December 29, 2008—A new era of collaborative design and project management could be ushered in by building information modeling, some experts say.
It has been talked about in hushed tones by the more IT-minded architects and construction industry professionals for 20 years or more. BIM, or building information modeling, has long been hailed as the next generation of computer-aided design, offering the capability to create an easily altered 3D model of a building, and the opportunity to make that model intelligent.
Traditionally, computer modeling in architecture has been viewed as a purely graphical tool that can help deliver consistent drawing information. The BIM model encourages a shift away from that mentality, encompassing real-life simulation and analysis of a building’s performance.
Ultimately, the software developers behind the technology aim to deliver programs that enable architects to create a prototype of their building while measuring its performance from the earliest conceptual stages.
Tests can be run after every design decision or change to see what the effect would be on the project, while information from the model could be used by engineers, component manufacturers, service providers and clients to make projects more efficient.
In Singapore, BIM models are now mandatory as part of the planning process, and are uploaded into a central model. In January, they will also become mandatory in Denmark.
Demand from clients who want easy-to-manage buildings delivered to schedule and on budget is also driving the adoption of BIM, although only time will tell if the promised savings outweigh the initial outlay for the technology.
For more information, see the BD Web site.
