How Far Can BIM Go In 10 Years?

This assignment required students to watch a video “The Future of BIM Will Not Be BIM—and It's Coming Faster than You Think” by Autodesk University, discuss it amongst groups and then share with the class, and then formulate individual ideas. The question to keep in mind is how relevant BIM is to engineering design and how advanced can it get in 10 years.

The video showed some of the state-of-the-art uses for BIM and how much easier designing architecture would be if more softwares were incorporated. The expression of more fluid shapes were possible within a computer. This combined with the iterative design process generated by a computer opens up many possibilities of architecture.

AI may be usable as an architects inspiration but it may not replace their sense of aesthetic. AI may not be able to produce something that is attractive to the human eye. What I mean is that the architects of old created art with the human fascination in mind. It may be difficult for AI to achieve the same results. However, an architect may be able to manipulate BIM and AI to create art.

In the engineering design process, I believe that within 10 years, we may see competitive engineering firms use automation to quickly generate ideas for clients. As the interoperability between different softwares increases, so does the speed of engineering design. However, it will be a pretty big investment. The training required to get everyone in the company to proficiently use BIM in several softwares will be rigorous. In the case where software proficiency is not widespread, the job market will be more focused toward hiring individuals who have practiced BIM and automation.

On the manufacturer side of construction, I can see the advancement of CNC machining to create the complex shapes that are generated in BIM. However, I can see that some CNC machinists may lose their jobs if a computer can accomplish the same results.

Architects, engineers, and contractors need to learn BIM for it to truly be useful.


Comments on colleagues’ posts:
Alec Silverstone
Your idea that the incorporation of this AI iterative design in BIM will come with setbacks is something that I believe will happen. It’s simply the way that new technology works. It may take several years just to convince higher-ups that technology is worth investing into and then training staff to use it proficiently. That being said, I like the way that the AEC industry is heading. However, it means that the way undergraduates are being taught will need to change as well.

Harvin Bhandal
I still believe that the smaller companies will hold onto orthographic drawings in AutoCAD rather than move onto BIM. The question arises is how useful is BIM if the client does not want a commercial building but something more specific like a power plant. In this case, the structural integrity is all that matters. Other small firms may choose to take a smoother transition by hiring a few people who are capable of BIM and have them work with senior staff. This is how I imagine small firms proceeding.

Matt Mullen
I can see VR/AR being the standard to advertising a product to clients. If everyone involved with the building is well-versed with BIM, there may not be as many conflicts during construction. I would also like to see the construction industry make the leap and perform at a higher speed and efficiency.