USE OF BIM AND BEST PRACTICES

A methodology allowing architects to create digital design simulations, BIM (Building Information Modeling) allows fluid management of all the information associated with an architectural project. While CAD creates 2 or 3 dimensional drawings that do not distinguish between their elements, BIM integrates 4-D (time) and 5-D (costs). This enables users to intelligently manage information throughout a project's lifecycle, automating processes such as programming, design, detailed design, analysis, documentation, manufacturing, logistics. construction, operation and maintenance, renovation and / or demolition.

BIM is a powerful process that allows architects to think outside the box and hone their craft. They can go beyond basic design principles and take a keen interest in the future of their projects.

It is important to clarify the difference between BIM and programs such as Revit®, ArchiCAD®, AllPlan® and others. BIM is a working system, while Revit®, ArchiCAD® and AllPlan® are software with which BIM is compatible. The two complement each other and allow the work of the architect to be carried out efficiently.

carried out efficiently. Today, BIM is one of the leading agents of change in the architecture, engineering and construction industry. Here are 5 best practices to learn how BIM is more than just a 3D drawing and find out how you can integrate it into your workflow.

Develop a roadmap

While many companies have an internal BIM standards manual that documents their drawing and modeling procedures, they often do not have a BIM roadmap that explains how the software fits into their overall business strategy.

A BIM roadmap serves as a guide to develop and improve your workflow. It documents short and long term strategic goals, such as reducing the time to create construction documents or improving the overall quality of the project. The roadmap should also identify ways to leverage BIM through simulation building analysis or facilities management services.

To create your roadmap, ask yourself what you want to get out of the BIM process. Identify the benefits for you, your business, and your customers, and determine how you will measure your progress. For example, do you want BIM to improve the quality of your project deliverables? If so, track the total number of requests for information (RFIs) and change orders for your BIM and non-BIM projects. Identify what may be problematic in the field and how BIM can improve your documentation on those items.

Implement strategies

Solutions like BIM are designed with the intention of providing an intuitive, distinctive and powerful platform for visualizing and creating building designs. Its parametric approach to modeling is considered to be the true essence of construction designs, but it also offers many innovative ways to use computers in design. In this sense, the move to parametric modeling of buildings is considered a major change, especially for architects who prefer to use the technology in the best possible way. To ensure a successful implementation of BIM, formal implementation strategies must be involved and they must go beyond the deployment schedule and simple training. Strategies must be able to meet organizational challenges and manage the workflow in relation to BIM.

If the BIM pilot project is carried out only as a technology implementation exercise, without considering the leadership, different processes and the new structure of the company, it will not generate the momentum needed to generate change and, therefore, adequately implement BIM in the organization.

Automate your work

Have you just finished your BIM project? Don't let all of your efforts be in vain! Incorporate non-project specific aspects of the model into a project template. Sheet setup, project notes, and standard office details are great additions to a template. If you already have a project template, take the opportunity to update it. Yes, it does take non-billable time, but you will reap the rewards in the long run for the next five or so projects.

Likewise, search your model for useful, manufacturer-supplied or self-generated content that has been created during the life of the project and save it to your BIM library. Keeping your BIM library organized and up to date takes time, but the time saved looking for content in the future will be spent on making a better quality project.

Go beyond design

Note that beyond architectural renderings, BIM can also be used to clearly communicate non-visual data and information. To take advantage of its capabilities, you need to get your hands on the data and the inner workings of the software. It will take some time and effort. However, you will then be able to go beyond the traditional framework of design and become a versatile specialist in spatial problem solving, able to directly address a client's business challenges through his technological and 3D expertise. Indeed, with the 3D capabilities of BIM, you can help a customer in the retail industry, for example, understand which departments are selling the most products during the day by creating a 3D heat map of the store to visualize movement of goods.

Ultimately, this will deepen your professional relationship and move you from being a service provider to being a trusted advisor who brings real and lasting value. Especially when you realize that one of the main drawbacks of the big data explosion is the difficulty of converting information into actionable intelligence.

Follow up

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is used in a variety of ways in project development by key players in the construction industry. The architect, for example, implements BIM to produce architectural drawings, followed by engineers who produce structural or energy data management, and the contractor who develops the building coordination model. The design not only provides a design framework in terms of structure, spatial layout and environmental conditions, but also cost estimates, construction practices and aesthetic considerations. In addition, BIM provides several tools to help designers involved in the design phase, including Autodesk Revit, which consists of Revit Architectural, Revit Structural, Revit MEP, as well as Tekla and Bentley. In short, there are different types of BIM tools available for designers to develop project designs. However, companies or agencies don't necessarily have to use just one type of BIM tool for their designers.

This is due to differences between design teams in terms of skills, preferences and desired results. Consequently, monitoring is needed to ensure that designers achieve what is expected of them in terms of work quality and productivity if the design team as a whole uses different BIM tools.

Are you ready to use these best practices in your designs? Let us know about your experience with this technology in our comments section.