Blog 3 - Future of BIM

Since the start of this course, we have been looking at current technologies and advancements applied to buildings. In which we have look to different technologies, that even that they are applied to other fields, some people use these principles and apply them into building technologies. After watching the in-class video from Autodesk University called “The Future of BIM Will Not Be BIM” it is clear the current advancements done in building design, in which BIM makes easier the things like design, share data and simulation. This combined with other aspects such as algorithms are constantly present in the design of new buildings to make it more efficient, precise and to bring new ideas into the table.

After discussing with my group, we have come up with some ideas of the advancements in 10 years, trying to apply what we know and try to come up with future applications of the principles. Among many of our ideas the most predominant were: the use of AI in the future and how it will play a role, the use of CNC machining for the creation of complex shapes, the use of augmented reality on site.

               Talking about the AI role, the team agreed with some of the scope from the in-class video, in which the person speaking said that AI provides a group of best options that match the parameters established. However, AI do not have a feel for aesthetics like an architect yet. As a result, we are still depending of the decision of an architect to choose the best option among the ones provided by the AI. In 10 years, we believe that AI will take in consideration aesthetic parameters and make better decisions in which he will provide less options.

               In the other hand, on site creation of complex shapes consumes a lot of resources and an excessive amount of time. In 10 years, we believe that CNC machining will be easily transported to a site in which complex shapes will be quickly designed. There are currently great projects that can do this type of complex shapes, but the limited mobility and the extensive amount of time make this procedure expensive and uncommon in most construction. We believe that in 10 years this will be more common and affordable.

               Finally, augmented reality has been booming the past could of years. The advancements done in this area has not only helped the entertainment industry, but the manufacturing industry, health industry and even construction has been developing this technology to take advantage of its potential. In 10 years, we believe that the use of Augmented Reality will be part of the construction site by allowing the workers see the whole design in 3D in the site and allow the to understand better where to place each thing and provides them with all the information of each element.

Hanyan Chen

Your idea of using robotics in the construction site in the future is really close to what we thought about CNC machining. However, your point in which robots replace human force is great. This will make the process of construction not only faster but safer and more precise. By eliminating the human error, we could achieve enormous and precise structures. I hope that in 10 years we are that far.

Matt Mullen

It is clear that BIM provide excellent benefits to the owners. I do believe that I 10 years the software will be much easier to use, and owners will have access to the database that BIM provides. This will not only give a better idea on how the owner want to make changes, but it will give him a better understanding of the status of the construction and the plans to the future.

Yidi Li
I can clearly see how BIM has to also evolve as AI develops towards the future. AI being a huge technology in which we are closer to achieve can bring enormous changes to our buildings. I can see BIM providing all the database of the elements in the design and AI using it to come up with the best performance possible of the building. It is clear that software will need to be updated once AI comes to play a big role. I can see it in 10 years, but today we are too inexperienced with AI to be able to implement it.