Everything You Need to Know About Building Information Modeling in Architecture

It takes careful collaboration, precision, and creative problem-solving to transform a project concept into a finished and functional building. With building information modeling (BIM), architects and engineers can get invaluable support throughout the project lifecycle in a collaborative digital environment.

How does BIM work, and why is it such a game changer for the design and construction process? Here’s everything you need to know about this revolutionary tool.

The Basics of Building Information Modeling

Building information modeling is a process that creates digital representations of buildings and their components. It helps architects, engineers, and construction teams manage a project from start to finish. The 3D models contain rich data that can be used to analyze, simulate, and visualize a building and how its various systems work together.

BIM provides a simple and intuitive way for team members to work together on a project since the data is stored on a cloud-based platform. A contractor can access digital plans from the job site, while engineers can work on other aspects of the project from the office. As different people make changes to the plans, BIM software adjusts in real time to keep all information current. The model constantly evolves to provide key data every step of the way, acting as a living representation of the project—even beyond completion.

Elements of Building Information Modeling

BIM is a complex web of data with many different components that help teams work in tandem during a project.

Common Data Environment

A common data environment, or CDE, is the central location where project members can go to access information. An engineer might visit the CDE to adjust beam dimensions in the model, while a facilities manager might use the CDE to access data about HVAC operations and maintenance.

A CDE can reduce project bottlenecks and enable integrated data management across teams. All files, models, specifications, changes, approvals, and issues reside in a single platform to provide a high level of transparency.

Some core functions of a CDE include:

Centralized document management
Model coordination to ensure up-to-date data
Issue management to detect inconsistencies or clashes
2D and 3D model review
Version control to track and manage changes
Model aggregation

BIM Objects

Inside every BIM model are BIM objects, which are digital representations of individual construction elements. Objects store data about their dimensions, materials, related files, connection points, performance, and anything else that may be relevant during design, construction, and ongoing operation. Anything from a duct or pipe to a wall or door can be an object in building information modeling.

BIM objects allow for enhanced analysis and documentation. Because they contain detailed data, a project member could use an object to simulate future energy usage, generate a list of needed materials, or create shop drawings to assist during production or installation.

These smart objects allow for better analysis and documentation. For example, one can rapidly generate material takeoffs, simulate energy usage, and create shop drawings by combining various BIM objects.

Online BIM object libraries allow team members to select existing items from manufacturers and incorporate them into models. Teams can also create custom BIM objects or alter existing objects to meet their specifications.

Dimensions

BIM dimensions describe the amount of data contained in a model, from scheduling information to cost. A 7D model may contain 2D and 3D images, project timelines, detailed budgets, energy analysis and tracking, and maintenance plans for BIM objects. As more data is added, the model enters a higher dimension.

Understanding the Stages of Building Information Modeling

BIM spans the entire lifecycle of a construction project, from initial design to maintenance and operations. Here’s how BIM can play an integral role during different project phases:

Design

In the design stage, architects and engineers use BIM software to create a virtual model of the building. Project members add details about the building’s dimensions, materials, and systems, allowing them to visualize how the building will function and look at completion. Architects can also share the BIM data with the client for approval and changes and collaborate with the construction team to detect potential problems during the building process.

As the design progresses, the model serves as the central source of information for the project.

Construction

During construction, contractors use the BIM model to plan and coordinate the sequence of work. The model contains precise measurements and materials needed to fabricate building components offsite and install them efficiently onsite.

Key BIM uses in construction include:

Digital fabrication: Fabricators can create structural steel and ductwork based on the model.
Construction sequencing: The virtual model helps sequence work to ensure each step is completed on time and in order.
Quality control: Teams can reference the model to ensure their work meets the specified standards.

BIM improves communication and can reduce errors during the construction process, ultimately saving the client time and money.

Maintenance and Building Operations

Once construction is completed, facilities managers can use the as-built BIM model to streamline maintenance and operations. The model contains detailed warranty information, product details, and maintenance recommendations for the installed equipment and systems.

Ongoing uses of BIM include:

Maintenance scheduling: BIM models can store information about systems performance and manufacturer recommendations for maintenance, allowing facilities managers to determine when maintenance is necessary.
Space management: During a renovation or reconfiguration, project members can reference the model to make the best use of what’s already there.
Energy reduction: BIM can help compare performance between different machines or buildings, allowing facilities managers to find energy-saving opportunities.

The Importance of Building Information Modeling in Architecture

There are several key reasons why BIM is transforming modern architectural practice:

Visibility

BIM provides much greater visibility into design performance and construction processes. Architects can simulate and analyze issues, while contractors can use BIM to improve work planning, coordination, and quality control.

Collaboration

BIM enables earlier and more extensive collaboration between project team members. With all teams contributing to the virtual model, each project stage can move forward cohesively.

Error Reduction

Clash detection and other issue detection capabilities help teams identify and correct problems before construction when changes are easier to make. This proactive problem-solving helps reduce costly mistakes and project delays.

Efficiency

Architects and engineers can automate many repetitive tasks using BIM and focus their time on design quality. Additionally, since changes happen to the CDE in real time, team members don’t have to wait for communication or updated files before moving forward.

Discover the Power of Building Information Modeling With Bancroft

At Bancroft Architects + Engineers, our team has been leveraging the power of BIM using Revit software for years. From day one of your project, we use BIM to facilitate open communication between clients and project teams, reduce costly errors, and provide greater visibility into the project as a whole.

From hospitals and warehouses to university facilities and pharmaceutical environments, our architecture and engineering teams can use BIM and Revit to plan, design, and facilitate construction for a range of projects.

Ready to start planning your project with BIM? Reach out today.

Everything You Need to Know About Building Information Modeling in Architecture

The Basics of Building Information Modeling

Elements of Building Information Modeling

Common Data Environment

BIM Objects

Dimensions

Understanding the Stages of Building Information Modeling

Design

Construction

Maintenance and Building Operations

The Importance of Building Information Modeling in Architecture

Visibility

Collaboration

Error Reduction

Efficiency

Discover the Power of Building Information Modeling With Bancroft

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