B2 - BIM for Architects and Engineers

Chapter 5 is dedicated to describing the ways BIM is beneficial to modern design.

A major takeaway from using BIM software as opposed to AutoCAD on projects is the collaboration aspect. Originally, clients would work with architects, engineers and contractors to produce multiple sets of drawings. In one project the sheet list would include the following sections: G- (general notes and details), ARCH- (architectural sheets), C- (civil engineering plans), E- (electrical plans), S- (structural engineering plans), and so on. Each of the disciplines would be in contact with one another to produce a final plan set that included everything and this would happen for 30% submission, 70% submission, and so on.

The disadvantage to working in separate teams in separate drawings like this is coordination and communication would have to run perfect to meet deadlines and avoid tension and stress. If one team did not relay its information to another, it could take weeks to get that information and then display it in another discipline. If the civil plans relied on the architectural plans but the architectural plans were not completed or had additional information added, this could set back the civil group. The BIM software allows perfect collaboration between teams. From my understanding, and what I’ve seen at coop and work, the teams have one basic model to work from. All disciplines can see each other’s information and everyone is held accountable. With BIM there is no need to wait a week to hear back from the structural group about the size of their columns, anyone a part of the team can go in and read the drawing information.

Another benefit to using BIM is its more intuitive than earlier software. BIM programs like Revit are programmed with rules and codes that fit the specifications and locations. BIM can “anticipate and consider the full range of expertise of the design team” [1]. In Revit it is possible to set the working parameters of the project from the beginning. The team can use the base model to derive certain designs based on these parameters.

Personally, I believe moving to BIM software is the next step for engineering and architecture firms. Our office is starting to have Revit training and lessons on how to properly utilize the software. As long as everyone uses the program correctly, it seems like a more cohesive way to work and make sure the entire team is on the same page. 

Sources:
[1] Eastman, Charles M. BIM Handbook: A Guide to Building Information Modeling for Owners, Managers, Designers, Engineers and Contractors. Vol. 2nd ed, Wiley, 2011.

Comments:

Jenny Fretta
This chapter seems to tie in well with Chapter 5. A big note in Chapter 5 is that BIM allows for great collaboration between disciplines to avoid hiccups later on down the road. It's interesting to piece them together to note that avoiding these issues is also time saving and cost beneficial to the client and owners. It seems that both the owners and engineers can benefit from using BIM software.

Julie Handsted Andersen
This chapter is interesting for design. Too often do architects and engineers clash because of unused space or odd shapes that are not structurally beneficial. It's interesting that the BIM software can still use any modern or unique shapes in building design while optimizing the space available. It's also amazing that it can pull from past designs to automatically factor in what does and doesn't work in a space.

Nana Lin Rasmussen
This section seems to tie in well with Chapter 5 as well. The ability of IFC to create different plans in different disciplines benefits everyone when working on a major project. The ease of exchange and compatibility will be the driving force for moving all firms to BIM.