I'm not sure what your level of understanding is when it comes to BIM programs like ArchiCAD and Revit nor did I go through the entire VVV study. Let me explain in general what the "I" is as I understand from an ArchiCAD perspective. The "I" or information is contained within each of the 2D/3D elements. A single 3D window object can be transformed into every window in a building containing information such as the size, type, detail reference #s, finishes, materials, costing info or anything you want the window object to "know". This "I"nformation can be automatically calculated by easily customizable schedules or cost take offs. The roof plane can be designed with the sheathing, rafters, ceiling material, etc. and a calculate function can tell you how much plywood is in the project and how much it costs. When the engineering disciplines integrate we'll see more BIM models being used on a cloud like server like ArchiCAD's BIM Server where the structural guy remotely loads up the building with the actual W sections from his office in 3D and the Mech gal will have all the ductwork routed through the joists and beams for everyone to see. This sort of integral, yet remote information sharing has never been done before BIM. This eliminates all the separate files from separate consultants. Now the BIM model can also be used by the Contractor on site to extract information that will be in the 3D model, but may have not made it onto a drawing Sheet. There have been a slew of posts about the level of responsibility the GC must accept when interpreting a BIM model and the level of liability we accept by opening up access to this information.
Yes, you have to think about what information you're giving a computer in order for it to be useful. Yes, many people are getting about 10% of the functionality out of their BIM programs today. Yes, there are going to be some growing pains. Once you understand how to get the most from these programs, you'll find it easier to model all of your projects no matter how small. One of the most underestimated items of information one can obtain from the BIM model is that you know the design is geometrically correct. If you model a building in 3D, the model is brutally honest and those who like to fudge things are not going to like this. Most of the complaints I hear, when it comes to building models, are from those who didn't want to figure out how to make the design work in reality. If you're using a computer and you start laying out walls for the first time, how do you know how far apart the lines representing the wall should be? If you don't know whether the wall is brick with block or studs, then why are you on the computer and not the table? BIM programs like ArchiCAD give you the ability to show all of the relevant materials in the roof, floor, or wall system. When you're efficient, the first time you start drawing, you're building a building with all of the components in mind. The stud from the wall is lined up with the concrete below from the beginning. You're thinking of the details as you build. Inefficient users will forever keep changing, tweaking, and fussing with the entire model as they eventually start thinking of where the stud and concrete are while masking half of the unbuilt model with 2D patches. This will kill your bottom line. There is a learning curve and it's well worth the money to hire someone experienced with the program of choice and Architecture in general. Understanding a program isn't enough, you need someone who understands construction too. Getting your staff to use these programs with efficiency doesn't take that long with a proper coach and most teams only need a small project or two to get the concepts down. Throwing a first timer into a giant 2 year project is not the best way for them to learn the concepts, unless you like two returns on your investment. Big projects are for veterans! I urge all of you to use your small projects for the learning curve! Unlearning FlatCAD is the real challenge.
I have been able to diagnose most geometry related field problems remotely from my computer, so I know exactly where to go in the field to find the error. I know the whole building works in my model because I already built it component by component. If a roof or stair isn't working in the field, then you know something wasn't "built just like the drawings". When I build a virtual building using predefined walls, floors, and roofs with all of their components represented, the drywall lines combine for a thicker line at 1/4" plans and sections, yet all of these layers of information become visible at 1"=1'-0" when the same exact element is used to make a detail. All you need are some notes and dimensions with a little 2D clean up and BAM! your detail is done. If you find yourself creating details that are quite different from your Building Sections, then you're not building your building from the beginning and simultaneously with the BIM design process. You can't do this with FlatCAD and Xrefs. That was an old clumsy way with many, many opportunities for fudging and mistakes. When all of your drawings are connected, it can be a very wonderfully efficient process with less chances for errors.
What you put in is what you get out.
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Eric Rawlings AIA
Owner
Rawlings Design, Inc.
Decatur GA
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Original Message:
Sent: 08-24-2011 10:44
From: Robin Miller
Subject: The survey says..... positional advantage
I did look at the Project VVV site and ArchiCAD's blog post. I saw what looked like good quality 3D and 2D documentation. Much like what would be expected today for almost any project. So, the "B" and
"M" of BIM are certainly demonstrated. And the sharing of documents around the globe is a very interesting concept. However, I didn't see anything that convinces me that this was BIM; "I" for "information" being the operative word. I admit that I didn't study the sites thoroughly and I do not intend to disparage what was done, it looks great. I believe I understand 3D and architectural drawings and the difficulty of demonstrating how BIM works. I was hoping for more information on BIM and how it is being used.
I believe it would help us to know what information was contained in the shared model and how it was managed or added to in this collaborative approach. If I missed that in the articles, then I appologize.
Part of the discussion of BIM software has been about defining what constitutes BIM and the value or lack thereof for using true BIM, which is being made on a case-by-case/firm-by-firm basis. It would help me if I could see more about the information aspects and not so much on the modeling aspects. An example of what I'm looking for is: What information is being added and what information might be routinely left off? Why? How is the information being used? Is the additional information being sold as an added value? Is anybody paying extra for it? If it's not being paid for, why embed information if it takes more work (does it?) and nobody pays for it?
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Robin Miller AIA
MSH Architects
Sioux Falls SD
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