Week 4 - BIM vs. Drafting and its progression

As computer hardware has become more powerful over the years Building Information Modeling (BIM) software has started to skyrocket in its popularity.  With all the powerful information and modeling you can do with BIM software you wonder why it did not catch on earlier.  To understand this we have to go back to the beginning and look at the history of the two forms of CAD.

            CAD can be broken up into two categories; entity-based software (2D drafting) or object-based software (3D drafting).  The interesting fact about these two forms of CAD design is that they both came to be around the same time.  The first 3D software came out in 1980 and1984 and the first 2D software came out in 1983 and 1984.  With both of these software options available most people jumped on board with the 2D entity-based software with AutoCAD selling almost 1,000,000 copies of their software with comparable 3d object-based software selling far fewer copies.  This initial popularity of the 2D drafting software is mostly because of the computing power needed to run them as compared to that needed to run the 3D software.  Also in addition to just the hardware requirements for the software the 2D CAD was much like traditional hand drafting in its production of spaces and elements using simple line and arc commands.  The 2D software helped speed up the drafting and production process therefore meeting the initial need of the industry.

            While 2D drafting may have reigned supreme for almost 25 years the power and capabilities of the 3D drafting systems is gaining popularity and pushing out the once dominant 2D drafting tools.  The main reason for this is that computer hardware has finally caught up to the needs of 3D drafting making the hardware cheaper and more accessible to companies who can gain a lot more from the design and use of a 3D model than they can a 2D model.  This paradigm switch can also be seen by how the software companies viewed the 3D modeling.  Autodesk, who was leader in the 2D drafting world with their AutoCAD software, acquired Revit in 2002 for $133 Million.  This acquisition showed that even Autodesk knew the future was in 3D object based modeling and that if they were not going to enter the game they would soon be pushed out.

            The power and capabilities in 3D modeling software has opened doors for what is being called “nD” modeling representing 4D, 5D, 6D…. nD modeling.  This idea consists of taking the model far from just the design to using the model as a construction-scheduling tool, building maintenance schedules, and all around life cycle analysis that makes up the “n-th” dimension of the model.

            While the learning curve may be steep for 3D modeling software, as more and more firms adopt the 3D modeling software there is an increase in help/reference material and more all inclusive tutorials and classes to help prepare firms for the future.

References:

·      Tao-Chiu Kenny TSE, (2005) The Utilization of building information models in nD Modeling: A Study of data interfacing and adoption barriers

·      DSC (2000) History of CAD. Dalton State College

·      Fischer, M (2001) Introduction to 4D Research

Comments on Blogs

http://ae-510-ay13-14.blogspot.com/2014/01/ways-that-bim-makes-engineers-work.html

Melanie good post!  I find it interesting how your research actually further broke 3D and BIM into two categories.  I personally have always viewed these two as the same but I guess its like comparing sketchup and Revit.  Both are 3D but Revit holds a lot more data.  I think over time Revit has become the standard BIM software in the industry, probably because of its backing from autodesk, but do agree that this standardization of software and compatibility will only make BIM more accessible and powerful.

http://ae-510-ay13-14.blogspot.com/2014/01/week-4-bim-will-improve-buildings.html

Michael I found your post very interesting. I liked how you explored beyond just the design capabilities of BIM and how the architect interacts with the model.  The idea of that firm, AnyBody Technology, to model the human experience using a building model is awesome.  I am sure that this technology could eventually let an owner, engineer, architect, or any other concerned party actually walk the building prior to its construction.  This would be really cool to pair with the OculusRift technology out there.

http://ae-510-ay13-14.blogspot.com/2014/01/bim-will-improve-buildings-vs-it-will.html

Audrey great post!  I really like your insight on how the use of BIM can help build a sustainable future.  The modeling capabilities, outside of design, of BIM just astounds me.  I think it is great that even builders like Skanska are starting to take hold on BIM and what it can do for the owner.  Really great examples of where BIM has taken us thus far. Can’t wait to see ­­­what BIM has in store over the next few years!