Technology is continuously evolving just according to Moore’s Law (Wikipedia 1), and there is no indication that the process of innovation is slowing down anytime soon. As our computers become more and more powerful and able to support larger, more complex operations, the viability of current industry standards is called into question.
Currently, Revit is one of the most popular BIM platforms in the construction field. Of course, whether or not it continues to dominate in AEC is up to Autodesk’s research and development team and executives. One present issue that will most likely continue to be a problem for the future is the issue of interoperability. BIM platforms need to be able to synthesize data from many sources and transfer information readily and seamlessly using IFC classes or other standardizations yet to come. Undoubtedly, more platforms will be developed in the next decade; ideally, each new platform is more and more efficient with data storage, transfer, and usage.
Bill Allen comments on the issue of “data waste” (Allen 1). Data waste is, in general, the inefficient use of data. This includes recreating already-existing data, processing data manually rather than automatically, or having extraneous data in excess for a project (for example, storing the topographical model of Cleveland on a file for a project in Philadelphia). Like interoperability, data waste is also a current issue that will continue to plague future BIM projects. Workflows and programming are paramount for efficient usage of BIM technology. Many firms that claim to be well versed in BIM are still using it inefficiently, or, at the very least, not to its full present potential. Coding software like Dynamo aids in automating some of the BIM management and design tasks. Dynamo can also be used as an organizational tool for data to minimize the amount of data waste for a model. Developments in generative design are also advancements in parametric design and efficient use of data in building design.
We have the technology to work with BIM in ways that save enormous sums of money and time in all phases of a project: schematics, trades coordination, construction project, and closeouts all have the potential to be highly efficient and mostly (if not entirely) automated. What restricts the innovation of the AEC field is the willingness to invest time and capital into new ideas and the drive to challenge the status quo. As long as firms aren’t “settling” for BIM solutions and demand the functionality, the industry is destined to see great changes in virtual design and construction.
References
- Wikipedia contributors. (2020, January 19). Moore's law. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 03:19, January 23, 2020, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Moore%27s_law&oldid=936559599
- Allen, B. (2019, October 16). The Future of BIM Will Not Be BIM and It's Coming Faster Than You Think. Retrieved from https://www.autodesk.com/autodesk-university/article/Future-BIM-Will-Not-Be-BIM-and-Its-Coming-Faster-You-Think-2017
Andy,
Contractors are a huge beneficiary of BIM/VDC technology. Like Dr. Fiori mentioned during her lecture on Thursday, contractors are one of the groups putting major pressure on designers to use BIM because of the benefits in time, cost, and quality of the project. As more autonomous means of inspection and performing work are developed, safety of laborers will also improve.
Jake,
While I am thrilled that Revit and other BIM applications can produce detailed, accurate sets of electronic drawings, many seasoned professionals in the AEC industry do not feel the same. On one of my co-ops, there were several individuals that refused to use electronic drawings and would re-print entire sets of drawings for a handful of revised pages. Sustainability needs to be a focus in all aspects of our practice, including something as seemingly trivial as document management. Revit is a great tool, but it's potential is limited by how much the people behind it choose to use it.
Mika,
You're absolutely right in regards to how frustrating the learning process for a new technology can be. Proper training is essential in a firm implementing BIM into their workflows, and unfortunately, many professionals are left on their own with Revit in a trial-by-Youtube learning environment. I am also a self-taught Revit user and I recognize how valuable an in-depth training or learning under a mentor can be.
7 comments:
You discuss the future of BIM solutions. What would you specifically like to see added to the functionality of BIM? I like that you brought up the future because it is important for us to look forward in this field.
Spencer,
Data waste is a term I was not fully aware of, so I am glad you discussed this point in your post. BIM software, just like our brains, can be very powerful when used at its full potential, but this is a rare case. This may be because new features are regularly being added and engineers do not always have the time to learn them. The firms I worked for regularly had BIM experts come in to give us lessons on new features that could make our jobs easier, and I believe this is something that all firms should do.
Spencer,
As BIM continues to expand in its abilities, we can see it as a positive and a negative for us users. You mention data waste and interoperability, which are current problems that we face and could potentially be future problems, but what if the programing evolves so much that there is minimal use for human interference. Robots have been on the rise and are capable of doing so much, I worry that instead of helping us as an addition to the construction process, they might be able to do most of it without the need of humans.
Spencer,
I think the statement "Many firms that claim to be well versed in BIM are still using it inefficiently" is very true and I have seen it in the firm that I worked in. I think that it is so hard for companies to stay up to date in technology because they already don't have time because they are constantly trying to get the current project done and move to the next one.
Spencer,
I believe interoperability will always be an issue due to what you mentioned in your first paragraph about how technology is continuously evolving. The best case to do is to find a method to secure the issue because it will most likely never to be resolved. I have never considered data waste although it is obviously there. It is interesting that no matter how "well-versed" you are in BIM, you are still ineffectively using it.
Spencer,
I had never heard of the specific term "data waste" but wow I see stuff similar to what you were describing in my job all the time. Even in just two dimensional autocad people are always adding extra layers or cross references that make the files that much more bogged down. I can really see how this would have a heavily negative impact on BIM; unnecessary bits of information in a 3D model already chocked full of data could really throw a wrench in things.
Spencer,
I think of the Co-ops I have had, all of which have claimed to use "BIM" but in actuality, are still running everything off of CAD. At best, they are using BIM inefficiently but still using it in order to track data and business information on a Facilities Management level. My hope and wish would be that there is a turnover point where firms can actually take time to train their employees in the technology of BIM, but now the industry seems to be trying to play catch up with Revit/BIM which has not been implemented across channels very well.
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