Forget CAD, we now have a more impressive software in our hands….. and that is…. BIM. To this day an age, no-one really knows how far technology can take us. A perfect example of this is BIM technology. I will admit, there was much anticipation for this week’s lecture. Not only because it was construction related content, (Yes, I am a construction student), but the topic had caught my attention a while back during my high school studies with CAD/CAM.
The subject for this lecture was ‘BIM Coordination Technologies’, and as nerdy as it sounds, it had everything a sci-fi geek would dream of getting his hands on. We were introduced to two BIM experts Fawzi Soliman and Ryan Hanlen, both of whom we knew in an instance were the real deal, judging from their impressive resumes.
BIM is short for Building Information Modelling, and it is a process that encompasses the modelling and management of a building. As expected, the software has more than just one function. It can store information and documents in databases, as well as enable drawings in 2D to be rendered into 3D models. Generically, BIM software pretty much has it all. By this I mean, that it is feature that has not only assisted professionals in the industry, but has changed the methods we use to manage and develop projects on a large scale.
As you can imagine, there are many benefits of using BIM technology. One of the biggest advantages I found interesting was the efficiency and accuracy of the outcome. BIM has installed interrelated and cross-references information, an accessory that is useful when it comes down to that one minute detail that can cost you the entire project. This feature Fawzi mentioned, allows for managers to manage assets more accurately and efficiently, saving a lot of time along the way. Another impressive value of BIM is its ability to securely store information and data online which minimises the risk of losing work as well time efficiency. It almost feels as if BIM is has a whole new paradigm, that we didn’t know existed. However, in the end it must all come down to how BIM impacts on process of management in the field of the building industry.
According to Ryan, BIM has left a lasting impression on the building industry today (and me, If I could say so myself). There have definitely been more improvements in the built environment through the use of BIM, and hopefully it is put into good use in the near future. BIM is like in many ways an umbrella, as it spreads across a large area of building management. Thus it is important to understand BIM technology in order to follow other building softwares that will be mentioned in future posts.
A Digital Discovery 