| Title: |
Developing a system reference architecture for assessing risks of heatwaves in residential buildings using a cloud-BIM environment: a design science research approach |
| Authors: |
Samaro, Nour; Hartmann, Timo; Baba, Fuad; Martín, Susana; Zamanifar, Milad |
| Publication Year: |
2026 |
| Collection: |
TU Berlin: Deposit Once |
| Subject Terms: |
600 Technik; Medizin; angewandte Wissenschaften::620 Ingenieurwissenschaften::624 Ingenieurbau; climate change; Cloud-BIM; DSR; heatwaves assessment; reference architecture; residential buildings |
| Description: |
Purpose: As climate change accelerates, the frequency and intensity of extreme heat events are rising, making it critical to assess and improve the thermal resilience of residential buildings. Current assessment methods are time-consuming, costly and not easily scalable, while often lacking stakeholder engagement or integration with real-time climate data. This study aims to address these limitations by developing a scalable, cloud-based reference architecture that supports the assessment and mitigation of overheating risk in residential buildings. It offers a systematic approach to improving efficiency, automation and user collaboration within climate adaptation planning. Design/methodology/approach: The study employs a design science research (DSR) methodology to develop a three-layered reference architecture for overheating risk assessment. The architecture includes a data management layer (building information modelling (BIM), climate and comfort data), a business logic layer (simulation and risk analysis) and an application layer (user interface and decision support). The design was informed by expert input across three evaluation phases and supported by visual tools and mock-up prototypes. Validation was conducted through expert reviews and a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats analysis to assess scalability, technical feasibility and usability. Findings: The proposed architecture demonstrates the potential to improve thermal risk assessment efficiency by integrating adaptive comfort models, climate projections and stakeholder-driven workflows. Expert evaluations confirmed the system's value in enabling scalable, automated simulation and visualisation of overheating risk across residential buildings. The mock-up interface supports informed decision-making and usability for non-expert users. The layered architecture enhances transparency, modularity and potential for future integration with digital twins or Internet of Things systems. While not yet implemented, the system offers a strong ... |
| Document Type: |
article in journal/newspaper |
| File Description: |
application/pdf |
| Language: |
English |
| DOI: |
10.14279/depositonce-25360 |
| Availability: |
https://depositonce.tu-berlin.de/handle/11303/26531; https://doi.org/10.14279/depositonce-25360 |
| Rights: |
http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ |
| Accession Number: |
edsbas.FAEAEE12 |
| Database: |
BASE |