Michael Manley B2

In an age where the magnitude of automated tasks is becoming increasingly larger, it is of no surprise that components of building modeling are being automated as well. BIM gives architects and engineers the ability to rapidly speed up the design process of buildings by automating much of the mundane detailing associated with it. By automating these processes and storing design copies, BIM makes it very easy for teams to collaborate and build off of each others’ designs without editing the original copy. Additionally, BIM provides a 3D layout which allows users to communicate their ideas more effectively and become much more specific with their design constraints. With the addition of this communication outlet, architects and engineers are able to more accurately express their ideas.

However, adopting BIM does not come without challenges. In “BIM Handbook a Guide to Building Information Modeling for Owners”, Sacks and others discuss challenges associated with converting 2D drawings into 3D digital models, document preparation, and implementing new means of cost estimation. It is difficult for individuals who have been successfully accomplishing tasks with the tools they are using to be convinced to move on to new methodology. In the case of BIM, many individuals likely see it as a lot of overhead and extra work remaking models they’ve already completed through other means. However, the authors of the BIM Handbook make the benefits of this conversion very clear. Through visual graphics the authors successfully show that in most cases BIM implementation reduces the amount of time working on models and reduces relative effort once mastered. Like any new skill, there is surely a learning curve where engineers and architects will be less productive than before, but this quickly changes as the designers obtain the appropriate skills to use BIM effectively.

By continuing to move in the direction BIM is pushing in, the effort to get great ideas from architects’ and engineers’ heads into reality will continue to decrease overtime. This will likely lead to more satisfied designers and more creative outputs. I am excited to gain more exposure to BIM and further learn how its applications will affect me.

Sacks, Rafael, et al. BIM Handbook a Guide to Building Information Modeling for Owners, Designers, Engineers, Contractors, and Facility Managers. Wiley, 2018.

Comments: 

Jake Hall: https://ae-410-510-ay19-20.blogspot.com/2020/01/chapter-5-bim.html

I thought your ideas on the interdisciplinary nature of BIM were very powerful. BIM allows for experts of all related fields to chime in on a single design within a uniform platform. This is crucial for obtaining the knowledge and opinions needed for an optimal design in a timely fashion. Well done!

Madeleine Walker-Elders: https://ae-410-510-ay19-20.blogspot.com/2020/01/walker-elders-b2-bim-for-architects-and.html

I liked your ideas on the challenges that come with any major technology shift. Sometimes it is very hard to convince someone to do something a new way even if it is proven to be better. People often see no reason to change if what they are doing is working.  This why the majority of companies who are very successful strive in innovative environments that are right on the technology curve. 

Cory: https://ae-410-510-ay19-20.blogspot.com/2020/01/bim-handbook-chapter-5.html

The point you mentioned about being able to test multiple design constraints quickly within BIM seems to be a very useful feature. I can only imagine how messy this process would be on paper! With the ability to save current versions of the design, designers can be much more free to experiment with their ideas. Great work!