Methods of capturing design ideas have evolved from the most elementary form of ink on paper to drawing on computer applications. Though most architects still begin with a rough hand sketch, the complexities of the final product can only be fully expressed and understood through a model. With rapidly progressing computing and rendering technologies, it has become not only possible but rather essential to digitally model buildings in ever more detail to resolve design issues much before even breaking ground.
Design and modelling
Digital design models have for long been the core of large engineering establishments such as Boeing and Toyota, who have used them for engineering processes, critical analysis, detailed documentation to manufacturing and field support. Comparatively, the advent of Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a recent phenomenon, which in a similar spirit adds value across the entire lifecycle of building projects. BIM reflects a changing paradigm in the design and building industry with software playing a fundamental role, and the need to efficiently integrate the complex layers of various architectural and engineering systems in play.
A Building Information Model is much more than a 3D model, it has the additional ‘information’ associated with the model and its components. This information that is captured in the model can be reused and repurposed; it can be reviewed, revised, corrected and controlled; it can also be checked and validated. Thus throughout the design process, from the initial concept stages to the evolved working drawings, the measurable aspects of the design intent can be retained and passed on through this inbuilt information. Models created using software for BIM are “intelligent” because of the relationships and information that are automatically built into the model. Here the model is actually a complex database that contains both geometric information and non-graphic data.
Mass, Surface and Plan
The Plan is the generator. Architects spend a lot of time on the plans, trying to resolve often complex spatial concepts through this two dimensional representation. A lot of the design intent conceived in terms of volumetric, elevational, surface characteristics as well as engineering systems is not adequately represented in the plan and is revisited using separate sections, elevations, 3D’s and other drawings as the need may be. For large scale projects, this may mean tirelessly coordinating the design teams and several separate drawings. With BIM, design documentation such as plans, sections, elevations, views and even schedules are generated from the model, hence are always up to date with any changes made in the model by any of the collaborators on any of the views – plans, sections, etc. This means lesser time spent on coordination of drawings and conflict management, and more time spent on actually designing and building up the model.
Different kinds of computing and analysis may be performed on the model as it is being developed enabling designers to understand the implications on areas, volumes, costs, quantities of materials, energy simulations, daylighting, and so on, with every design decision. Engineers and consultants can be brought on board much earlier in the design process and best solutions can be arrived at with more clarity. Review times are significantly reduced, and inter-disciplinary communication is enhanced.
Information flow
Besides bringing in efficiency in the design process, the model generated with the collaboration of architects and engineers can be used by construction and procurement teams to streamline processes during construction, and even facility managers to enhance asset management activities. Due to the multi fold advantages of BIM, many countries including UK, Finland, Norway and Singapore are now pushing to make Building Information Models mandatory for large projects. The Indian industry has just entered this domain of BIM and has a long way ahead in establishing national norms and standards