Building information modeling (BIM)
A Model for the Future of Design
Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a building design and documentation methodology that creates a reliable, coordinated and consistent digital representation of a building for design decision-making, construction document production, performance testing and actual construction process. BIM saves time and money with fewer coordination errors and an integrated digital environment that gives designers, contractors and owners the ability to enhance their overall vision of all aspects of the project. It is an important tool in our efforts to control project quality and cost.
Holistic Process
A project that employs BIM promotes a higher level of collaboration and tighter team communication throughout the entire design and construction process. From the very early stages of a project, the designer is able to create and use intelligent 3-D models that can be accessed by the entire project team, allowing all team members to import, share and utilize a comprehensive set of project data. This establishes a dynamic process where changes and modifications become more predictable and consistent. Each change is reflected through the whole model and therefore through the whole project. This is reflected on both macro and micro scales, from the building model and renderings to the project schedule.
Dollars and Sense
In the last 40 years, as the cost of construction has increased, labor productivity in the construction industry has seen a steady decline. This, paired with rising energy costs, has created a pressing need for the implementation of labor saving equipment and a more efficient design and construction process. BIM offers a productivity-enhancing method that integrates design and construction, enabling greater project efficiency, fewer delays and overall reduced cost throughout the life of the project. Using such features as interference checking, automated scheduling and material take-offs, the overall process becomes more efficient, providing quicker turn around and savings in time and money.
Design Excellence
Since 1970, BNIM Architects has produced award-winning designs that set new standards for the spaces in which we live, work and play. Furthering this effort, BNIM began using BIM technology in 2000, and in that time we have incorporated BIM fully into our design and production process for all scales and types of projects. By moving to a 3D system of design and production, BIM has allowed BNIM to:
- Reduce labor through higher productivity
- Reduce conflicts between trades
- Reduce schedule time for construction
- Reduce costs associated with design, construction and fabrication complexities
- Reduce information loss in communication between design and construction teams
- Reduce material wastes
- Increase the ability to rapidly test design options
- Increase the ability to quantify and test design variables
- Increase precision in fabrication
- Increase productivity and efficiency
- Increase communication and integration
Utilizing BIM as a method of design and documentation has allowed us to continue our philosophy of sustainability and integrated practice.
Through the digital building model, we are able to better predict conflicts between building systems and resolve those issues early, before they become problems on the site. The technology has also allowed us the advantage to work directly with subcontractors allowing better control of design intent during fabrication as well as the elimination of redundancies in production all of which continues to raise the quality of our design.
In 2006, BNIM Architects was presented with the Green Building Leadership Award, which was sponsored by AutoDesk and presented at the USGBC’s GreenBuild conference.
