Our Industry is changing! We are moving into an era where 2D solutions are becoming insufficient. It is quickly becoming an industry where 4D is the norm, and where there is greater demand for “Integrated Practice” Project Delivery Methodology, Sustainability, and Energy Conservation. Building Information Modeling is a realistic methodology which can provide these deliverables.
The Building Information Model represents the building as an integrated database of coordinated information. Beyond graphically depicting the design, much of the data needed for supporting Sustainable Design is captured automatically as design on the project proceeds. We are creating a living document which looks at a building over time, tracking the lifecycle and components of the building. It creates an advantage to the Integrated Design Process, collecting information about a building as it is being designed and built, calculating energy loads as the design is changed, and allowing a mutual platform for all consultants.
The BIM technological advantage is one of integrated visualization, technical accuracy, and efficient coordination. Revit is the most advanced Building Information Modeling program (BIM), and is integral to our firm’s efficiency. The parametric nature of the program facilitates coordinated changes, scales of economy in design, and a more efficient documentation process. The program includes coordinated scheduling, change management, materials selection, and advanced rendering capabilities. The software is designed to be used and manipulated time and time again without losing any information.
Integrated databases are the ideal method to communicate between all members of a project. They are faster to create, they are more consistent, and they have a superior level of coordination. At any stage of the design, project managers understand where they stand in relation to their budget, with a user-friendly visualization of space and materials.
Revit plays a pivotal role in eliminating the typical mistakes found in construction documents. Drawings and schedules are fully coordinated which removes a significant amount of time and cost from the design, construction and operating processes. The parametric change technology automatically coordinates changes made anywhere, which is more consistent and faster. With Revit, every drawing sheet, every 2D and 3D view, and every schedule is a direct presentation of information from the underlying building database. Each view is a window into the building information model.
We share the vision of a world where facilities managers, end users, contractors and suppliers are all involved at the start of the design process; where processes are outcome driven and decisions are not made solely on first cost basis; where risk and reward are value-based, appropriately balanced among all team members over the life of a project; and where the profession delivers higher quality design that is sustainable and responsive. This is our projected ideal vision of Integrated Practice.
