B
|
IM is a process, not a thing and
not software,
even though certain BIM software vendors would like you to think that their
products ARE the only true way to BIM. The term is Building Information
Modeling, not Building Information MODEL. It is a verb -- Modeling for Building
Information. Therefore, if an architect uses the BIM process to derive faster,
more accurate, complete and integrated CDs, then he is leveraging the BIM
process by creating a "virtual building model" to deliver his part of
the design/build/operate process - and in most cases that is paper drawings.
But
more and more owners and contractors want the virtual building model from which
the CDs are derived. And yes, one day I believe we will be submitting BIMs to
building departments to get approval; it will happen. The process of electronic
code checking and BIM quality validation is already possible today, with
software like Solibri. For now, we need paper...but my point is, architects can
at least get to paper information better and faster via the BIM process.
Contractors
want the virtual building model from the BIM process primarily for MEP
Coordination and if they don't get it from the architects, they will often pay
thousands of dollars to a third party to create a "constructability"
model from 2D drawings, since MEP Coordination in 2D using light tables is a
HUGE headache (meaning it wastes time and money) for contractors. Contractors
are also beginning to use the constructability model for construction
sequencing (4D building "dress rehearsals" e.g practicing building
the building and doing virtual "what ifs") and project management,
making them flawless when it comes time to really build the building.
Extracting accurate estimates from the virtual building model follows as third
priority in the contractor's use of BIM.
At
this stage in the Building Industry transformation, I suggest we focus on how
any or all stakeholders can leverage models from the BIM process
however they can. Even though there are many models now, one day we will reach
the Holy Grail of one integrated Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) model
that travels downstream and picks up the necessary level of detail (LOD) as it
chugs down the design/build/operate track. Then, we will not need to talk about
BIM anymore, because we will all be doing it!
Right
now, all stakeholders are doing the best they can to leverage a virtual
building in any way they can, and as we progress it will all become even more
integrated, as IPD and design/build becomes the norm.
Until
that time, BIM continues to be a verb, and it is progressing!
