R3 BIM

The reading assignment for this week gave me an interesting and informative insight into 3D modeling. Instead of reading the required reading article on BIM first, I searched for a related BIM article related to mechanical equipment component modeling within BIM. The article is titled, Framework for Integrated Mechanical Design Automation by Jack C.H. Chung*, Teng-Shang Hwang, Chien-Tai Wu, Yu Jiang, Jia-Yi Wang, Yong Bai, Hongliu Zou. The article went heavily into the algorithms and condition statements dealing with mechanical equipment 3D modeling. Issues were explained dealing with sizing, location, function of smaller components with the individual mechanical model and others. History of sequence functions and how they evolved were also briefly covered. I was interested in the topic but was overwhelmed by the expert technical terms and multitude of complex equations. As I moved throw, the "drag and drop" tool commonly used in Revit was a familiar sight but still accurately explained with intricate detail. I reached the end of the article and wrote my summary. I moved onto the required reading of the BIM handbook. The first paragraphs explaining the very basic history of how the modeling technology and software came about. The simple plane, circle, square, etc. were defined with their boundaries. The intersection method of each simply modeled object helped to visualize the basics of how 3D modeling began. I felt a sense of relief that there was a simple beginning. With the handbook pages read, I pondered about my own experience with Revit. I mainly centered on the fact that I could open a Revit program and start to teach myself the modeling interface without having any knowledge of the extremely complex algorithms and equation that are used to make even a box come alive in 3D, this bothered me. The first technical article and then the history of modeling BIM handbook pages showed me how much I didn't know but could achieve with common knowledge of computer software. I wonder where I could be with the Revit program if I knew all the inter working of the software. Then I thought about what would be more effective for my designing career, the knowledge the algorithms and equation or the pure experience hours on the Revit program. Which would take me longer? Which would produce the best outcome? The last thought I want to add is if one day there will a complete college degree built around construction and building 3D modeling. A major that is not straightforwardly presented today. Starting with the mathematics and geometry, very specific to the modeling software, and ending with complete models of unimaginable buildings. Will building materials and construction methods be able to compete?