A methodological framework for intelligent management and control systems in the AEC industry based on the double diamond model

The Double Diamond model, developed by [The British Design Council. (Citation2005). The Double Diamond-Design Council. Available at: https://www.designcouncil.org.uk/our-resources/the-double-diamond (Accessed: 29 August 2024)], structures system design through two diamond-shaped phases emphasizing divergent-convergent thinking. While the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry leverages Civil Engineering 4.0 technologies like BIM, IoT, and AI for robotic construction and data-driven platforms. However, the absence of a structured design theory for intelligent systems risks inefficiencies, misaligned stakeholder objectives, and solutions lacking utility or usability. This study addresses this gap by proposing a AEC-specific methodological framework adapted from the Double Diamond model, integrated with the Future Cone model and service design principles. The framework standardizes procedures for stakeholder alignment, explicit decision-making criteria for phase-specific alternative evaluation and selection, and iterative system optimization, demonstrated through a proof-of-concept case study: a smart groundwater control system for excavation dewatering in Northeast China. By integrating agile problem-framing and AI-driven convergence cycles, the model enhances adaptability in complex AEC workflows. Its contributions include a versatile decision-support oriented design framework for developing intelligent systems within Civil Engineering 4.0 and a forward-looking scaffold for emerging Civil Engineering 5.0 applications, prioritizing human-centricity alongside technical innovation. The results underscore the framework’s capacity to bridge interdisciplinary gaps and align technical solutions with practical implementation in infrastructure digitalization.