The Promise of BIM

Traditional drafting is very time consuming and ineffective compared to modern BIM technologies. BIM allows architects and engineers to easily input building information and draft entire buildings in one model. As such, clash analysis of building elements becomes easier to detect in a 3-D virtual environment. Additionally, BIM software is capable of extracting data from entities in the model into the form of “smart schedules.” Building information also reduces redundant labor in the design process. Models created using Revit or other BIM software can be exported into programs that analyze certain aspects of the buildings design. [1]

Clash analysis of building elements such as ducts and beams, helps mitigate potential in-field construction issues. Additionally, coordination between building elements in a 3-D environment is conducive to designing comprehensive buildings with coordination between building disciplines. BIM software conjunctively aids in the optimization of building systems and their operation using available add-ons to Revit. This helps Architects and Engineers reduce energy costs and consequentially the CO2 footprint in buildings. [2] Traditional hand drafting and calculations are not as comprehensive and do not allow the engineer to compare different building systems solutions. By using BIM, architects and engineers contribute to environmental stewardship and sustainability in design.

BIM software takes views of the building model to create plans. Changes made in the model are propagated throughout all the plans to reduce redundant labor. Not only does this create coherent, well-coordinated plans, but it also mitigates monetary losses. Additionally, an advantage that BIM has over traditional drafting in this regard is the ability to update room areas, family properties, and other important building information when these elements are worked on in the model. These elements can also be connected into building systems which can be examined using analytical add on software. [3]

The advantages of BIM over other methods of representing building plans are demonstrated through the wide adoption of software such as Revit. By streamlining the design process to eliminate unwieldy methods, designers have the tools to improve building designs which has other positive implications.

[1] Meng, et al. Study on Improving Engineering Information Management by Interating BIM and Internet of Things,Advances in Computer Science Research (ACSR) No. 83, (2018)

[2] Sandvik an Fougner. BIM as a Tool for Sustainable Design, Research Gate, (2018)

[3] Sampaio.Building Information Modeling (BIM) Aplications in an Education Context, Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Lisbon, (2018)

Comments:

To Harvin Bandal: 

I also had a similar experience with older engineers not being able to use modern design software. I found their hands-on experience to be valuable, but it was difficult to communicate with them because I think they have a different concept of how a building should be designed. In order to design more efficient buildings, I think that these older engineers should either learn how to use design software or be rendered obscure by people who are willing to learn the design software.

To Jenny Fretta: 

I concur that entire buildings will not be printed. However, I think that different components can be printed and then manufactured automatedly. I think the future for construction workers is bleak regarding the need for them to labor in ways other than to maintain the robots that do their current job for them.

To Gabriel Grajewski: 

I disagree about the building industry not manipulating data. I have designed HVAC systems for past co-ops and more often than not, in order to design an HVAC system effectively, data must be manipulated to yield comprehensive design solutions.