Reframing BIM: Toward Epistemic Resilience in Existing-Building Representation

Conventional uses of building information modeling (BIM) in existing-building representation tend to prioritize geometric consistency and efficiency, but often at the expense of interpretive depth. This paper challenges BIM’s tendency to promote epistemic closure by proposing a method to foreground relational ambiguity, transforming view reconciliation from a default automated process into a generative act of critical inquiry. The method, implemented in Autodesk Revit, introduces a parametric reference frame within BIM sheets that foregrounds and manipulates reciprocal relationships between orthographic views (e.g., plans and sections) to promote interpretive ambiguity. Through a case study, the paper demonstrates how parameterized view relationships can resist oversimplification and encourage conflicting interpretations. By intentionally sacrificing efficiency for epistemic resilience, the method aims to expand BIM’s role beyond documentation, positioning it as a tool for architectural knowledge production. The paper concludes with implications for software development, pedagogy, and future research at the intersection of critical representation and computational tools.