Getting Started

An abstract model is a representation of a real world thing in a way that helps us to reason about it without needing to view the real thing. Typically a model is much smaller and is a simplified view of a system or one of its parts. A model can also be created that focuses on just one aspect or facet of a system; for example, the communication or navigation system of an aircraft.

A  building is a complex structure that has a number of different systems including Structural, Electrical, Ventilation, Plumbing, Landscape and more.

By constructing a number of models we are able to create a simplified view of each of the subsystems, which makes it easier to understand that aspect of the building. The models themselves also need to be resolved against each other. For example, it is critical that the power system represented in the electrical model provide electricity to the air-conditioning equipment modeled in the ventilation system. The Human Usage model needs to be resolved against the Landscape model to ensure that the gardens and landscaping meet the recreational needs of the occupants and their visitors.

A model will typically be viewed by a number of different stakeholders who commonly have quite disparate roles with respect to the part of the system being modeled. To ensure the model is useful to a particular stakeholder, views can be created representing what is seen when looking at the model from a particular viewpoint.

The electrical model of the building is useful to a number of different stakeholders, all of whom have a different viewpoint with respect to the system, including the Electrical Grid Officer, the Safety Inspector, the Electrician and the Purchasing officer.