Week 3: BIM

The BIM Handbook (Chapter 2, pages 25-53) elaborates on building modeling tools and technology. It begins with the basics of modeling objects and provides an introduction to the history of modeling volume-defined shapes exhibiting varying uses, such as movies and games. A key component of BIM is 3D modeling and its history and how this technology evolved is described. This article also discusses the limitations of 3D drawing technologies in CAD in the past, explaining how they were not cost-effective and often times, too complex for users. The article makes clear the development of object-based parametric modeling to the evolving use of Revit Architecture and other major BIM software. This article describes the advancements being made in BIM software, such as Revit, in terms of structural engineering components and fabrication modeling. The reader does not require familiarity with BIM and or modeling technology terminology. It is a rather detailed introduction to the development of BIM concepts and provides an elaborate explanation of the uses of BIM in building design, engineering, and fabrication, and notes the unique capabilities of major BIM software to be able to model complex structures and critical spaces of various building types. The article states that, currently, the primary concern with implementing the use of BIM in everyday architectural and building engineering is the limitations of computer memory and function. As stated, this will likely become less of an issue as BIM becomes more commonly used in the workplace. The other two sources relate the use of the BIM technology described in this article, as it relates to the field of building design and construction.

This informational video very directly states that BIM is not the traditional design approach, and elaborates on the advantages of implementing the BIM process to building design and construction. It uniquely states that BIM technology is capable of predicting building performance, and showcases this via a fly-through of building spaces. The article from the BIM Handbook primarily describes the technology used and even provides instructional information, and this video further promotes the realistic advantages of BIM over the more traditional design approaches to building design used today. As stated in assigned article, this video further explains how BIM provides quick access to a database of relevant and detailed information regarding building use and maintenance. Overall, this video serves to promote the use of BIM in current building projects and those of the future. It provides basic, yet key, notes and visuals on the significant effects of BIM on the building design process and how advantageous and innovative a project can become when BIM is implemented.

This article elaborates on a concept mentioned in the video noted above; it details the impact of BIM on the sustainability of building design. It reiterates some of the factual information about the BIM process and technology noted in the assigned article and informational video, such as the cost and time savings that are a result of incorporating BIM in building design. This article takes a unique approach on introducing the concept of the sustainable or green design of buildings. It details modeling elements and analyses used in BIM, such as modeling airflow and ventilation, while also stressing the simulation capabilities of BIM. The article emphasizes that BIM is needed to create a successful, or effective, sustainable design by using the example of the Miami Sciences Building. The article also stresses how communication between the client and various designers was enhanced as a result of taking part in the BIM process and how these relationships and interactions helped to shape this building into being greener and efficient. Many of the points addressed here also relate to the reading in the BIM Handbook, regarding major BIM technology and its advantages in enhancing interdisciplinary collaboration. As stated in this blog post, the current and future implementation of BIM in building design is intuitive. This technology has the potential to stimulate the field of architectural and building design quite significantly.