BIM finally starting to pay off for AEC firms

In surveying Giants 300 firms about BIM, we went right for the jugular: Is BIM paying off—through cost savings, higher quality, or client satisfaction? Here’s what they told us.

By Robert Cassidy and Tim Gregorski

Back to School

Late June, last year, when my friend Prasad asked me if I was interested in teaching in a college, I looked at him and said "are you serious?"

After graduating from an architecture college, I have largely pursued my passion of technology in the job that I took up, the post-grad that I went ahead with and the business that I started. I had no clue when it came to teaching in a mainstream architecture college! My reaction to Prasad was that all I can think and talk about is technology and unfortunately architecture colleges have hardly any infrastructure. And our discussion went on with the thought that what would be available if we could teach something to budding architects without having to deal with too much infrastructure in college and yet have the course geared towards technology. So thats how my journey of creating a course to delivering it began. Labelled as "Digital Architecture and later modified to "Integrated Practice in Design & Construction", I began delivering it at IES College of Architecture in Mumbai as an elective subject.

With a batch of  20+ 4th yearites who are ultra busy with moving the entire college ahead with them, I can say that my journey with this bunch of budding architects has been quite pleasant and fulfilling.

So with that, I'm going to post links to some of their works, here, for all of you to see. Please take a moment and give your valuable feedback. In a few months, they'll be part of the professional industry. And I'm sure they'll be adding alot of value to our profession.

Case-Studies
1. Autodesk AEC Solutions Division Headquarters

More links to follow.

Tips for Getting Started in Building Information Modeling (BIM)

I’ve been learning, training and creating high-value projects in BIM for several years and I’m often asked for a few pointers on getting started in a BIM Project. There are many pointers and you will create your own as you go ahead. I’ve listed few of them below.

• Plan your project, visualize your process, workflow, and desired outcome. Begin with the end in mind.
• The first project you do in BIM is about a change in processes. You got onto BIM to leverage technology to help you alter the way you approach design and construction. Don’t expect BIM to have the same workflow as it did for you in CAD.
• Your first project will help define your project standards. Make sure that you start storing your standards in one centralized space. Write down your thoughts, save created libraries etc.
• Put the mason’s hat on. Model the building as it will be built.
• No need to model every bit in 3d. Use your BIM software to get the essential dimensions and building form correct. You can then embellish the model with 2D details.
• Start with the broader elements like walls, openings, roofs, etc. Work your way down to a comfortable level of detail.
• Model correctly from the beginning so you don’t have to fix things later
• If you are still in early phase of design and do not know the exact wall type, use generic walls to capture your design intent; changing these later will be simple.
• Get information into the project as soon as it is known
• Not everybody likes 'Change'. Select your team that will persist in your first attempt.
• BIM’s single-model environment forces a much higher degree of team communication between all consultants. Plan for it and be prepared.
• Adding a BIM expert to your first few projects can take them forward faster. Ask for help or at least look for it online.

McGraw-Hill Construction BIM Report Shows Growing Demand for Digital Models

Changing the Way Firms Do Business

The BIM SmartMarket Report shows that the BIM revolution is affecting firms in many ways. Major findings include:

-- BIM promotes a more collaborative environment, and users recognize a need to rethink roles and workflow.

-- 72% of users have had at least a moderate impact on their internal project processes, and two-thirds report that BIM has had at least a moderate impact on external project processes.

-- Half of users perceive BIM to have had a very positive impact on their companies; only 7% report a negative impact.

-- Most BIM users (73%) are at least moderately involved in green building projects and find BIM to be helpful with those projects. For example, BIM tools can be used to analyze the performance of energy efficiency elements and sustainable materials.

Click here to read the full article.