Building information modeling (BIM) in the AEC industry is a relatively new and powerful technology that many countries have used. Currently, there are millions of BIM users all around the world. It’s the future, and it’s the AEC industry’s final step toward complete digitization; that is why we are leaving our drawings in favor of BIM technology.
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But what is BIM?
Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a method for bringing all of the data required to conceptualize, produce, and manage a project into a digital realm. BIM is neither a design nor a visualization tool. It is not an object or a physical entity. It is a process to create the shared data model, including information about every project component while involving designers, construction companies, and property owners. Within this process, the project team contributes information and data about the project in a shared digital space called a Common Data Environment (CDE). The CDE can be an Extranet, a server, or a cloud-based system. Sharing information with everyone participating in the project is the primary benefit of BIM. All project data is stored in a single 3D computer model shared with all stakeholders. It can also incorporate data that gives additional dimensions to the project, such as time planning when you generate step-by-step visuals of your project’s development (4D), integrating cost data to create estimates (5D), the inclusion of information for facility management (6D), operation (7D), and safety (8D).
BIM Software
Architects and construction engineers use multiple BIM software such as Revit, Rhino, Dynamo, Sketchup, Navisworks, Vectorworks Architect, etc. However, clarification of the distinction between BIM and its software is crucial. While BIM itself is the process, the software is the tool that BIM operates with.
The following is a list of the most helpful software for BIM:
- Autodesk Revit
- MicroStation
- Rhino 3D
- Dynamo
- Grasshopper 3D
- Navisworks
- Archicad
- Allplan
- Vectorworks Architect
- SketchUp
- Buildertrend
- Trimble Connect
- Civil 3D
- Revizto
- Edificius
- midas Gen
- Autodesk BIM 360
- Buildertrend
- Trimble Connect
- BIMobject
- BricsCAD BIM
- Sefaira
- Hevacomp
- Kreo
- VisualARQ
- The Wild
- AECOsim Building Designer
- ActCAD BIM
- BIMx
- dRofus
- Procore
- ArCADia BIM 11
- Tekla BIMsight
- BEXEL Manager
- PriMus IFC
- IrisVR
BIM and the AEC industry
Building Information Modeling has a critical role in dealing with the fragmentation of the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. There is a big chance of confusion, error, and a tedious back-and-forth decision-making process when architects, engineers, contractors, and owners work independently on their specific tasks and infrequently communicate during the project’s life cycle. Building Information Modeling (BIM) was created to address this problem, and it has had a significant impact on the AEC sector by enabling real-time multidisciplinary collaboration.
Although the adoption of BIM in the AEC industry is not a simple task and involves changes in the company workflow, companies worldwide are adopting BIM rapidly. They are progressively replacing CAD drawings with BIM files and looking for BIM-skilled architects who can lead and contribute to their digital transformation. This issue proves why some countries urge to make BIM mandatory for public projects. The United Kingdom and the Scandinavian countries, Spain, Colombia, Peru, Chile, Australia, USA, and Canada. In other parts of the world, where the usage of BIM methodology is still in its infancy, there has already been a surge in demand and some government initiatives to encourage it. This is due to the concern that BIM and other technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), Cloud Computing, and Blockchain are bringing in a paradigm shift in the AEC industry, and not involving them would lead the company to feel behind.
Implementing BIM would help design and construction firms prepare for the future. As the architectural firm’s requirements may alter over time, the company can change its data demands with the help of Building Information Modeling technology services. It is fascinating to see how BIM can push the AEC industry to the next level. Along with companies, sometimes individuals face difficulties delving into the BIM world. Students who graduate with only a superficial understanding of BIM tools and a basic comprehension of general BIM principles and procedures need to overcome the obstacle to meet the demands of modern-day practices. They can benefit from some BIM-focused Masters in architecture courses that accelerate students’ learning and provide immediate returns in terms of professional success and employability.
Benefits of BIM
The real-time multidisciplinary collaboration of BIM reduces mistakes and conflicts, labor and costs, and therefore a higher quality project and faster decisions and responses to design changes. In the experimental phase of a construction project, BIM integrates precise data for building management and delivers significant business value. Every detail of the building can be documented and managed using BIM; the function of the systems also can be controlled by the use of model data. The fact that the building and the systems are thoroughly documented elevates building management to a new level and gives significant financial benefits. Along with financial benefits and faster decision-making, BIM models also can be used to compare various alternatives in terms of energy efficiency. It is considered a valuable tool for optimizing building efficiency and lowering environmental and operational expenses.
Architect’s role in BIM
These days a growing number of architects and architectural firms are using BIM and are collaborating on coordinated models, giving everyone a better look at how their work fits into the overall project. Indeed, the current need to accommodate remote processes is putting a strain on traditional construction projects. BIM is well-positioned to assist that shift while also presenting exciting opportunities for architects who are ready for the future of design. BIM allows all the members to check the models, validate the design, and systems, making it easier for architects to know the changes. Indeed, in such a platform, the philosophy and mindset of the architect matter the most.
What about the future of BIM?
BIM has previously gone through various stages of development that have expanded its capabilities and functionality. Further progress would be achieved in the future as well. The building information modeling market is growing, and numerous startups are arising to support stakeholders’ transition to BIM technology. Fully collaborative construction and infrastructure projects within the AEC industry are the tangible future of BIM. From the standpoint of BIM specialists, the future BIM needs to be combined with various technologies such as AR/VR, 3D printing, The Internet of Things, and even Artificial Intelligence to run the design to maintain the project smoothly. It is critical to keep combining 3D models with reality capture technology offered by point cloud processing developments to integrate these collaborative models with the physical domain easily.
Now imagine integrating AI with BIM that contributes significantly to the automation of tasks. Feeding the program with a few basic rules would do all the job. Working on such a project looks like a piece of cake. Isn’t it?
Your turn now
PAACADEMY is offering online sessions to train students and young architects with cutting-edge skills of BIM and computational design, instructed by pioneering instructors and designers and powered by ParametricArchitecture. Now, If you are ready to establish your goals and start your own BIM project, join us in PAACADEMY. You can register for the live workshops or watch the recordings from previous workshops. Visit hamidhassanzadeh.com/workshops for more information.
