PhD Candidates, Zijian Wang and Timson Yeung, and the Head of the National Building Research Institute and the VCLab, Prof. Rafael Sacks.
Team photo (From left to Right, Prof. Rafael Sacks, Zijian Wang, Timson Yeung)
This groundbreaking paper pioneers the use of graph neural networks (GNNs) for semantic enrichment of Building Information Modeling (BIM) by compiling BIM models into graphs. The work developed a novel graph dataset called RoomGraph for room type classification task in the scenario of residential apartments and improved a GNN algorithm, SAGE-E, to leverage edge features as well as node features. Compared to other GNN and machine learning algorithms, SAGE-E showed higher accuracy and balance in prediction while also shortening the training and validation process. Both the dataset and the algorithm are open for public research use at https://github.com/ZijianWang-ZW/SAGE-E. From the knowledge contribution aspect, this study validates that the BIM models can be represented as graphs and implements advanced GNNs to enrich BIM graphs. The success of the study will inspire researchers to explore the application of GNNs to BIM graphs for more complex intelligent functions.
Framework of the work
This recognition greatly highlights Technion’s continual contribution to the digitalization of construction and positions it at the forefront of AI applications for the AEC industry. Additionally, this study is part of the Cloud-based Building Information Modelling (CBIM) project, receiving funding from EU Horizon 2020 Marie-Curie grants. The award exemplifies the success of the CBIM EU training project in educating the forthcoming generation of BIM experts. Its focus includes automating the creation and enrichment of digital twins, enhancing the management, security, and resilience of BIM-enabled processes, and fostering wider BIM adoption across various sectors.