Eric Rawlings, AIA has provided a comprehensive brief ! ....thanks !
Robin Miller, AIA wrote earlier, ....."I was hoping for more
information on BIM and how it is being used".
My reply (
SA) to specific questions : This architect defines BIM a bit broader than the normal limiting 'I" for Information. Information abounds. The "I" in BIM needs to enlarge its territory to
Interoperability.
The IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) defines interoperability as "the ability of two or more systems or components
to exchange information and to use
the information that has been exchanged"
...what
information was contained in the shared model ?
SA: In one since the users participating in Project V V V represented a dozen Time Zones, each with their own systems, be they operating systems, hardware platforms, country of origin, all able to share one computer server, in
Budapest, Hungary, sharing data (
information) in near real time.
...how it was
managed ?
SA: At the outset it was intentionally the author's choice for this project to 'loosely' manage' the work of potentially 18 time zone users. That was allowed, until near the end of the project, when '
Lead Architect' stepped in and took on a 'global' management role. One lesson learned from this exercise, was, close BIM management is crucial for the orderly flow of information in and out of the Model to keep a constant vigilance and the archive of periodic backups, in case something goes awry.
...how was
information added to in this collaborative approach ?
SA: Individuals, generally self directed, made inputs into the model, and a momentum developed and design evolved, transformed, changed, and was realized.
Project V V V was a unique approach, as compared to a more standard conventional tried and true method, some people were hesitant to join in as the process was foreign to known norms.
...could see more about the
information aspects and not so much on the modeling aspects.
SA: This particular BIM does not display much of the so call embedded information that is contained with in. However in literally seconds comprehensive schedules for literally hundreds of data sets can and could be inserted by the
View Makers unto final drawing set.
...What
information is being added and what
information might be routinely left off?
SA: Schedules for Room, Door, Window, Insulation, Footing, Beam, Column, Lintel, and more were left off, but the data sets are contained in the model today, ready for publication, or IFC Export, or Excel Export, and on on,
ie. interoperability exports..... Attached is a
Room Schedule left off
Why?
SA: This was a
Schematic Design exercise, (experiment)
Hopefully the project finds the correct development team and the design is developed to show what you have rightly observed as missing, (though not really for this phase) will be placed on drawings in the DD Phase.
.....How is the
information being used?
SA: I would call
a banker's set. The banker's set is often a conglomeration of
views that captures the design in such that financial resources can be dedicated to proposed projects.
...Is the additional
information being sold as an added value?
SA: Architect's are able to reclaim their role as
Builder Interoperability Master through proper utilization of BIM, thus increase fee structures.
...Is anybody
paying extra for it?
SA: The World is paying a big price for
not utilizing the full capabilities of BIM. We continue to design carbon dioxide producing structures when we have tools not to do so. The architect can reap the benefits of harmonized design as their client is educated to the benefits to the client, to the community and to the Earth by demonstrating the advantages of BIM.
...If it's not being paid for, why
embed information if it takes more work (does it?) and nobody pays for it?
SA: BIM contains CADD, CADD is not BIM. SA: The exercise we took on allows for a positional advantage to small firms who collectively joining forces with like minded design professionals will dominate the world market for all the positive attributes that were realized in Project V V V. You can add your name
here (click on here) to our developing global database of responsive individuals.
Interoperability does not demand you utilize ArchiCAD
Michael Scarmack AIA
Scarmack Architecture ':-) Lancaster OH USA
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Original Message:
Sent: 08-26-2011 10:08
From: Robin Miller
Subject: The survey says..... positional advantage
Eric,
Excellent answer. THIS IS WHAT THOSE WHO ARE CONTEMPLATING THE SWITCH FROM WHAT YOU CALL "flat CAD" SHOULD BE READING. It is concise and informative, addressing true BIM (vs. 3D modeling issues). Since our firm uses REVIT almost exclusively, we aren't nearly as familiar with ArchiCAD's technology, but the benefits, drawbacks and obsticals you point out sound alike. I suspect both systems also contain some form of conflict resolution, parametrics, etc. and therefore may be "equally viable" choices for someone who desires to take the plunge.
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Robin Miller AIA
MSH Architects
Sioux Falls SD
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