BIM Where are you on the road to BIM?
As a practice we do all our production information using Building Information Modelling, and we are committed to delivering all our projects in this format. We use AutoDesk Revit, and are the biggest licence holder in the UK. We have been using Revit since 2001, but it is only recently that we have been able to use the full power of Building Information Modelling (BIM).
Interactive object based design
BIM is a new way of designing, drawing and producing information for the construction of buildings. BIM means we now deal with data related objects rather than traditional CAD which deals in lines. So when we add a door, it is not a line on a plan, or a non relational rectangle on an elevation, but one object that is related to the plan, elevation and schedule. The intelligence behind BIM opens up the possibilities of how we design, collaborate, and deliver our architecture.
Full Collaborative Approach to Design
Stride Treglown are currently trialling a full collaborative approach to building design and delivery with several contractors, consultants and sub-contractors. Essentially we design all our projects in 3d, and use advancements in software to run clash detection reports, quantity take offs, programme phasing, produce interactive schedules and improve the speed and accuracy of our information release.
Our experience shows that these assembled teams work best when all disciplines understand this collaborative approach and are all prepared to engage their detailed design work early. In fact we find the traditional model of work stages limiting, and find it appropriate to mix detail design with concept design from the very onset of the project.
What does this mean for our Clients?
We design in 3d from day one, so we can show you our vision for your new building earlier. Stride Treglown can provide the end users with real time fly throughs akin to gaming technology so everyone understands what they will get and if the design is right. The 3d nature of the design process means we accurately put together every element of the design, avoiding surprises during construction. It has demonstrated that BIM projects result in more accurate costs. The virtual building data can be used for Facilities Management, and the future safe maintenance of the building. You will know what you are going get.
What does this mean for Consultants?
Stride Treglown are looking for consultants that also use this technology to deliver their part in the design process. We can produce information faster and more detailed than with traditional CAD systems. We can assemble all these different design disciplines data into one model, integrate, interrogate and improve the building design. We can export this evolving model data to environmental, fire, acoustic, and visualisation packages to test our design to ensure best practice, lowest environmental impact, thus the optimum solution for the client. We are actively seeking those consultants embracing this Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) approach that are happy to engage in the design process earlier than traditionally expected.
Sharing the data has its dangers, and it is vital every member of the team agrees a protocol and style of information exchange. We like to summarise this agreement in a BIM management plan that everyone signs up to. We find this cannot be standardised and one is created for every project as every company has different software and differing ways of working.
What does this mean for contractors?
Accurate and detailed information can be provided for tendering, and construction. The data from BIM can be interrogated and quickly formed into bill of quantities. Guess work can be removed from sub contract packages, and tenders can be evaluated on best price rather than best math. Buildability can be tested and modelled with date related 3d visualisation to compare on site progress and programme. In existing building extensions or refurbishment with live uses, accurate phasing of the design can be safely designed. We can offer full BIM integration modelling allowing Design Managers to concentrate on their primary role.
When a building gets to site the BIM model can be used to demonstrate to the operatives on site any complex geometry or phasing that traditionally may have been harder to communicate on paper. A lightweight version of the BIM model can be produced to enable it to be easily used by site managers on lower specification PC's or tablets.
A road map to success
The UK government has announced that it wants all its projects to be BIM based from March 2011. The GSA in the USA has had this requirement for 2 years. BIM has been citied as the next big thing, following eMail, Fax and CAD. Join us in this new way of working, the road ahead to effective and efficient, cradle to grave, holistic design and delivery.