BIM Reading

This week, we tackled the topic of BIM. In particular, the assigned reading was from CH 2 of the BIM handbook. The required reading discussed how BIM accomplishes certain tasks. BIM involves a parametric modeling design process, a much better way of designing buildings than the previous coordinate-based modeling. The article dives into much more detail explaining how models are developed and the detail required in certain models. Some firms may sacrifice a level of detail, which BIM allows, while saving some money. For the other two articles, I chose the following: Is BIM the Next Construction Standard? And Managing BIM Technology in the Building Industry

The first article explores the widespread use of BIM throughout the architecture, engineering, and construction industries. According to surveys, a high percentage of the largest architecture and design firms have at least one license to use BIM. Many of these firms also plan to add more seats in the future.  Many of these BIM users say that the capabilities of BIM are attractive to the industry due to their ability to streamline designs. For example, BIM creates parametric models that are able to adjust if another object within the model changes. This may prevent a user from overlooking a bad design. BIM also has the capabilities to produce materials estimates, analyze engineering factors, and provide feedback. In fact, because BIM is so powerful, the article states that Wisconsin now requires all high budget state building projects to use the system throughout the construction process. This article is related to the assigned reading because it too takes a look at the capabilities of BIM. It does not go in depth as the BIM handbook does, but it explains why BIM will grow because of how powerful it is.

The second article explains how the building industry may manage BIM technology.  The article starts by expressing that BIM is a disruptive technology. What this means is that this new technology will change how firms operate in the design process. The transition from the old process to the new BIM systems will require a good amount of time to complete. Despite this, the article says that BIM “will result in a much improved building industry”. Another important aspect of the article is how different types of firms will have to act in order to successfully integrate BIM into their processes. For example, in an owner organization, the chief BIM officer needs a certain set of skills to be successful. Some other scenarios are presented where project managers will need to change their process of handling designs too. The article also gives some examples of Disruptive BIM use that may be encountered will have to be overcome. I believe that, in addition to the assigned reading, this article is very important to firms transferring to the BIM software. It addresses many of the problems that firms will encounter in the switch, whereas the assigned reading explains the uses of BIM.

Overall, all of these articles explained the power of BIM. Mainly, the assigned reading was useful to newer users that are unaware of its capabilities. The first article dives into the growing industry of BIM and why it is becoming more common within the industry. Finally, the second article is useful to firms that are just transferring to the technology. It explains some of the common complications that firms run into during the early phases BIM incorporation.