BIM (Building Information Modeling) is the new frontier of architecture to handle the design’s complexities properly. It is the intelligent model-based approach used by an increasing number of architects to redefine the design and construction of buildings. Before BIM, architects utilized 2D CAD (Computer-Aided Design) to create buildings. To arrive at the final design of the building, they would have to revise the plans numerous times and attend several meetings with the customer.
The early adopters of BIM are currently trying to streamline the process, but architects are becoming aware that exploiting BIM is a necessity rather than a facility. Therefore, designers utilize BIM to generate digital 3D models that incorporate physical and functional properties. The cooperation between architects, engineers, and contractors provides a deep understanding of how an individual’s work fits the whole process.
Yet, this article is a part of a previously published article series about BIM. If you are not familiar with the concept of BIM and how it affects the AEC industry, make sure to read How BIM Boosts The AEC Industry?
Driven by global trends, the AEC business is undergoing a revolution. The plethora of technological advancements enable industry experts to work more efficiently and effectively now. This is validated by the recent research report of MarketsandMarkets, which anticipated the building information modeling market to reach USD 10.7 billion by 2026.
Although architecture is perceived as a delayed profession in adopting new technologies, architects benefit from BIM authoring tools during design, construction, and subsequent usages. They create a digital 3D model of the building that accepts attributes for every building element to manage all of the information associated with an architectural project and develop high-performance, forward-thinking buildings.
Many processes in architectural practice depend on tacit knowledge, which, while effective in its application, may not be truly understood by the architect who uses it. Therefore, architectural discipline must be simplified to its fundamental tasks. BIM is the technique to improve the workflow and contribute to the entire process. It is the collaborative knowledge resource that allows architects and collaborators to store and compute complicated calculations on the go. Due to the numerous privileges of exploiting BIM in the architectural domain, BIM becomes the foundation for all future advancements in the building and construction industry. Below you can find the seven most justified reasons BIM will dominate future architecture.
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1. Accelerating the design process
Architects and designers are now aware that they can utilize technology to express creativity while evaluating concepts and ideas. However, including scientific and technological knowledge in the design process adds to the complexity of the design. Therefore, combining form, function, context, and technology turns into hardship for most architects. Fortunately, BIM is here to boost the workflow capabilities and assist the whole design process. Through simultaneous design and project documentation automation, BIM helps to speed up the design process. Reflecting design changes on all documents simultaneously results in faster processing and fewer errors. When an element in a model is modified, every view is updated, with the new modification visible in section, elevation, and sheet views.
2. Detailed visualization
Architects can benefit from more precise and realistic visualizations to get faster buy-in and approvals. BIM enables the architects to create 3D representations that have a degree of detail and non-visual information beyond what the construction industry has achieved. Besides visualizing a structure in terms of basic 3D dimensions such as height, length, and depth, BIM provides the architects with the duration and cost of each step. Besides, for a more precise picture of the final result, the design model can be accompanied by the power of immersive visualization that transforms 3D BIM models into interactive spatial design experiences for users to explore.
3. Retaining the model intelligence from concept to construction
From the earliest concept to the final construction phase, BIM retains the model intelligence and assists architects in refining and reshaping their designs. The design is a database that accumulates through time and may be utilized to make better decisions earlier in the design process. The information is easily accessible, and if data becomes damaged, you can always go back to the most current version. These meticulous records of modifications also demonstrate who has changed a specific detail. As the model contains all the necessary data, architects may utilize the model’s information to enhance the construction phase. Therefore, buildings can be transferred to the construction phase in a shorter time.
4. Enhanced collaboration
BIM is a shared knowledge resource that allows architects and collaborators to store and compute complicated calculations on the go. Thanks to cloud-connected technologies, project teams can collaborate much more efficiently. All of the team’s architects and professionals, such as electrical engineers, will have access to the most recent design and will be able to document their changes. Therefore, any uncertainty is removed. Additionally, keeping and sharing everything in one place allows the clients to express their opinions with architects even if they cannot meet face to face. With more collaboration, information is publicly available to all parties, and fewer idea clashes occur.
5. Efficiency
BIM brings efficiency and quality into the entire working process and reduces the workload of those who work with BIM daily. Throughout a project’s life cycle, applications such as space planning, energy analysis, computational design, analysis of light and daylight, etc., can benefit from the data collected by BIM. Therefore, efficiency is provided by minimizing the number of errors architects, contractors, and engineers may encounter. By BIM’s efficient planning, the concerns about the unexpected errors pushing a project back days or weeks become less common.
6. Extensive Environmental Impact Assessment
BIM is also a beneficial tool for cutting buildings’ carbon footprint. The energy model of the building can be developed to analyze the actual energy behavior and identify the most energy-efficient materials and regenerative design features. Detailed data of material analysis, temperature simulation, equipment maintenance, and thermal performance from the early design phase to the care of the completed building offers maximum energy efficiency and comfort.
7. Job opportunities
BIM is currently attracting the attention of young architects who are searching for satisfying careers. BIM specialists are in high demand because all the innovative companies are already working successfully with BIM. BIM-skilled architects receive exponential salary increases due to their skillset and project management abilities in completing the projects and gaining efficiency and quality. Individuals may need to overcome some challenges to meet the requirements of modern-day BIM practices; yet, it is worth it.
Vision statement
Finally, architects can enhance the database of their design that accumulates through time and may be utilized to make better decisions earlier in the design process. Therefore, a higher quality end product is delivered. Additionally, BIM improves the efficiency and effectiveness of the construction phase by offering insight into the design’s constructability and a better knowledge of the building’s future operations and maintenance.
There is unquestionably a need for the architectural profession to promote the positive aspects of BIM for future advancements.
