When it comes to architecture, communication and collaboration are key. Now, thanks to technology, developers, and architecture firms have more tools than ever before to help them work together on a design. One such tool is Building Information Modeling (BIM).
In short, BIM services center on a single set of computer models used to show a building’s design, layout, and function. Rather than rely on multiple sets of drawings shared between parties, BIM allows for one view of the process.
While industry research shows that 95% of building professionals know about BIM, only around 54-48% have currently adopted it.
Interested in learning more about how BIM can help your next project? Let’s take a look at the top five things to know:
1. BIM Services Take 2D A Step Further
Gone are the days when construction documents had to be prepared via 2D CAD drawings. Not only were these models complex and time-consuming, they left many parts of the design up to the imagination.
With BIM services, users can see the final product in a realistic, 3D view. They can even simulate a building walkthrough to help with space planning efforts.
2. BIM Can Shorten The Design Phase
BIM allows contractors to more quickly prepare project estimations and material/labor proposals.
Now, instead of searching through documents to find the details they need, contractors can simply view the model to determine what it will take to do the job.
The efficiencies don’t stop once the project is awarded.
When it’s time to start work, contractors can roll their estimation data into a design workflow with about 30% of the work already initialized. That’s a pretty great head start.
3. BIM Can Boost Building Efficiency Efforts
Looking to make your building smarter and more efficient? Data captured in BIM can help determine your structure’s energy performance level.
Building property data stored in the BIM can be used to jump-start building energy simulation. This is a software-driven process that simulates how much energy a structure would realistically use under different conditions.
Builders can then make adjustments or changes to increase energy efficiency, ensure code compliance, and manage peak energy loads.
4. BIM Brings Teams Together
From clients and architects to engineers, contractors, and subs, there are many stakes in the design fire.
BIM services allow each person to have the same view of the building, simplifying coordination efforts and getting everyone on the same (virtual) page faster than ever before.
This combined effort can help reduce conflicts by allowing everyone to discuss and visualize the entire project upfront, identifying issues before they even arise.
5. BIM Is A Living, Data-Driven Design
Did you receive a lighting quote and need to update your project cost? Thanks to BIM services, you can quickly enter such data and immediately see an updated estimate.
While some data, such as costs, are updated manually, there are even some features, such as room dimensions, that are automatically adjusted via your design.
For example, if you wanted to make a room five feet wider, you could automatically see how many more floor tiles that would require. This makes the design process smarter and more accurate for everyone involved.
Work Smarter with BIM
Applying technology to the building design process is a critical way that architects and developers can work smarter, more effectively, and more collaboratively. Contact us for more information.
