(article previously published in January 2011)
According to wikipedia:
BIMBuilding Information Modeling, also called building information modeling, is the process of generating and managing building data management of the building during its life cycle using dynamic 3D and real-time building modeling software. in real timeto reduce wasted time and resources in the design of the building. design and construction. This process produces the building information model (also abbreviated BIM), which comprises the geometry of the building, spatial relationships, geographic geographic informationas well as the quantities and properties of the building components.
Not now… NOW!
As I said before, the transition is happening. It’s not a future technology. It is the present. It is true that in Spain it is not yet a standard like Autocad. However, in other countries, if you send your CV, they already ask you to use this technology. Therefore, you have to start.
To do so with courage, it is necessary to understand the advantages it can bring us. There are many, even greater than those of the change from pencil to mouse. Basically, it projects in three dimensions. This is not a novelty, nor even an advantage in itself. The real novelty is the parameterisation of data, the subsequent use of data, collaboration and productivity.
Another day we will go deeper. For the moment I leave you the link to an explanatory video of one of these BIM programs: ARCHICAD.
Logically, there is no standard yet. There are other programs. Autodesk’s bet is called REVIT. The third outstanding option is ALLPLAN. But we will talk about them another day.
When architectural firms had no choice but to switch from paper and pencil to computer, there was a drastic change in the work process. For some it was simple, for others a nightmare. Many years have passed since then.
Another transition is now taking place: the move from CAD to BIM.
The way architecture firms work is changing.
Although we are reluctant to change the way we do things, the question is to decide WHEN we will change. We can wait for the inevitable, but we will have to take this step sooner rather than later.
One of the factors that determines the continuity of our profession is adaptation to change. Put more dramatically, you will only survive if you adapt to new conditions. In relation to the design process,
What is Building Information Modelling [BIM]?
The way architecture firms work is changing.
Although we are reluctant to change the way we do things, the question is to decide WHEN we will change. We can wait for the inevitable, but we will have to take this step sooner rather than later.
One of the factors that determines the continuity of our profession is adaptation to change. Put more dramatically, you will only survive if you adapt to new conditions. In relation to the design process,
BIM IS THE PRESENT
The way to develop a project is a revolution. But not as much as we might imagine.
The process is altered:
THINKING – DRAWING – MEASURING – BUDGETING – DOING
What you need to know is what changes for the better.
Using any CAD system, we draw lines. With more or less shortcuts, but we draw geometries. With BIM we draw entities. That is, we define, for example, the characteristics of a wall (thickness, height, layers of components, representation in different scales, etc.) and draw a vector between two points.
Gradually we generated the three-dimensional model of the building.
Building in 3D has its advantages
For now, it forces us to make an extra effort. However, it has its rewards.
The former are derived from 3D geometry.
Making perspectives and checking what we already know or intuit.
Plans, elevations and sections. We do not draw the project plan by plan.
We extract the information by sectioning the BIM model.
Changes are not made on a plan-by-plan basis. The model is modified and the plans are updated automatically.This is really a great reward!
It demands more but it also gives you more. As rendering is good for architecture, so is BIM.
The second reward is reflected in the measurements
When building parametrically, all drawn elements are measurable. As with geometry, any changes to the model are updated in the measurements.
Not bad,is it?
Well, the third reward is even better
These systems allow several people to collaborate, at the same time, on the same file. Locally in the studio or remotely.
The relationship, for example with engineering, is more efficient. There are fewer surprises. Everything has to add up.
The construction companies, at the time of the tender, will have a more reliable document: the plans and measurements match, there will be no mismatches.
Although perhaps somewhat risky, the BIM model will also be present in the construction process.
I will now discuss the two main alternatives: ALLPLAN and REVIT.
Allplan vs Revit, two strong choices for Building Information Modelling
Today, they are the two most solid alternatives for working with BIM technology.
The big question,which one to choose?
From the experience of more than 30 years of testing all kinds of programmes related to the 3D world, I will say that I don’t know the answer. I’m sure they both work. Each has advantages over the other. The only solution is to be informed, try them out and decide. What you learn with one will be useful for the other.
ALLPLAN, by Nemetschek, is German
He was the pioneer and that has its advantages. I recently visited the Allplan Roadshow 2011. The explanations of Sergi Ferrater, an architect, were very eloquent. With the same program all our needs were solved. I think that fact, in itself, is not a great advantage.
And so, going back to the beginning, which one to choose?
Difficult choice. Neither is clearly superior to the other. Both are promising.
My only advice is to try both. Choose the one you feel more comfortable with, more in line with your style. Put them in crisis. But, don’t do this forever. Time will tell you which company is more into product improvement, into providing better technical support. And you, as a user, will choose one.
One more thing. Don’t expect an initiative like AutoCAD back in the day to give the program away for free.