B3 - Advantages and Limitations to Revit Implementation for Engineers

The video presented from Autodesk University introduced very powerful tools that are beginning to be implemented to speed up the iterative design process that is commonly used in the architecture industry. As discussed in class, it feels as though these same principles can translate quite easily to engineering practice as well, regardless of discipline. Similar to the problem introduced in the video that entailed the design of a building shell based on the optimal ocean view, an engineer should be able to input parameters of interest that can guide an AI platform in narrowing down design options. By reducing the amount of time taken to develop a traditional iterative design, a collaborative approach that integrates AI and human input can lead to much greater project efficiency and provide an optimal design for the primary project stakeholders. By all indications presented in the video, it appears that this methodology is close to implementation on an industry-wide scale.

While these ideas are very attractive on the surface, there are still substantial limitations that may make the ten year timeline proposed in class a relatively aggressive one. First are the interoperability hurdles that can still exist in some BIM operations. Without a robust understanding of the program’s inner workings and capabilities, an average user may not be able to devise the custom solutions necessary to overcome these issues. This also relates to a second limitation – that of an idea of mainstream accessibility. While visual programming has been hailed as a far more approachable technique relative to traditional coding, the interface of Dynamo (and its contemporaries) still lacks the intuitive characteristics that would be necessary to allow engineers without sufficient coding experience to access its capabilities for parametric design. While Autodesk appears to be on the doorstep of providing less intimidating tools for engineers, it appears that this technology is still in its fledgling stages. 

Finally, as is often the driving force behind innovation, is the economic factors that are in play. The cost of BIM software is currently out of the feasible range for some smaller firms, and it can be reasonable assumed that the addition of these tools will increase the price further. Additionally, money will need to be spent on training of employees and creating the system infrastructure required for its proper operation. Any tool is only as useful as it is available to the designer, and cost could impact this on the design end. On the construction side of the industry, while these tools unlock new capabilities for designers (including the freeform façade shapes shown in the video), not all projects have budgets that could accommodate custom CNC fabrication of components. Until this technology becomes more affordable for more standard implementation, new design tools, while fascinating, may be limited to renderings for a large majority of project applications.

Matt,

I think your points about the need for individuals in the AEC industry to continue to evolve is a valid one. In watching the videos and speakers that we have had so far in class, it is definitely an intimidating proposition to see that much of the standard practices that are in play for us at the moment will most likely be obsolete by the time we become licensed engineers.

Weiyi,

I appreciated the comparisons that you made between the BIM’s implementation in the AEC industry and the various ways that technology has been integrated into other industries. I think your observation about optimization is an important one – this may be the difference between stagnating in BIM’s shortcomings and evolving into much more efficient workflows.

Gabe,

The concepts of automated design are certainly intriguing, but I agree with you that the 10 year timeline may be an aggressive one. I think it’s also important to note that tradition roles for individuals in the AEC industry may be very different. As more and more processes become automated, engineers and designers must be very adaptable in order to survive in the industry.