What Is BIM?
BIM is an acronym that comes up frequently in the world of architecture, and has become an integral part of many architects’ work today. Wondering what BIM involves, and how it works? Learn more about BIM and how it can be pertinent to you and your architecture project.
BIM stands for Building Information Modelling, and is defined as a shared digital representation of the functions and characteristics of a given building. It’s a way of digitally modelling and managing information, which serves to facilitate the processes of design, construction and operation that inform decisions made throughout the structure’s lifecycle. Many different types of professionals and organisations make use of this tool, such as government agencies, businesses, architects, engineers, property developers, contractors, and anyone else involved in planning, designing and operating buildings. BIM is more than just software, but represents a whole way of working. It creates a collaborative team environment, allowing different construction professionals to be able to work together on a project at the same time and up to the same standards, building on each other’s effort and expertise for a more efficient and coordinated project. With the scale of building works increasing every year, this type of computer programme is becoming more and more important in the work of an architect.
The History of BIM
Building Information Modelling’s conceptual roots go back to the early developments of computing in the 1960s, and the system began to be developed more concretely during the 1970s. However, BIM has only come to be widespread and used consistently since the beginning of the 2000s. In the early years of BIM however, the system required bulky and expensive hardware to use, like so many of the pioneers of computer software. The first time the software was used to model a phased construction process in a practical context was as part of a system for London Heathrow airport in 1986.
The software really began to take off in 2002, when the computer-aided design company Autodesk released a piece of BIM software that could work on computers that still needed to be powerful, but were also accessible to a wider audience. This tool began to be used by the Royal Academy of Engineering in the United Kingdom, which in turn led to it becoming increasingly popular throughout other organisations. BIM software is now used by many different countries throughout the world, and the UK government has even mandated since 2016 that all public sector construction projects be designed in this way.
How Is BIM Used?
BIM programmes are used throughout the building and construction process. They are used by architectural professionals to model what a project will look like during the design phases, to create a detailed and 3D plan of the future space. This 3D model offers a better way to visually communicate information about a building’s dimensions and requirements than what was offered by its 2D CAD predecessors.
A BIM model can include financial, logistical, geospatial and procurement information, improving the transfer of knowledge and information between each stakeholder involved to optimise the project’s coordination, and reduce unnecessary revision and redundant work. Different professionals can also use these files to include other information, which is referred to as adding another “dimension” to the plans. These additional “dimensions” include 4D plans, which incorporate scheduling data and take into account the length of time the project is liable to take, to plan its sequencing and phases. There are also 5D plans which additionally include financial data to model the potential costs associated with the construction. The design is visible as a combination of “objects”, which can be as precise as necessary. In the context of architecture for example, the furniture in the space could be presented as an accurate representation of the exact piece of furniture which will be present, or simply as a box with the dimensions of the article in question, depending on the level of detail required for this particular phase of the design. It can also be shared between multiple construction professionals at a time. For example, the architect can share them with a structural engineer, who can then share them with a tradesman. BIM models can even be a valuable asset used later on in the building’s lifecycle for future renovation or refurbishment projects.
What Are the Advantages of BIM for Your Project?
If you have an architecture project, the use of BIM technology for your project holds many advantages for you. The architect you choose can show you their designs of the building as a fully-rendered 3D environment, enabling you to better picture the space. Thanks to detailed 3D models, you’ll be able to let them know if the design is as you were expecting or if there are any changes you would like to make. Some architects will even take this a step further for you, offering you a service by which you can see a virtual, video walkthrough of what they have created for you, allowing you to picture coming in through the front door after work, socialising with your friends in the dining room or retiring to bed after a long day.
BIM is also a valuable tool to improve each phase of your project and communication between stakeholders to ensure it runs smoothly, on time and according to your budget. Whether you’re planning a large property development, commercial architecture project or building a new home, BIM can be an important asset in optimising the logistical, financial and scheduling aspects of your project.
There is no doubt that BIM is changing the construction sector for good, making projects easier to carry out both for professionals and consumers. Do you have a building project that you’d like to get off the ground? Find the right expert for you and get in touch with a specialised architect today at find-my-architect.com!