Week 4 - BIM will Improve Buildings instead of degrade them

For years, buildings were designed through the use of a 2-D CAD program.  These programs allowed architects and engineers to build the floor layouts, the HVAC systems, and other plan sets that were vital to constructing a project.  However, this is slowly changing with the advent of BIM software packages being utilized in firms around the world.  As many of the readers of this blog know, BIM is a 3-D modeling tool that allows engineers and designers to create and work on projects in three dimensions.  For the past few weeks, the class has talked about how BIM is making the lives of engineers easier with its parametric functions.  However, I would like to discuss the advantages BIM brings to the table in regards to the final product, the value of a finished building.

            Using the old method of design, CAD software, designers were not able to create structures that had a framework or shape that was “too complex”.  With BIM however, this issue has been reduced, and as a result, the function of these creations has been optimized.  The spaces that are designed and created are made to enhance the environment in a space so that it can be more ergonomic and more efficient for the people who are using the space [1].  One prime example of this being used in action is by a firm called AnyBody Technology.  This company has been using the parametric modeling of BIM to simulate a human body maneuvering in an area.  These simulations, although great at showing ideal cases, still cannot count for the erratic behavior someone might have in the area. Nevertheless, using BIM in this case allows engineers and designers to use spaces to their fullest.

            Another advantage BIM brings to new buildings is the ability to design and analyze a structure so that it is energy efficient.  As time goes on, society in general is becoming more and more energy efficient.  Using BIM in buildings is allowing owners to determine better ways to use existing resources to save money on variable energy costs.  Some of the features that are utilized help analyze how much sunlight enters a building, how the HVAC systems affect different rooms, and how other utilities can be reduced in different circumstances [3].  These aspects of BIM give much more value to a building because of the intelligent features it has to save on energy, money, and the positive effect on the environment.  Additionally, BIM can help determine trends with a building so that it can adapt to its uses.  These trends could use factors such as the occupancy rate of a room to the global data, like GPS information and surface data, to see what would be the best way to control the interior of the structure [2].

            In conclusion, BIM is a great tool for architects and engineers alike.  Although BIM can aid greatly in the design of a building, it also improves buildings much more in the short and long term.

Comments:

-Esther: I was going to do the advantages and disadvantages of BIM until I saw your post.  That graph you put in the post pretty much speaks for itself when it comes to using BIM whether or not in a project.  Clearly, costs can be saved since most major work is done in design rather than later on in a project's life cycle.  One short term disadvantage that I think could be noted is for companies that are switching over from CAD to BIM due to the learning curve to adjusting to BIM.  I remember reading in one article (I wish I had the link for it) that said some companies might lose money on the first few projects that they use BIM for, but in the long run, those loses turn to profit because of faster turn around times.

-Steve: Everything you discussed pretty much covers all bases about why BIM is a great advantage for engineers.  Although it does take awhile to learn BIM inside and out like CAD, the features like parametric modeling are such a huge benefit for designers when making a project.

Sources:

[1] Arieff, Allison. "New Forms That Function Better." MIT Technology Review. N.p., 31 July 2013. Web. 27 Jan. 2014.

[2] "Going Green with BIM." Going Green with BIM. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Jan. 2014.

[3] "How Building Information Modeling (BIM) Helps Buildings Go Green | Inhabitat - Sustainable Design Innovation, Eco Architecture, Green Building." Inhabitat Sustainable Design Innovation Eco Architecture Green Building How Building Information Modeling BIM Helps Buildings Go Green Comments. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Jan. 2014.