From the discussions in class and readings done individually, we all know that BIM is ever evolving. Its expanding and used in almost all types of building design. That being said, BIM is technology and all technology comes with problems.
Interoperability, the ability for computer systems or software to exchange and make use of data, is one of the biggest problems that lies in BIM. Not all information is able to be relayed or interpreted correctly. This can be seen when model sharing or collaboration on one central model are unable to save or update because of the multiple users that are accessing that model. Data loss is one of the worst parts of the lack of interoperability of BIM servers. Software updates can also cause problems, as this type of data sharing relies on many moving parts and proper translation in the codes, but there are software engineers always working to try and fix any glitches in the system.
Currently, most BIM users input data for a project manually and let the computer (or “robot”) do the work for us based on a set of algorithms. The algorithms used in BIM software have the ability to do so much more, but the users are not aware or do not have the proper training to utilize the software to its full potential. I think the evolution of the technology used in construction is a lot faster than the people using the technology can actually learn it. These advances and updates to programs, such as Revit, are expensive and there are a lot of companies that want to stay up to date and competitive with what they are producing, but might not be able to afford to do so. I for one know that learning Revit is frustrating and confusing, so each time there is an update or newer version available means that more time is needed to learn the new/updated features, and time is money. This is why I think it is important to have exposure to the programs used in the “real world”, as it would benefit you and the firm you are working for.
Sources:
Allen, Bill. “The Future of BIM Will Not Be BIM and It's Coming Faster Than You Think.” Autodesk University, 16 Oct. 2019, www.autodesk.com/autodesk-university/article/Future-BIM-Will-Not-Be-BIM-and-Its-Coming-Faster-You-Think-2017.
Comments:
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.
Abdul,
I believe all of the topics you touched on are important to the future of design. Sustainability is a goal that everyone is working towards achieving, but the two other topics I found interesting/helpful were the detailed visualization and the higher quality results. Being able to see a model in 4D or 5D can help to see any collisions and have a clearer idea of the work that is being produced. This higher quality work is translated into better drawings with accuracy for the contractors, which helps the construction phase, as well as anyone who needs to look at those drawings in the future.
Jake,
Although I have not used all of the aspects that are in the top 5 advantages to using Revit, I do like the parametric components. Being able to edit ductwork or piping in 2D and then being able to see that edit in 3D is not only cool, but extremely helpful with coordination. I also appreciate the ability to link CAD into revit and them both having a similar interface, it helped with my first coop of only knowing CAD but having to learn Revit. It probably cut the learning time by 50% if not more.
5 comments:
Mika,
I found your post very interesting and have seen it first hand in the office I worked in as they were constantly discovering greater capabilities in Revit. Does this mean that there should be a greater emphasis on learning the full capabilities of revit as a firm or a greater investment in teaching Revit or is it moving so fast that revit will be obsolete in a few years? People probably felt the same way about AutoCad.
Mika,
I completely agree that the technology we use in our field is evolving at such a fast pace and that it sometimes makes it difficult to keep up. There are always going to be new developments, and they have the potential to benefit the way our industry is moving, but with that comes the need for proper training. I know my Co-Op held a course for newer employees in the office that entailed Revit training so that everyone was at least familiar with the program and had the capabilities to advance and continue learning once new features became available. I definitely think that this practice should be implemented across the industry and kept up with so everyone is able to utilize the capabilities of the program as it advances.
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.
Mika,
Interoperability is absolutely a problem with BIM. The amount of data processing and exchange that occurs with the modeling project is massive. The present computing technology obviously lacks the power to execute the task. However, I think in the future, this problem will be resolved in the near future. As mentioned in the class, the topic of Moore's Law will allow computers to become more efficient. As of now, the problem is real and restricts true BIM potential.
Mika,
I agree that Revit comes with a learning curve and thus is likely to dissuade many companies from pursuing its use. Like you and Fiori said, this fact is compounded by a lack of formal training as users are often expected to learn the ins and outs of the software on their own. I do however feel that the industry will require more and more companies to switch to BIM as time goes on as it helps designers and constructors deliver a better product, faster and more cheaply. It is for this reason that i believe owners and developers will begin to require the use of BIM on their projects.
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