Why is BIM design relevant in the modern architecture? BIM design software and process.

Architectural design refers to the organization of the elements and components that make up a building or structure. It entails the way that they function coherently as a whole and give the structure form and functionality.

Over the years architectural design has undergone an evolution. From the pyramids of ancient Egypt to the norman architecture; the gothic architecture; the baroque style that originated in Italy; up to the modern architectural design, different forms of technology and methods have been used to improve building designs.

The modern architectural design started at the beginning of the twentieth century. It is characterized by much simpler designs that does not include much ornamentation when compared to the elaborate designs of the victorian, islamic and romanesque styles. The current architectural design relies more on sophisticated, innovative technology in the building design. The use of reinforced concrete, together with steel and glass is a primary characteristic.

At the same time, the technical side of the design process has gone through several stages of evolution of its own. The traditional design methods have mostly been replaced by the advanced and integrated solutions of the twenty-first century, with building information modeling (BIM) being a prominent example of this.

What is BIM?

BIM, Building Information Modeling, is a technology system that makes it possible for architects to create a digital simulation of building design making the detailed information necessary for the execution of the whole project effectively manageable throughout the entire project lifecycle.

BIM creates a digital representation of the building or structure being designed and demonstrates how it will function. This allows architects to visualize the whole building before construction and the ability to predict how the structure will perform after construction, including when subjected to stress from the elements of nature.

Collaboration is an important cornerstone of the BIM methodology, reducing or outright resolving the industry’s long-standing issues with miscommunication and a lack of collaborative systems. Automation is just as important in this context, considering how many different processes BIM can automate either partially or completely to free up employees’ time for more meaningful and valuable tasks.

Gradual evolution from traditional design to BIM methods in construction

The construction industry has looked for methods to increase its efficiency and streamline processes for hundreds of years. However, the industry was also considered one of the most conservative industries on the planet just a decade or two ago.

Now, the transition from conventional design to BIM has changed the situation to a certain degree. One of the biggest advantages of this is the ability to integrate different processes with one another, optimizing design, construction, and other operations in a single model. This approach is a stark contrast to how traditional design processes were often disconnected and resulted in unnecessary delays and budget overruns.

Shortcomings of traditional design methods

Most traditional design techniques have relied on two-dimensional drawings and physical scale models for a very long time. Both of these options cause several substantial issues in the design process:

• An inability to visualize the final product with enough clarity
• Limitations in terms of design modification.
• Overreliance on physical paper documentation, which has high potential for being damaged or misplaced.
• High difficulty in coordinating stakeholders due to the lack of a shared data system or similar alternative.

In this context, it may be easy to see how new design approaches with software like BIM are the best possible option for the industry. The existence of a centralized platform provides not only the benefit of real-time collaboration but also facilitates predictive analytics for performance optimization, simplifies data extraction for takeoffs or cost estimations, and more.

Advantages of BIM

BIM can transform existing design methods by using modern tools and features in the design, construction, and operation processes. The most noteworthy advantages of the BIM methodology are:

• Automated clash detection capabilities make it possible to locate and resolve issues as early as the design phase, reducing the possibility of budget overruns and missed deadlines due to costly on-site rework.
• Improved client satisfaction is made possible by making client communication more transparent than ever before, with virtual interactive walkthroughs, detailed renderings for visualization purposes, and so on.
• Flexible integrated models expand the possibilities for real-time collaboration between stakeholders in construction projects, especially in the design phase.
• Better energy efficiency is made possible due to the exceedingly high level of accuracy of BIM models, making any energy impact simulation efforts and design optimizations that much more effective.

Advantages of traditional design methods

We should also note that traditional methods still have their own advantages over BIM environments, even though they are not particularly strong on their own.

• Traditional design requires a lot less technological background to perform compared with BIM.
• It is significantly less dependent on IT infrastructure and requires no licensing fees to be paid for design.
• It also has a lower initial cost in the form of basic drawing tools and paper, which is nowhere near as expensive as an entire computer (even outside of the cost of drawing assist tools like tablets).

Comparatively, BIM also has its fair share of disadvantages that all users have to deal with in some way, whether it is the significant upfront cost of the software and training, substantial investments into IT infrastructure, or the steep learning curve, which will inevitably impact productivity early on. The conservative nature of the construction industry also adds resistance to changes in workflow, which is a noteworthy disadvantage of any new technology or method, including BIM.

One of the biggest factors in the choice between traditional design methods and BIM is the scale of projects. The usefulness of the two is roughly the same for small-scale projects, with some examples of traditional methods being more efficient by a relatively thin margin. However, BIM’s capabilities for medium-sized and large projects are several times more effective than any traditional method, making it obvious why BIM is the new standard for the construction industry rather than being one of several possible options.

The relevance of BIM design software

BIM design software are programs compatible with BIM, and developed for such purpose. Examples of BIM software include programs like ArchiCAD, Revit, AllPlan, BIM 360, and Tekla, to mention a few.

Revit is capable of making designs in 4-dimensions and tracking different stages in the whole project. It is used for coordinating building designs in a team that consists of members from different disciplines.

BIM 360 is capable of providing the team working on a construction project with real-time data, thus, increasing the speed of making decisions.

ArchiCAD is a BIM design software that allows computer-aided solutions into the building design throughout the lifecycle of the project; thus, it integrates BIM functions with computer-aided solutions. AllPlan gives the architects and building engineers room for more flexibility and creativity, allowing them to have full and precise control over their work.

Building information models can be extracted from a computer and shared within the project team in order to enhance work on a particular building project. A wide range of persons can use BIM software. Individuals, organizations and even government establishments may utilize BIM design software for the design and construction of structures. BIM has applications in projects that have to do with electricity, water, communication, transport, oil and gas, and so on.

CAD, computer-aided design, and BIM, are related in a way that some may find it hard to distinguish between the two; however, there are differences between CAD and BIM. CAD refers to using the computer to create designs and drawings of higher quality. With CAD, an architect can make 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional drawings of structures. CAD represents elements of building design with only arcs and lines, unlike BIM. CAD’s limitation is that there is no distinction between the elements of architectural design.

Various BIM levels

Despite the fact that BIM for design is a relatively new approach to construction and architecture, “BIM levels” is already an accepted concept. Different levels of BIM design processes define the list of criteria required to be BIM-compliant at this specific level.

Currently, the most commonly used BIM levels are levels 0 through 3. There is also 4D BIM, and a few others but examples of these are too few and far between to be considered industry standards, for now.

• Level 0. This level is mostly represented by an unmanaged CAD, in 2D, with traditional paper drawings as the main sharing venue, and PDFs if transferred digitally – basically, creating different sources of information that cover basic properties of the project but not connected in some way. Surprisingly enough, a large part of the BIM software for design providers is well ahead of this level as it is right now.
• Level 1. Level 1 is arguably the most popular BIM level and works as a combination of 3D CAD for concepts and 2D for documentation and product info. At this point, the CAD standards are obeying BS 1192:2007, and data sharing is using a common data environment (CDE) as its basis (models themselves are still not shared though).
• Level 2. This level’s most crucial cornerstone is collaborative working – when different parties are using their 3D CAD models (does not have to be the same shared model) but can share the design information using a standard file format. This kind of interaction allows different parties to create a federated BIM model and carry various checks on it. It is worth noting that each participant’s software must support one of the common file formats, such as IFC, COBie, or others. Level 2 BIM has been set as the main method of working in the UK government for all of the projects in the public sector by 2016.
• Level 3. As the end goal for many BIM-using companies, this level is represented by a full collaboration between all of the different parties involved in the process. Everyone in the project has access to a single shared model that has a centralized repository. This kind of approach completely removes the major layer of risk that is conflicting information, since everything updates in real-time. This kind of advanced cooperation is sometimes referred to as “Open BIM”. There are some issues that are of concern, in this case, namely copyright, liability, and so on, but they are intended to be resolved sooner than later – via robust appointment documents and software originator r/w permissions (for copyright) and via multiple shared-risk procurement routes like partnering (for liability).

As you can see, there’s a lot of complexity that BIM software for design provides, via different levels, strengths and weaknesses. However, it’s still safe to say that the potential advantages are easily outweighing the negatives.

Why is BIM design relevant in the modern architecture?

BIM design represents real components of a building with actual elements, unlike CAD that uses lines. Another advantage that BIM has over CAD is that it makes it possible for an architect to create drawings with both 4D and 5D, which are time and costs, respectively. With this, the different aspects in a building project from the first to last including programming, conceptual design, construction logistics etc, can be intelligently managed. Information on the maintenance, as well as renovation or possible demolition, can be managed using BIM. A range of modelling is possible with BIM. With BIM, the structure of the conceptualized building as well as the construction materials with their qualities and cost can be integrated into the model.

Simply put, CAD creates the drawings of a building design while BIM creates a detailed model of the building, which is then used to generate the drawings. The merit of BIM here is that it avoids having to make a drawing twice.

While working on an architectural project, the designer may decide to reduce the time assigned for decision making, adjustments and specification of the different components and elements in his or her model. This can be done by downloading specific ready-made models online and integrating them into the project. By this, costs can be reduced, and the quality of the architectural design is improved.

The BIM design process allows collaboration among all the workers involved in the building project. The architects, engineers, builders and others can work together in a very fluid and intelligent way through the use of BIM. Information can be shared effectively among the team members with each of the professionals contributing expert, related information about the model, thus forming what is known as a federated model (the combination of many different disciplines models into one all-encompassing model). This kind of model improves decision making, reduces cost and avoids unnecessary clashes within the team while enhancing better BIM coordination.

A special feature of BIM is that it defines components and elements as parameters, and also in relation to others in such that any adjustment made to a particular component automatically causes an adjustment to other components. This makes it easy to effect any necessary changes and make corrections.

The role of automation in BIM design

Even though the transition from traditional design to BIM design has already revealed a number of substantial advantages for the latter, it would also be fair to say that BIM itself continues to evolve and improve, using new technology and methods to add new capabilities or improve existing ones.

The complexity of BIM designs has also been growing for a long time now, made worse by the ever-present massive gap between digital models and physical construction. BIM-to-Field workflow establishment is the solution to this issue, making it possible to improve the communication between design and construction stakeholders in a given project by relying a lot more on automation and other features of BIM solutions.

Layout process automation

For example, the layout process in BIM environments is much more streamlined and convenient when compared with the traditional approach. Before, layouts had to be transferred manually with the help of measuring tapes and other legacy tools. This method lacked the precision of BIM models and made it difficult to translate complex or curved designs with enough precision.

The use of robotic automated systems and specialized BIM tools makes it possible to transfer BIM models onto construction surfaces directly, ensuring complete accuracy, with all of the complex architectural features presented as they should be. Many of these tools also provide precise text labels and detailed lines for each layout process.

Improved scheduling

The elimination of the manual layout process speeds up the overall project realization process, offering cascading benefits to the later project phases. Automation of scheduling is exceedingly beneficial, not only in terms of the performance increase but also when it comes to more accurate predictions. Since automation eliminates the human factor from the equation of many processes, all of the future plans within a given project can be made with much more confidence, offering predictability in later project phases, which also translates into tangible advantages as time goes on.

Reduction of labor dependency

Another showcase of BIM’s dependency on automation in design is the ability to reduce the labor dependency existing in the industry. The modern labor market is severely understaffed, and many construction projects face delays simply because of labor shortages. The aging of the workforce is also a substantial issue, and there is nowhere near enough new blood in the industry to replace existing workers who are close to retirement age.

Automation is not a perfect solution to this issue, but it does help alleviate the worst effects by improving performance on more complex actions and automating menial and repetitive tasks when possible. It can also yield consistent quality in all of its capabilities, which can be beneficial in more complex processes where there is a need for human oversight for certain tasks.

BIM design case studies from Revizto

Many examples of how automation in BIM greatly improves design capabilities in a project can be highlighted using case studies of Revizto. Here, we use two examples to showcase how a solution such as Revizto can be beneficial to all kinds of businesses in the field of BIM design.

Revizto x Mortenson

Revizto’s collaboration with Mortenson highlights the software’s assistance with coordinating large projects.

Mortenson is a top 20, U.S.-based building service provider that works in the commercial, energy, and institutional sectors. The specific project in this case is a large multidisciplinary specialty care medical center in Wisconsin with a total area of 763,000 square feet. It faced multiple delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with coordination being one of the biggest issues the company dealt with.

The project’s senior integrated construction manager noted that there were over 50 people on every coordination call: trade partners, design team engineers, field teams, owners, other general contractors, and so on.

The issue of coordination grew more and more challenging with each coordination call, with over 100 models and several dozen coordination spaces being used in the first eighteen months of the project. The necessity of splitting the buildings by area and floor to reduce the size of the bigger workflows also led to a number of issues, including the inevitable delay each time there was a need to jump from one section to another.

Revizto managed to resolve most of these issues by offering the ability to contain the entire project model in a single space with multiple viewpoints. It could also monitor and manage changes in the design or construction models over time, which can be helpful at practically any stage of the construction process. Other benefits of Revizto that greatly assisted Mortenson’s project were version history, compatibility with several file types, automatic versioning, model comparison capabilities, and more.

Revizto at Hengqin Hospital

Revizto’s involvement with the creation of Hengqin Hospital – a large comprehensive hospital that turned out to be an extremely complex project – is another example of the software’s usefulness. The facility is a Grade A tertiary comprehensive hospital with a planned total of 500 beds and capacity for approximately 2,700 emergency visits per day. It is supposed to become a central healthcare facility serving the Pearl River Delta (Hong Kong, Macau, and the region).

The hospital project team encountered a number of significant challenges before adopting Revizto. Model management at such a scale was difficult, with comprehensive models that could not be used by anyone but a narrow range of specialists, which caused a number of project delays. The existence of information silos and miscommunication led to many inefficiencies and communication issues, and the lack of clear documentation traceability made it very difficult to maintain accountability.

When it was implemented, Revizto became a cornerstone of the project in terms of communication and model management. Accessibility was greatly improved by the integration of specialized models into the project for easier feedback on design. The efficiency of communication was enhanced significantly with real-time updates and other convenient features. Lastly, the existence of detailed changelogs and comments made it easy to establish accountability while promoting more efficient project management.

These examples do not represent the complete list of Revizto’s capabilities in BIM design, but they do provide a general overview of how efficient a BIM solution can be at any phase of a project if applied correctly.

Levels of Detail of BIM

BIM has six different levels of detail (LOD) which showcase the level of detail of a given project model. The six primary commonly accepted LODs are:

• LOD 100
• LOD 200
• LOD 300
• LOD 350
• LOD 400
• LOD 500

Logically, LOD 100 represents the least amount of detail, while LOD 500 is the most accurate building model possible, including all shapes, specifications, quantities, etc. The highest possible LOD also includes the results of calculations for building materials, maintenance requirements, and inter-trade interactions, but it is mentioned here for a different reason.

The existence of BIM-to-Field layouts makes it possible to achieve an unheard-of level of accuracy in this process. The use of LOD 500 models in these processes is practically mandatory to provide the highest possible level of detail in the most complex architectural projects imaginable purely because of how error-free the layout automation design process is.

More information on the topic of BIM LODs can be found in this article.

Translating BIM models to physical layouts is much more efficient when done automatically, maintaining quality standards while meeting productivity quotas without the ever-present potential of on-site injuries that might reduce labor availability even further.

BIM as an idea

The fact that BIM is all about communication seems to be widely understood, yet many companies refuse client-related interaction with BIM as a whole. The common example is people utilizing BIM for design as a system in general but not appointing team members with BIM protocol to define specific roles or responsibilities, and not defining information requirements, among other things.

This represents the so-called “passive” BIM user case. People can still partially benefit from a reduced coordination risk and better project outcome, but don’t get any of the more significant benefits of BIM design processes, therefore refusing to operate while exposing themselves to some of the known BIM risks.

Communication is a cornerstone of BIM, and this half-hearted approach does not bring anything more than a few minor benefits. Surprisingly enough, one of the most significant limiting factors to BIM growth as technology is people themselves, with trust issues, “blame culture” and many other problems that companies encounter on a regular basis.

On the other hand, if a company manages to overcome their doubts and committed communication as a part of the BIM idea, they’ll be able to get so much more out of the same BIM environment than ever before.

Revizto as a BIM design software

The fact that BIM is a hot topic right now is impossible to argue with – and there’s always a lot of competitors on the market for hot topic solutions and methods. Each of these different solutions can offer something new or unique for your business. For example, here’s Revizto, providing several important features alongside your usual BIM-ready platform (the one that has a lot of features on its own already), including:

• Live model coordination, providing an easy-to-use model and a bridge between 2D and 3D environments.
• Maximized 3D viewing efficiency, including a plethora of additional features, such as perspective views, authoring tool views, the ability to export camera views from Revit, and so on.
• Clash detection visualization, offering a clear view of every object that clashes with a part of your structure, making it easier to discern where things went wrong.
• Another level of context when it comes to 2D/3D transition, such as using the 2D sheet as a cut plane to the model to see all of the specifics from the 2D sheet on the 3D model.
• Issue tracker’s combination with other tools, making it easier to use Revizto as a sort of a “notepad” about specific issues like elevators, areas with potential clashes, and so on.

One important idea that goes through the majority of BIM ideas is the creativity, the ability to look at the problem from a different point of view or use a piece of BIM software in an unexpected way, and more.

Conclusion

In this modern time, BIM has revolutionized architecture and enabled the designing of very large buildings and structures that can withstand the elements and stand the test of time. With BIM, the chances of human errors and miscalculations in building design is significantly reduced, thus, minimizing potential complications to the minimum.

Automated BIM workflows also play a substantial part in this adaptation from manual design to BIM-assisted methods. It is a fundamental shift in existing construction methodology, capable of creating and maintaining detailed digital structures that persist throughout different stages of the construction process. The BIM-to-Field approach not only assists with resolving current industry challenges but also provides many BIM users with the potential to tackle more complex and ambitious projects in the future.

As the need for buildings that are more sustainable increases, the importance of BIM in architectural design is evident. Using BIM in building design leads to better construction and management of buildings. With the complexity of the average construction project rising as time goes on, BIM is an obvious choice as a replacement, rather than an alternative, for traditional design methods. The fact that BIM is several times more effective in dealing with complex construction projects is only one of the reasons why traditional design methods have slowly been being phased out for a long time now.