BIM Basics – BIM is a relatively recent development, having been introduced on the global stage just about a decade ago. The Building Information Model is superior to any other technological initiative in the niche of building development since it presents an integrated database of methodically stored, digital information. Its core concepts include the intense use of synchronized computable bits of information related to a building project. BIM is adept at linking an unrestricted volume of information with any constructional or design-centric entity that can be digitally represented.
BIM for Designing Buildings: Understanding BIM through an Example
Removing Designing Errors – from a designing perspective, a conventional architect needs to extract bits of vital information by constantly creating and discussing a range of physically prepared models. These are used for approximating a range of building performance parameters like temperature regulation (heat/loss gain), daylighting effects (temperature insulation), airflow (ventilation) and egress (emergency adaptability), apart from, financial feasibility of the building. This means being dependent upon a designer’s approach and his inherent ability to match the designing elements with the practical and technological demands. This creates a scope for mistakes to creep-in during the interpretation of information that is passed on to the designing brain. However, in a BIM methodology, compatibility of the designing process with the building’s functional requirements is assured.
How? At the time of developing the very first sketch using a BIM, the designer’s limitations in terms of not meeting the expected performance level or a quality yardstick are immediately highlighted.
Presenting Better Visualization – for building designers, various inputs like graphical information, functional perspectives and building sections like elevations, window & door schedules need to be discussed.
CAD Software Users – if a CAD-user designs a building wall, it is presented in the form of geometrical lines. This is done in the 2D (two-dimensional) method that uses flat lines.
BIM Software Users – here when a wall is drawn, it is almost like interacting with a life-like wall. The wall is presented with its intended height, boundaries and its curvature angles. Using a 3D (three-dimensional) view, the designers and conceptualizers get a realistic feel of how the wall affects other structural components.
BIM Acceptance – The success of BIM applications can no longer be argued. Many renowned public and private sector brands, including global players like Disney and Intel are exploring BIM, even as others vow by its ability to present a range of user-friendly and cost-effective applications. For bigger constructional firms that are looking at an Integrated Delivery Approach, i.e. using a comprehensive methodology that caters to every building demand, beginning from the conceptualization of a building to handling ownership or environment-compatibility issues, there is no other market offering that provides solutions as collaborative and productive as BIM technology.
BIM Adaptability – BIM can be understood as a breakthrough building design technology which is effective at improving the entire building developmental process, i.e. beyond the scope of designing only. It would be a mistake to assume that the use of graphical data in BIM is limited to depicting the external/internal design only. If the evolutionary lifecycle of a building is broadly divided, three basic categories emerge, i.e. Management, Design and Construction. BIM has been able to provide affordable and efficient services to expedite all these sub-processes without making any drastic changes to the core concepts, i.e. BIM offers a unique opportunity for planning and executing various building development sub-processes without challenging any of the conventional norms.
BIM for Profitability – Using BIM means having access to various, category-specific documentation sub-systems. Access to information, including the right to update it, can be defined by the policymakers who are involved in controlling the BIM applications. As a result, the flow of information is regulated, and it can be accessed across various defined locations and personnel. There is no restriction on the kind of information that can be digitally represented through a BIM platform, i.e. this could include theoretical conceptual studies or diagrammatic constructional applications. With such a dependable information reserve at hand, it becomes easy to control wastage of employed resources, i.e. the organization benefits in the form of operational cost savings that can be routed towards gaining a competitive advantage in the market. BIM software vendors are growing with every passing day as more businesses realize its effectiveness as a profit-boosting application.
BIM Functionality – BIM can be used throughout the evolutionary process of a building, right from conceiving its structural exoskeleton to any of the specific entities like documentation, infrastructural planning, setting performance benchmarks and cost estimations. One aspect that has made BIM a favored medium among contractors and landscapers is the systematic digitalized information it provides for a wide array of professionals like engineers, researchers, architects and policymakers. This helps in gaining an overall perspective on the project progress and being constantly updated on personal performance levels and the comparison of completed activities against defined benchmarks. This in turn facilitates the process of faster and transparent decision-making.