award winning architects

Monday, 20 February 2012 00:00

Lee Diggle, Architect

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Jumping On The BiM Bandwagon...

Stride Treglown have been using 3D Parametric software for the last 10 years and represent the largest holder of commercial licenses for AutoDesk’s Revit Architecture.

But what is BiM I hear you cry?  Well, BiM stands for ‘Building Information Modelling’ and is the latest step Strides have taken to improve their services and the information we provide for our clients. Personally, I am currently working on a project where, for the first time, we have the three major disciplines working in 3D CAD software. That is to say we have our Architectural Model, a Structural Building Model and an M&E Engineering model. Each model is linked into the other and gradually we begin to build up a picture of the complete building from the outside to in which can be interrogated.

But BiM is more than just linking each other’s models...

As the name suggests BiM is a process which seeks to provide information for a project, which can be drawn out, organised and interrogated. On my job we are in the process of moving beyond just linking the models together and we are beginning to interrogate the combined models. Having the three major disciplines producing a 3D model of the building allows to virtual build any project and highlight clashes early on in the process before it gets to site and the resolution to clashes become potentially costly. For example, clashes of steelwork with water pipes is a favourite one and having both elements modelled means we can fly through the building and check out these clashes.

We are beginning to see the benefits of working with a BiM system. It allows us to streamline our workflow, generate plans based on strict area schedules and all together improve our services for our clients. We are at the foothills of what BiM can offer us, like we were a decade ago with the use of 3D CAD software. Our perseverance and persistence has seen us rise and conquer the 3D challenge hopefully the same can be said for this next challenge...”