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What if there is a method for architects and engineers to improve the way they design and construct buildings? If only there was software that enables the architects to create a digital 3D model of the building that allows them to see a representation of what it will look like and how it will operate at completion?  Building Information Modelling or BIM is the answer to these questions.  This technology /process/platform is the foundation of digital transformation in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry.

It is the holistic process of creating and managing information for a built asset, based on an intelligent model. Being enabled by a cloud platform, BIM integrates structured, multi-disciplinary data to produce a digital representation of a project across its lifecycle, from planning and design to construction and operations.

BIM combines data from different disciplines to create detailed digital representations that can be handled in an open cloud platform for real-time collaboration. On AEC projects, BIM provides greater visibility, better decision-making, more sustainable solutions, and cost savings.

It assists project planning by generating models by combining real-time data of existing built and natural environments and reality capture. It provides the unique ability to design, update and document your project information within a single file- something no other BIM tool can offer. As all the data resides in a single file, you can work in any view to edit your model- plan, section, elevation, 3D, details, or even a schedule- and then watch your file update it in all the views, automatically.

A BIM project can be a rendered 3D plan of a building or a cityscape including roads, waterways, buildings, and other infrastructure. Conceptual design, analysis, detailing, and documentation are all done during the Design phase. In the Preconstruction phase, BIM data is used to inform scheduling and logistics. Finally, during the Built phase, fabrication begins using BIM specifications. Project construction logistics are shared with trades and contractors for optimum time management and efficiency. The data from BIM is carried over to the operations and maintenance of the completed project. BIM data can potentially be used in the future to be cost-effective for renovations or deconstruction as well.

Building information modelling IN A NUTSHELL

• Creates high-quality, high-performing building and infrastructure designs with conceptual and detailed design tools.
• Optimizes projects with integrated analysis, generative design, and visualization and simulation tools.
• Enhances project coordination and improves constructability by improving predictability at the job site.
• Integrates workflows for document management, conceptual design, modelling, coordination, and documentation to speed up design processes and enhance quality.

Its key contribution is the development and verification of a unique methodology for effectively managing on-site performance data by linking 3D objects to productivity factors in building construction.
The 3D representation can include several pieces of information, data that can be leveraged outside of the authoring tool; it is referred to as the “I” in BIM.

BIM also enables advanced workflow capabilities that augment the design process, from concept to the building’s completion. It generates the following with the data provided by the architects and designers:

PARAMETRIC DESIGN

• Parametric relationships and model element dependency
• Computational design
• Space planning
• Energy analysis
• Light and daylight analysis
• Display complex spatial relationships
• Estimate the cost and quantity of building materials required
• Virtual conflict detection and resolution
• Extended Reality (ER) (virtual and augmented realities, for example) and much more

This technology provides architects with more than simply a view of the building’s physical features. It’s a collaborative knowledge base where architects and collaborators can store and calculate complex computations on the fly. This methodology is being used by Ryan Tsen Architects to create high-performance, forward-thinking buildings. There are numerous BIM tools or Platforms like Revit, Navisworks, Civil 3D, and many more.

NEED FOR BIM IN THE PRESENT TIMES

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 crisis, there is a stronger need to research and implement effective BIM adoption initiatives. However, encouraging project participants’ desire to adopt BIM through event management has to be much worked upon. Only a handful of contractors are aware of the potential of BIM.

The construction sector is known for being complex, risky, and uncertain, all of which lead to project delays, cost overruns, and poor product quality, among other things. BIM (Building Information Modelling) is a promising framework for resolving these issues. To deal with the rising complexity and difficulties of project management, it has been developed at a rapid pace.

The outbreak of COVID-19 has posed significant hurdles to the AEC industry. At Ryan Tsen Architects, we use Building Information Modelling as a Project management tool to solve these issues and increase collaboration amongst stakeholders. Thus, enhancing our business performance.

Building design and building information modelling (BIM) software include computer-aided design (CAD software) products used generally within the architecture and construction fields. Numerous products offer tools and libraries specifically targeted toward architectural design and construction, including mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) and building information modelling (BIM). Our firm specifically works on Revit, Navisworks, Enscape for integrated visualization and design workflow. BIM offers a model-based process for designing and managing buildings and infrastructures which allows our architects to go beyond construction drawings to generate a digital representation of the functional properties of a building.

BIM COLLABORATIVE PLATFORM

One of the greatest benefits of BIM to the Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Operations industry, is the collaboration it enables between designers, owners, and builders.

With the innovations available to the industry, we have evolved from document and file exchange to live collaboration in the cloud. As a result, everybody on the team has the same set of data, a single source of facts. We all share the same data and this improves our design and decision-making process immensely.

Before BIM, the architect and subcontractor would estimate how much material they would require through the venture and how much they would cost. Whenever the architect re-did the design, someone had to do these calculations all over again. Beforehand, there was extra room for human error. One small miscalculation may lead to big problems which resulted in delays and sudden costs.

BENEFITS USING BIM

BIM notably reduces these issues by presenting that single source of facts and making it accessible to all stakeholders simultaneously. This software helps us produce top-quality buildings for our customers across numerous industries. Implementation of BIM provides these additional benefits:

Faster Project Completion:

It takes less time to design a building. This gives us, the architects the ability to begin the projects earlier. Moreover, the design is a database that emerges with time and is leveraged to make better decisions in the earlier stages of the design process.

Better Communication:

All the collaborators have the same information in real-time. This means that all of the architects on the team can see the latest design and document their changes. This eliminates all misconceptions. We can invite subcontractors and customers so that they can collaborate on the project. It permits us to work closely with specialists, like electrical engineers, even if they’re not able to meet with us in person. It gives the customer or client better opportunities to share their ideas and input with the design team.

More Detailed Visualization Tools:

Our architects can see their designs in basic 3D dimensions like height, width, and depth. But BIM also permits us to view a building based on how long it will take to complete each element (4D) and how much it will cost at every stage (5D).

Accurate Environmental Impact Analysis:

BIM software can show a building in a sixth dimension, which is an evolution of the building’s environmental influences over time. This helps us discover the most energy-efficient materials and most effective regenerative design features.

Easier Building Management:

Using BIM, we explore the model in a seventh dimension called the life-cycle facility management view. This display shows approximate operational costs for the building once it’s complete. This allows us to make wise design decisions that will lead to greater financial savings and lower building maintenance in the future.

Higher Quality Results:

Because the important designs are documented and calculated by an advanced process, there’s improved quality in the design and construction process. Contractors can place every element that needs to go for the building to operate at peak efficiency.

Lower Cost:

Because the process takes less time to complete, you’ll pay for lesser complete billable hours. Contractors also identify mistakes before construction starts. BIM reduces mistakes during the construction process and minimizes the risk of unexpected repair costs later on. There won’t be money wasted on extra materials. And as your project is completed sooner, you can get faster returns on your investments.

Instant Information Transfer:

Once our firm completes the project, the important files can be shared with whomsoever concerned and they can leverage BIM to effectively integrate a Facilities Management (FM) system.

REQUIREMENTS FOR A BIM PROJECT

• Availability of 2D or 3D computer-aided design tools aimed at architectural design and construction.
• Permission for collaboration of multiple team members to work on the same project model at the same time
• Accessibility to tools that increase building performance, using performance data and advanced analysis programs.

AUTODESK REVIT

BIM technology has a positive impact on almost every step in the design, construction, and maintenance process. Autodesk Revit BIM software lets us create model-based designs that are coordinated and consistent, with efficiency and accuracy across the project lifecycle, from conceptual design, visualization, and analysis to construction. Steps to start a Revit project:

• Begin by developing an accurate and precise 3D model.
• Watch your plans, sections, elevations, and views develop automatically as you make changes in any one of the views.
• Let Revit handle routine tasks automatically so you can focus on higher-value work.
• Collaborate in Revit anytime, anywhere with BIM 360 Design.

Revit is BIM software that brings all architecture, engineering, and construction disciplines into a unified modelling environment, driving more efficient and cost-effective projects. Our project teams work together anytime, anywhere using Revit which comes with collaborating options, a powerful and secure cloud-based collaboration, and a data management solution. This software assists in creating construction documents faster than ever, your callouts will be automatically coordinated and you will have a greater understanding of your buildings than ever before. It allows project managers to track a project’s performance and/or productivity in real-time, allowing them to make timely adjustments to the original plan.

ARCHITECTES USE BIM TO CREATE EXTRAORDINARY BUILDINGS

BIM is a strong tool that allows us architects to think creatively and improve their trade. we can go beyond basic design principles and look deeply into the future of our designs. It allows us to go beyond our visions of the future of our designs. We, at Ryan Tsen Architects, believe that every building should be the best it can be and continue to meet the needs of its occupants many decades from now. We use the most advanced and innovative technology available to achieve this goal. By harnessing the power of BIM, we can design the most impressive buildings for our clients, helping them create buildings that have enduring legacies.

According to the UN, by 2050 the world’s population will be 9.7 billion. The global Architectural, Engineering, and Construction industry must look to smarter, more efficient ways to design and build not just as a means to keep up with global demand but to help create spaces that are smarter and more resilient too. BIM not only makes design and construction teams work more efficiently, but it allows them to record the data generated during the process to benefit operations and maintenance activities.

Building Information Modelling is extremely beneficial to architects as it empowers them to offer the clients more. The way architects approach building design has drastically changed as a result of this enhanced modelling software. We now have access to highly sophisticated tools that allow us to construct dynamic, streamlined structures that will outlast their competitors.

CITATION:

• Autodesk Revit Architecture 2016 Essentials by Ryan Duell, Tobias Hathorn, and Tessa Reist Hathorn
• The Revit Kid – Jeffrey A. Pinheiro, AIA, LEED AP