INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)
ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI |Volume XII Issue X October 2025
Page 1430
Integration of Lighting Design and Bim for Sustainable Interior
Environments
Racha Ramhamdani
Assistant Professor, Department of Design, University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS),
Nizwa, Sultanate of Oman
DOI: https://doi.org/10.51244/IJRSI.2025.1210000128
Received: 02 October 2025; Accepted: 14 October 2025; Published: 07 November 2025
ABSTRACT
Lighting design is essential in shaping sustainable interior environments by impacting energy efficiency,
occupant comfort, and overall building performance. Traditional methods of lighting design often face
challenges in coordination, performance assessment, and integration with other building systems. Building
Information Modeling (BIM), with its ability to provide a detailed digital representation and facilitate
interdisciplinary collaboration, offers a transformative platform for integrating lighting design into the broader
framework of sustainable building. This paper examines the potential of BIM-enabled lighting design,
highlighting how it enhances energy performance, facilitates regulatory compliance, and supports sustainable
decision-making throughout the building's lifecycle. The research covers methodologies, challenges, and
opportunities for integrating lighting design with BIM to achieve sustainable interiors.
Keywords: Building Information Modeling, Lighting Design, Sustainable Environments.
INTRODUCTION
Sustainable design has emerged as a critical paradigm in architecture and interior design, driven by the pressing
need to reduce environmental impacts and optimize resource efficiency. Among the various design factors,
lighting plays a central role, accounting for approximately 15-20% of global electricity use in buildings. Properly
designed lighting systems not only conserve energy but also enhance occupant well-being by promoting visual
comfort, supporting the circadian rhythm, and improving indoor environmental quality [1,2]. Building
Information Modeling (BIM) provides a robust framework for designing, analyzing, and simulating lighting
within a virtual environment [3]. By enabling real-time integration of design, performance analysis, and
stakeholder collaboration, BIM facilitates sustainable decision-making and ensures that lighting strategies are
seamlessly embedded into the larger building ecosystem. This paper explores integrating lighting design with
BIM to create sustainable interior environments. It examines BIM’s role in energy-efficient lighting strategies,
its impact on interior sustainability, and the challenges and opportunities for future adoption.
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Sustainable Lighting Design
Sustainable lighting focuses on reducing energy consumption while enhancing human comfort and well-being
[4-6]. Strategies for sustainable lighting design encompass four main domains, as outlined in Table 1 and Figure
1.
Table 1: Purposes for using (BIM) Models
Domain of Sustainable Lighting
Design
Details
1 Daylighting optimization through windows, skylights, and light shelves
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)
ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI |Volume XII Issue X October 2025
Page 1431
2 Efficient artificial lighting systems such as LEDs and smart controls
3 Adaptive controls
such as sensors, dimmers, and timers for dynamic lighting
needs
4 Human-centric lighting that aligns with circadian rhythms
Figure 1: The Impact of Daylight Sensors on Office Lighting and Energy Efficiency.
Role of BIM in Building Design
BIM facilitates a collaborative design process by integrating architectural, mechanical, electrical, and
environmental aspects into a single shared platform [7,8]. For lighting, BIM provides 3D visualization of fixtures
and light distribution. Additionally, BIM includes simulations of daylight penetration and artificial lighting
performance. Moreover, BIM integrates with energy analysis tools (e.g., Revit with IESVE, Dialux, or Relux)
[9-12]. Ultimately, BIM supports lifecycle management of lighting systems, from design through operation and
maintenance.
2.3 Previous Studies
Research has shown that BIM-based lighting analysis can improve energy efficiency by up to 30-40% compared
to traditional methods [13,14]. Studies also emphasize the importance of better communication among architects,
engineers, and interior designers, which reduces errors and helps ensure lighting meets sustainability goals [15-
18].
METHODOLOGY
This study employs a qualitative synthesis and case-based approach to examine the integration of BIM-enabled
lighting, as shown in Figure 2. The research process involved:
1. Reviewing BIM-based lighting tools (Autodesk Revit, Dialux Evo, ReluxCAD).
2. Analyzing case studies where BIM was used for sustainable interior lighting projects [19,20].
3. Evaluating performance metrics such as energy consumption, daylight autonomy, glare control, and
compliance with LEED/BREEAM standards.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)
ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI |Volume XII Issue X October 2025
Page 1432
Figure 2: Research Method Design.
4. Integration of Lighting Design And Bim
4.1 BIM-Based Lighting Simulation
BIM allows simulation of lighting conditions under various scenarios, including daylight availability and
artificial lighting layouts, as shown in Figure 3. Moreover, parametric modeling enables rapid iteration, allowing
designers to balance aesthetic quality, energy performance, and occupant comfort [20].
4.2 Collaboration Across Disciplines
Lighting design within BIM is a collaborative process. Architects, interior designers, and electrical engineers
collaborate in a shared digital model, as illustrated in Figure 4. Additionally, this collaboration reduces conflicts
(e.g., between fixture placement and HVAC ducts) and ensures that lighting choices support sustainability goals.
Additionally, it enhances visual comfort and other objectives, such as energy consumption and thermal comfort,
to improve indoor conditions [21].
Figure 3: Integrating BIM for Smart Daylight-Responsive Lighting Design in Office Environments.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)
ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI |Volume XII Issue X October 2025
Page 1433
Figure 4: Collaborative Lighting Design in BIM.
4.3 Energy and Sustainability Analysis
BIM integration allows the export of lighting data for energy modeling, enabling designers to evaluate metrics,
as shown in Table 2. Additionally, such data supports compliance with sustainability certifications, such as
LEED, WELL, and BREEAM, and helps achieve any national sustainability frameworks [22].
Table 2: Purposes for using (BIM) Models
Data Export and Files
BIM Energy and
Sustainability Analysis
- Lighting Power Density (LPD)
- Daylight Factor (DF)
- Annual Sunlight Exposure (ASE)
- Spatial Daylight Autonomy (SDA)
5. Case Examples
Case 1: Office Interior with BIM-Daylighting Integration:
A mid-sized office building utilized Revit, combined with IESVE, to analyze daylight penetration. Results
showed a 25% reduction in energy consumption for artificial lighting due to optimized daylight harvesting and
sensor-controlled LED fixtures [23-27].
Case 2: University Interior Classrooms:
A BIM-based lighting simulation in classroom settings demonstrated notable improvements in visual comfort
and compliance with EN 12464-1 standards. Using BIM-enabled daylight control decreased glare by 18% and
boosted SDA by 30%.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)
ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI |Volume XII Issue X October 2025
Page 1434
6. Challenges
Despite its potential, integrating lighting and BIM encounters several challenges. The first is software
interoperability, where there is limited seamless connectivity between BIM platforms and advanced lighting
tools. Another major challenge is the steep learning curve, which demands expertise in both lighting design and
BIM modeling. Additionally, data complexity presents a hurdle, as managing lighting performance data within
BIM models can be resource-intensive. One more obstacle is cost constraints, since initial software and training
expenses may hinder adoption, especially for SMEs.
7. Future Directions
Several factors will influence the future of BIM-integrated lighting design. The first is AI-driven lighting
optimization for real-time sustainable solutions. Another key factor is the integration of IoT, which connects
BIM models to sensor-based lighting control during operation. Digital Twins play a vital role in enabling
continuous monitoring and optimization of lighting performance. Additionally, standardization efforts to unify
BIM data exchange for lighting analysis are also considered critical elements shaping the future of BIM-
integrated lighting design. The most promising direction is the development of AI-assisted multi-objective
optimization frameworks, where BIM serves as a dynamic data hub to integrate environmental performance data
(e.g., daylight availability, glare indices, and energy loads) with occupant-centered parameters (e.g., visual
comfort, circadian lighting, and spatial aesthetics). By training machine learning models on large datasets of
simulated and real-world lighting performances, researchers can create predictive tools that recommend optimal
lighting configurations, material choices, and control strategies during the design process. Addit ionally, real-
time sensor integration and Internet of Things (IoT) systems could enable adaptive lighting environments, where
BIM models are continuously updated with occupancy, daylight, and environmental data. This would support a
closed-loop workflow from design to operation, ensuring sustainable lighting strategies remain effective
throughout the building’s life cycle. The combination of BIM, AI, and IoT can further facilitate generative
design, enabling designers to automatically explore and evaluate thousands of lighting solutions that balance
energy efficiency, user comfort, and aesthetic goals. Future studies should also address interoperability
challenges and develop standardized data ontologies to support seamless AI-driven analysis across BIM
platforms. Furthermore, integrating explainable AI (XAI) mechanisms will be crucial to increase transparency
and build designers' trust in automated lighting decisions. Ultimately, the convergence of data analytics, AI, and
BIM has the potential to transform lighting design from a descriptive discipline to a prescriptive and predictive
one, enabling the creation of sustainable, adaptive, and human-centered interior environments that dynamically
respond to environmental and behavioral factors.
CONCLUSION
The integration of lighting design and Building Information Modeling (BIM) represents a transformative
paradigm for achieving sustainable interior environments. By facilitating advanced simulation, real-time
collaboration, and lifecycle energy analysis, BIM empowers designers to optimize lighting performance,
occupant comfort, and energy efficiency from early conceptualization through to facility management. Although
challenges such as interoperability, implementation costs, and limited cross-disciplinary expertise persist, the
continued advancement of BIM technologies and alignment with global sustainability targets reinforce the
pivotal role of BIM-based lighting design in the future of sustainable interiors. To maximize this potential,
several actionable recommendations are proposed for BIM Practitioners, Lighting Engineers, and Designers. For
BIM practitioners, they should standardize interoperability protocols by adopting open BIM standards such as
IFC and gbXML to ensure seamless data exchange between BIM platforms and lighting simulation tools.
Additionally, it is recommended to integrate lighting parameters early by embedding lighting performance
metrics such as daylight factor, illuminance, and glare indices into BIM objects from the initial design phase
onward to support decision-making. Furthermore, to create BIM libraries for sustainable lighting products
through collaboration with manufacturers to develop parametric families that include photometric data, material
reflectance, and lifecycle attributes. Additionally, it is recommended to leverage automation and AI by
implementing AI-driven optimization tools within BIM workflows to automate lighting simulations and energy
performance comparisons. For Lighting Engineers and Designers, they should adopt BIM-based simulation
workflows. Additionally, it is recommended to utilize BIM-integrated tools (e.g., Revit + Dialux, Radiance, or
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)
ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI |Volume XII Issue X October 2025
Page 1435
Insight) for iterative evaluation of lighting schemes, daylight autonomy, and energy consumption. Furthermore,
to collaborate in shared BIM environments: Engage directly within common data environments (CDEs) to co-
author lighting designs alongside architects and sustainability consultants in real time. Additionally, it is
recommended to prioritize lifecycle analysis and use BIM data to assess lighting system performance over time,
integrating maintenance, replacement, and end-of-life scenarios to reduce embodied carbon. Additionally, it is
recommended to promote evidence-based design, validate design decisions through BIM-linked post-occupancy
evaluations, and feed performance data back into future design templates. Moreover, for Industry and Policy
Stakeholders, it is recommended to incentivize BIM-based sustainable design: Introduce certification credits or
funding for projects that demonstrate measurable sustainability gains through BIM-integrated lighting
optimization. Additionally, it is recommended to enhance training and capacity building by establishing
interdisciplinary training programs that integrate lighting design principles with BIM workflows and digital
collaboration competencies. Ultimately, the future of sustainable interior environments lies in the synergistic
collaboration between BIM practitioners and lighting engineers. By bridging digital modeling, environmental
performance, and creative design, BIM-based lighting integration will not only improve energy efficiency but
also enrich human well-being, visual comfort, and architectural expression.
REFERENCES
1. Azhar, S., Hein, M., and Sketo, B. (2011)" .Building Information Modeling (BIM): Benefits, Risks and
Challenges." In the ResearchGate-McWhorter School of Building Science, Auburn University, Auburn,
Alabama. (http://ascpro.ascweb.org/chair/paper/CPGT182002008.pdf)
2. Aziz, N.D., Nawawi, A. and Ariff, N. R. (2016)"Building Information Modelling (BIM) in Facilities
Management: Opportunities to be considered by Facility Managers" In Procedia - Social and Behavioral
Sciences 234 (2016) 353 – 362, ASEAN-Turkey ASLI (Annual Serial Landmark International)
Conferences on Quality of Life 2016 AMER International Conference on Quality of Life,
AicQoL2016Medan 25 – 27 February 2016, Medan, Indonesia.
(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877042816315063)
3. Solla, M., Elmesh, A., Memon, Z. A., Ismail, L. H., Kazee, M. F. A., Latif, Q. B. A. I., Yusoff, N. I. M.,
Alosta, M., & Milad, A. (2022). Analysis of BIM-Based Digitising of Green Building Index (GBI):
Assessment Method. Buildings, 12(4), 429. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12040429
4. Dmin, A. (2015)" The shift toward digital BIM processes". (https://www.bdcnetwork.com/schneider-
electric-and-autodesk-begin-collaboration-building-lifecycle-management)
5. Mohamed Faisal Al-Kazee, Racha Ramhamdani (2022). The Adoption of BIM Technology in the
Architectural Consultancy Firms in the GCC Region. Civil Engineering and Architecture, 10(1), 280 -
288. DOI: 10.13189/cea. 2022.100124
6. Aconex, A. (2009)" What is BIM? " Aconex and BIM management. (https://www.aconex.com/what-is-
BIM)
7. Sampaio, Z. (2014)" .Introduction to the BIM Methodology in Engineering Education." Department of
Civil Engineering, Technical University of Lisbon, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal.
(http://www.wseas.us/e-library/conferences/2014/Lisbon/EDU/EDU-03.pdf)
8. Al-Kazee, M. F., Negin Taji, S., Nasr, T., Mansoori, R., & Mahdavinejad, M. (2025). Reframing the
early-stage design process of residential buildings based on an energy-efficient, designerly decision
support system (DDSS). Future Technology, 4(2), 30–40. DOI: 10.55670/fpll.futech.4.2.4
Retrieved from https://fupubco.com/futech/article/view/285
9. Al-Kazee. M. F. Ramhamdani, R. The Adoption of BIM Technology in architectural consultancy firms
in the GCC Region. Journal of Civil Engineering and Architecture. 2022. DOI: 10.13189/cea
2022.100124.
10. Al kazee, M. (2019). Software Engineering and Its Role in the Study of Office Space. مجلة العمارة و الفنون و
DOI: 10.21608/mjaf.2018.20407 .386-373 ,(13)4 ,العلوم الإنسانية
11. Al-Kazee, M.F., Mahdavinejad, M., Ramhamdani, R. & Sallam, I.M. (2025). An Investigation of Barriers
to Adopting Building Information Modeling (BIM) in the AEC Industry of Developing Countries: A
Critical Review. Civil and Environmental Engineering, 0(0), 2025. https://doi.org/10.2478/cee-2025-
0076
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)
ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI |Volume XII Issue X October 2025
Page 1436
12. Al Subhi, F.M. & Al-Kazee, M.F. (2025). Keys to Innovative Housing Design in Architectural Design
Studios: A Case Study of Green Scape Residences. Civil and Environmental Engineering, 0(0), 2025.
https://doi.org/10.2478/cee-2025-0079
13. Reem Abdallah AL Balushi, Mohamed Faisal AL-Kazee (2025). LEGO Park: An Innovative Approach
to Future Architectural Landscape Design and Ecology. Civil Engineering and Architecture, 13(3A),
2340 - 2355. DOI: 10.13189/cea 2025.131313.
14. M. F. Al-Kazee, R. A. Osman, K. S. Al-Munaijri, N. K. Al-Naabi. Old Al-Seeb Sector: A Contemporary
Approach to Redesign Major Urban Areas. (SCS 2019) 2nd Smart Cities Symposium, 24-26 March 2019,
University of Bahrain. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1049/cp.2019.0235
15. Al-Kazee, Mohamed Faisal, Al-Sobhi, Roba, Al-Maamari, Saja, Al-Nairi, Siham. Towards Muscat
Governorate Development: A Prospective Urban Approach to Redesign Old Al-Seeb Area. Conference:
AR-UP 2019 - Architecture and Urbanism: A Smart Outlook. Cairo, Egypt, 2019.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/360947038_Towards_Muscat_Governorate_Development_A
_Prospective_Urban_Approach_to_Re-Design_Old_Al-Seeb_Area
16. Al-Kazee, Mohamed & Ramhamdani, Racha. (2025). BIM Technology: A Comprehensive Overview of
Definitions, Benefits, and Implementations. International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation.
XII. 2273-2278. 10.51244/IJRSI.2025.120700227.
17. Attia, S., Bilir, S., & Safy, T. (2018). Lighting simulation in BIM tools: A comparative study of Revit
and Dialux. Journal of Building Performance, 9 (1), 32–45.
18. Wong, J. K. W., & Zhou, J. (2015). Enhancing environmental sustainability over building life cycles
through green BIM: A review. Automation in Construction, 57, 156–165.
19. HAJRI, RAYA & Al-Kazee, Mohamed. (2024). Interior Design for the Administration Spaces at the
University of Nizwa - New Campus. 13th Symposium on Engineering Final Year Projects.
DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.15220.00646
20. Ali, Maram & Al-Kazee, Mohamed. (2024). Interior Design for the College of Engineering &
Architecture at the University of Nizwa - New Campus. 13th Symposium on Engineering Final Year
Projects. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.24447.47527
21. Fatemeh Mehrvarz, Mohammadreza Bemanian, Tahereh Nasr, Reza Mansoori, Mohammed Faisal AL-
Kazee, Wael A. Khudhayer, Mohammadjavad Mahdavinejad, Designerly Approach to Design
Responsive Façade for Occupant Visual Comfort in Different Latitudes, Journal of Daylighting 11 (2024)
149-164. https://dx.doi.org/10.15627/jd.2024.9
22. Al-Kazee, Mohamed. (2018). BIM Technology Between Definition and Implementation. NCCAE 2018:
The 1st National Conference on Civil & Architectural Engineering, SQU. DOI:
10.13140/RG.2.2.32836.08321
23. Al-Din, Nesreen & Al-Kazee, Mohamed. (2024). Jasmine for Her, An Interior Design of a Female Fitness
Gym. Research Day at the University of Nizwa. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.30319.50087
24. SHUKAIRI, KAUTHAR & Al-Kazee, Mohamed. (2020). Interior Design for College Management &
Engineering. 10th National Symposium on Engineering Final Year Projects. DOI:
10.13140/RG.2.2.33085.12004
25. HAMMADI, MANAR & Al-Kazee, Mohamed. (2023). Electronics Brand Showroom Interior Design.
12th Symposium on Engineering Final Year Projects. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.28051.95529
26. ALRIYAMI, ZAKIYA & Al-Kazee, Mohamed. (2020). Al Nadwah Public Library. 10th National
Symposium on Engineering Final Year Projects. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.18898.21441
27. Al-Kazee, Mohamed. (2017). BIM, the Better Way to Build. 10.13140/RG.2.2.28410.76486.