BIM+Design Phase

The project comprised twenty seven different building types and fourteen disciplines. We had inherited some five years of CAD data much of which had been produced in the traditional manner ie drawn for drawings, not for building.

Our initial task was to educate the consultant team to think in terms of building information in their CAD drawings that would be used by others, thereby eliminating duplication of the building components. We thought this to be a relatively simple redirection of efforts and resources, however the reality was very different.

We had little issue in the way of software, as we were all using Auto CAD. What we did find surprising was the number of individuals using Auto CAD simply as an electronic pen, without ever having investigated the concept of layered Xref data.

The building of BIM data in any form, requires interaction between design disciplines similar to the kids building block games, piece by piece. This creates some issue when the design phase of our building projects is geared towards client presentation of drawings rather than communication about the development of the model.

At the time we thought our experiences were unique, and building a model from scratch would not be dogged by the same interferences, however we were wrong on that score too. It matters little what software technology is developed, if it is not supported through educated use by trained technicians and managers. Without support and understanding from industry directors, be they from construction company's or design firms, BIM will fly in circles.

In the design phase, building information modelling creates a need to communicate on a entirely different level. Our first step to utilising this technology is to admit we need it.

Next article will still focus on the design phase, and how we involved the contractors in the design team.

Architecture and BIM

There are two other posts regarding "architecture and bim". We decided to change our user login after writing them, and unfortunately did not keep a record. This current login ties in with our "formwork" site IT etc. Both under the "mnze" name.
There will be others on the same subject. Later

BIM Project

We are in the process of detailing our experiences of building information modelling for a $250M 54 building platform project. From initial reconstruction of a CAD database in 2004, to the completed project 2007.

The model information was used in design and construction phases, and became the primary tool for off site manufacture of building components.

We have also developed a site designed to provide a platform for locating BIM information and eventually have a library of articles for review. Progress on the site has been a little slow, as the project demands all the avaialable time, however this year should see more action.

www.formwork.co.nz

The first article due for next week will be about the challenges of implementing a building information model, when the majority of the stakeholders have no idea what you are talking about.