Technology is imperative for shaping modern Architecture. It has been a key to innovative design possibilities that many had not expected in the past. Technological advancements in the infrastructure industry have proved essential for current practices, making digital design, conceptualisation, building information, and execution more time-efficient and inventive.
BIM abbreviated for Building Information Modelling is one such technology that has extended beyond conventional designing methods making room for intelligent information management, design phase-based clarity in work, analysis and documentation of projects. It has incorporated transport logistics, operation, and maintenance in addition to renovation, reuse or demolition of projects capsuled in a platform for effective infrastructure management of present day’s architectural demands.
How is BIM Divergent from CAD?
CAD – Computer-Aided Design is the technology which allows 2D and 3D representations of designs. Architects and engineers have widely used CAD in software like Autodesk Autocad, Solidworks, Cero and more for design and documentation using computers which log 2D and 3D illustrations of multiple parts and components of a design project. Being an integral part of a span of industries like Construction, Civil Engineering, Industrial manufacturing and landscape design, CAD has been an essential asset for around three decades.
At variance with CAD, BIM–Building Information Modelling is a methodology where architects, engineers, designers and contractors work collaboratively on a single project at the same moment utilizing a single database. BIM not only helps in creating 2D and 3D representations of a project but also sinks the dimension of cost and time simultaneously while designing one. BIM offers a digital representation of complex facilities like HVAC, material details and specifications alongside the aesthetic readable factors necessary in the execution of architectural projects. Revit, ArchiCAD and AllPlan are some software examples compatible with BIM.
Bringing an architectural project to life is a complex process demanding numerous calculations, revisions, modelling, site observations and alterations. This requires good communication between several specialists from varied disciplines to come together and work in harmony making time a very crucial factor in the successful execution of any project. BIM unifies data obtained from consultants and project sites, further stores them on cloud systems that can be easily accessed by associated professionals at any point necessary. This data can be shared with architects, engineers, designers, contractors and employees in the form of 3D parametric information. Every entity used in the project can be edited using families making it exclusive to a given project that allows identifying problems and resolving them with ease. This approach is widely accepted across the globe covering time efficiency and assuring remarkable accuracy in the execution process.
BIM works in association with real materials and real companies. Thus products used in a BIM project can be used in the real context by incorporating their specifications of geometry and cost while designing. This approach allows for cost estimation parallel to the design process. BIM can be considered a modelled catalogue for materials and products which can be digitally downloaded from a vast library of products compatible with software that integrates BIM technology. The process helps in virtually assessing the end product and avoids unplanned changes in the site facilitating enhanced quality of work.
A project should be self-sufficient in terms of all possible parameters of design and functionality. Disaster mitigation and management is a vital entity in a successful project over its lifetime. BIM offers a range of damage control strategies that allow for identifying possible gaps and filling them at various phases of the safety of a built structure. The program identifies vulnerabilities and promotes preparedness for damage control. Due to the collaborative platform, all stakeholders can readily have an emergency response allowing commendable coordination in challenging times. Evacuation plans to reconstruction strategies can be prepared using BIM. This coherent journey from designing to building an infrastructure on site ensures utmost safety after completion decreasing chances of mishaps over time in a given project.
Given the great possibilities of using BIM, it has become an essential skill for professionals in the construction industry. Its global compatibility has paved the way for hassle-free international collaborations making it almost mandatory to know for aspiring Architects, Engineers and Designers. The alliance of BIM with parametric modelling software like Rhino and Grasshopper have also opened doors to futuristic parametric design dealing with dynamic geometries and mechanisms. Today, professionals acquainted with BIM are seen to bag better professional opportunities aiding to a career boost and fulfilling income avenues.
The application of 3D BIM modelling delves into deeper levels of the project throughout the process of design and construction till the usage followed by an efficiency analysis of the fully functional infrastructure. It elevates the design process and amplifies user satisfaction. The technology of Building Information modelling had set its foot in the construction industry in 2008 which was a time when the system was being re-tooled. Now, it has become an inevitable reality of cutting-edge architecture which continues to strive in the forthcoming times.
References:
- Bandi, D. (2019). BIM Vs. CAD Files: What’s The Difference? [online] Thomasnet.com. Available at: https://blog.thomasnet.com/cad-vs-bim-files.
- Vertical Design Construction Complete Guide. (2024). Tejjy Inc. [online] doi:https://doi.org/10816165827/BMKOCPCk98oYEMOvxqUo.
- Franco, J.T. (2018). What is BIM and Why Does it Seem to be Fundamental in the Current Architectural Design? [online] ArchDaily. Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/888727/what-is-bim-and-why-does-it-seem-to-be-fundamental-in-the-current-architectural-design.
- Doğa Yücel (2023). Time Management in BIM. [online] Kültür Teknik. Available at: https://www.kulturteknik.com/time-management-in-bim/#close [Accessed 15 Dec. 2024].
- Ocean, J. (2020). What is BIM technology? BIM Definition and Meaning. [online] Revizto. Available at: https://revizto.com/en/what-is-bim/.
- Palma, T.D. (2022). BIM cost estimating. [online] BibLus. Available at: https://biblus.accasoftware.com/en/bim-cost-estimating/.
