Thoughts on architecture and Building Information Modeling

 

By now, many people may have already heard about BIM or Building Information Modeling. It is a 3D approach in designing buildings, which also incorporates 4D (time) and 5D (costs). This is currently the standard software in some architectural offices around the world. Except that there are still a few who still employ the 2D CAD or Computer Aided Drafting. In this article, architecture expert and design enthusiast Joe Cianciotto shares some of his insights in the melding of architecture and BIM.

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Complicated forms and supertall structures dominate today's landscape. It is increasingly becoming more prudent and wiser for architects and engineers to take advantage of BIM. Also, the industry itself is becoming more collaborative. Architects and engineers coordinate even more closely, pointing out conflicts, even at the schematic phase.

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According to Joe Cianciotto, architects, at the onset, exercise some liberty in the design stage. As the design develops, the structural elements and utilities come into consideration. A good designer takes note of these things early on. If incorporated in the design process, a BIM model helps the design team detect conflicts with other trades. For example, structural elements such as columns and beams were found to be at odds with a design feature. Sometimes, even the ductwork of air conditioning systems has a great chance to affect the ceiling height of a hallway below.

Two BIM software currently used worldwide are ArchiCad, developed by Graphisoft, and Autodesk Revit, currently offered by Autodesk, the developer of AutoCAD. Both software differ slightly in their interface. If you are an architect more familiar with SketchUp, it is also highly encouraged to learn these two leading BIM software, especially when planning to take up more involvement in the architectural practice.