Why Bim Is Essential For Architectural Projects

For typical construction projects, architects are responsible for coordinating among different stakeholders involved in the project. During the design stage, they check and maintain the quality of output provided by their counterparts, namely the structural, MEPF, and other designers involved in the project. They are also responsible for obtaining the necessary permits before construction begins.

During the construction stage, the architect must approve all design changes. The architect also supports the contractors throughout the process, clarifying any design changes and supervising their quality of work. The architect must also be familiar with the current construction regulations followed by the local government.

Before BIM and CAD, architects would draw every excruciating detail by hand. The drawings would take many months to finish, and the construction would take exponentially longer. With the advent of CAD, the drawing process became more efficient but managing the information about the project- its documents and plans was increasingly difficult to manage.

What is BIM

BIM is a collaborative procedure that uses a 3D model to create, change, and analyze all building-related information. This has transformed the architectural process, significantly enhancing the design, construction, and management of large projects. The construction process generates a massive amount of data at every point of its existence, from concept to building upkeep. Much of this information is lost during transfer. Incorporating this data into the 3D model saves time and reduces the likelihood of misunderstandings and errors.

BIM also facilitates collaboration among the various disciplines involved, including architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP). The architect is in charge of the architectural BIM digital model, the engineer works on the structural digital model, and the mechanical engineer on the MEP model. These models are all connected together, making it easy to discover any flaws or discrepancies amongst disciplines at an early stage of the project.

Evolution of BIM

Building Description System (BDS) in the 1970s 

The Building Description System (BDS) was among the first successful building database platforms. Eastman recognized that building plans were wasteful due to the repetition of projecting things in numerous viewpoints. He also understood that hardcopy designs deteriorated over time, and revision control and history for these paper documents were difficult. BDS was confined to certain libraries and design choices, and it was not warmly appreciated at the time, but the seed was planted.

In the decades that followed, the personal computer era began in earnest, allowing future generations of BIM to incorporate more complete design capabilities, more collaboration, and involvement in all phases of a project’s life cycle.

Building Product Model (BPM) in the 1980s

The IBM PC, the Apple Macintosh, and the first version of the Internet were all introduced in the 1980s. It was also the decade when CATIA, a 3D software suite, gained popularity in the aerospace, automotive, and shipbuilding industries. Despite the apparent advantages in AEC, particularly for designers and architects, 3D modeling technology would take the better part of a decade to gain traction.BPM was the first platform to contain project information from planning to completion, serving as a living library of concepts, technology, and standards. Despite its advantages, BPM remained limited to individual building component information and lacked the collaborative capabilities required for AEC.

Generic Building Model (GBM) in the 1990s

Pro/ENGINEER, the first parametric modeling software, continued to grow in popularity as the 1990s began. However, cross-pollination with AEC in general and architects in particular remained difficult. Autodesk published the first edition of their popular AutoCAD product with solid modeling features in 1993. This was a crucial milestone because 2D AutoCAD was already gaining acceptance among architects who recognized that technology would not limit their creativity.

The Generic Building Model (GBM) was created in 1995 with the goal of expanding and integrating information from existing and future designs that could be used throughout the project life cycle. This enabled various collaboration points for project stakeholders.

Building Information Modelling (BIM) in the 2000s and onwards

As we embraced the new millennium, technology breakthroughs began to impact and revolutionize all aspects of life, including the AEC industry.

Since 2000, architects, construction managers, and engineers have fully used BIM. The development of professional BIM manager software surged during this time.In 2010, the rise of cloud computing intersected with the building BIM timeline, allowing stakeholders from several fields to work on and update the same project at once. BuildingSMART International developed the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) standard to facilitate data sharing across multiple software platforms, and more governments around the world (including the United Kingdom in 2016) began mandating BIM use for public projects.  

Today, BIM use is standard practice in AEC industries, with modern technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) making the tools more powerful as the simulations become more accurate and predictive. 

Why BIM in Architectural Design:

1. The benefits of BIM in architectural design include improved collaboration and communication across disciplines.

When we construct and combine a 3D model of all the different disciplines engaged in the project, the model allows the team to receive all project updates and data in real time. When someone updates the model or modifies the design, all of the model collaborators are notified about how the changes influence the model and all of the utilities involved.  

2. BIM adoption guarantees accurate and consistent documentation.

Following proper BIM standards establishes a framework for the project, ensuring that all papers and workflows are consistent. Teams can increase efficiency and avoid confusion by taking a uniform approach to project documentation.

3. BIM enables efficient design analysis and simulation.

BIM enables us to generate virtual models of buildings and test their energy performance under a variety of climatic circumstances. This allows us to identify places where energy is lost and make informed design and construction decisions to increase efficiency.

4. BIM helps with increased design flexibility.

Architects can employ parametric BIM modeling to create large buildings that are both artistic and useful. By integrating the capabilities of BIM with parametric modeling, architects may incorporate geometrically complicated designs into the BIM process.

Best BIM software for Architects

Revit

Ideal BIM Tool for Parametric Design

Admittedly, the most famous BIM software for architects is Revit, developed by Autodesk. It offers a comprehensive set of tools for designing, documenting, and managing building projects. Central to Revit’s functionality is its parametric modeling capabilities, allowing architects to create intelligent 3D models that capture both the geometry and data of building elements.

Supported by Autodesk, Revit also has an array of third-party plugins and libraries, providing architects with additional features.

ArchiCAD

Ideal BIM Tool for Real-Time 3D Modeling

ArchiCAD is a BIM software specifically tailored for architects and designers. Its core strength lies in its intelligent virtual building model, which integrates both the visual and data aspects of a project. This model-based approach allows architects to efficiently explore design alternatives, simulate building performance, and generate accurate construction documentation.

Additionally, ArchiCAD includes features such as BIMx for interactive 3D presentations and Open BIM for interoperability with other software platforms.

Vectorworks

Ideal BIM Tool for Concept Design

Vectorworks is perhaps the most versatile BIM software for architecture. It has a straightforward interface that allows architects to effortlessly turn a sketch into a fully realized design. Vectorworks provides powerful tools for creating 2D and 3D designs, offering a flexible and intuitive platform for designers to bring their ideas to life.

With features such as robust modeling capabilities, intelligent object libraries, and advanced rendering options, Vectorworks enables architects to develop their own tailored BIM workflow without compromising their creative process.‍

That’s why architects love BIM!

 BIM enables real-time cooperation across all of these disciplines. It helps them become more connected and grow as a community. BIM can even help detect sites of collision and provide potential solutions.

We’ve reached a point where the majority of buildings are being created digitally. In many nations, the government requires BIM for all public projects. Keeping up with this trend, many businesses are replacing 2-dimensional CAD drawings with BIM files as regular practice. BIM also allows architects to realistically trace a building’s lifecycle, assisting them with time-consuming activities such as energy analysis and impact evaluation of their designs.To incorporate BIM in your design workflows, contact Techture today.