Week 4: BIM

The BIM Handbook (Chapter 2, pages 54-64) elaborates on building model generating tools and technology and introduces more BIM software and advantages and disadvantages of all BIM tools, such as Revit, Bentley Systems, and ArchiCAD. It was interesting to read the prioritization of BIM software capabilities for advancement with such technology. User interface is an obvious one, but it is good to read that further considerations are being made to make the design process more efficient and user-friendly, as design is surely moving forward to taking place via computers and integrated design processes (as prioritized in the multi-user environment section). The article also makes note of another priority called complex curved surface modeling. It is intriguing to imagine the capabilities of BIM software to accomplish and create complex building forms. The article emphasizes that there will not be one platform that is ideal for all project types and notes the applications of certain BIM tools. With the advancement of technology, especially in the field of building design, it is difficult to imagine this not happening. The other two sources relate the use of some of the BIM technology described in this article.

The second source is a video that demonstrates 3D BIM software that is used for the parametric modeling of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. Users are able to download and import items from a database of BIM items supplied by global manufacturers. The video states how various parameters within each of the disciplines can be used to effectively sketch each system. The completed systems are checked and then inputted into a model with real-world conditions. Assessment of results emphasizes the efficiency of using such BIM software and 3D modeling. It should also be noted that changes among each system are updated in the other models automatically. This video provides great insight into how BIM modeling is enhancing the time and efforts required for integrated design.

The third article provides basic information to introduce BIM, but also delves into the importance of spatial modeling and states some key points about creating complex building forms; the article also further discusses the curved surface modeling mentioned in the BIM Handbook reading. The article describes how parametric curved surfaces are controlled by control points and are therefore defined to have parametric behavior. The article does well to explain the background work of BIM software, in terms of how modeling is performed and its advantages; as stated in the other two sources, this article also states how parametric objects are able to automatically reconfigure themselves solely based on the “rules embedded in them.” This feature is perhaps often overlooked when designing using BIM software, but its reiteration makes it evident how valuable different BIM software are to this field.