The assigned reading did an excellent job describing BIM and its relevance to the architectural engineering and construction fields. The article goes into interesting depth on the means and methods of parametric modeling. An interesting shortfall that this article presents is that "This intelligence, however, comes at a cost. Each type of system object has its own behavior and associations. As a result, BIM design tools are inherently complex." In an industry where profit margins can already be tight, it can be difficult for a firm to devote resources to purchasing new products and dedicating valuable employee time to learning how to properly manipulate the software.
Because of some of these limitations, 5D modeling processes, where schedule and budget are integrated, have often been more limited to flagship, high profile projects. The additional reading i did about the trends in 5D modeling shows how this method of project delivery is beginning to trickle down from big budget, expensive projects to more everyday buildings. I believe as the technology becomes more prevalent and integrated to a greater extent into the education of new architects engineers and construction managers BIM will continue to play greater and greater role in project delivery
I definitely agree with Danny in how with this advancing technology comes with a major set back cost. I know first hand how much this type of software can cost, and I know the amount of learning hours required to understand it. The cost to take classes in that particular program are also expensive and time consuming. Even though we may be out of school, the learning can never stop. But I feel that the benefits of these programs definitely out weigh the overall cost. Also these programs bring professionalism with its use and will ultimately reflect well on the company.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, cost of upgrade and training is a major factor. I work with a significant number of architects and engineers, who believe that BIM is amazing, as long as they themselves do not have to produce their own projects using BIM. But that is not all. Many of industry “veterans” are simply not interested in changing their ways, even if they have financial means to upgrade. This kind of stigma of older generation AEC professionals is also significantly responsible for somewhat slow adaptation of BIM in this field, especially in small scale projects.
ReplyDeleteBoth Danny and James are right though, there is enough proof out there, that once BIM is implemented, standards established, and staff trained in it, initial cost by far outweighs the benefits and with more of younger generation of AEC professional coming in, BIM will be a primary design, documentation a and even management tool, especially with 5D capabilities.