BIM implies developing and using a digital model of a facility’s physical and functional features. Architectural BIM is discussed as a valuable technology for the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry with diverse uses in the fabrication process and advantages during the lifecycle of a project. This blog post focuses on the main benefits of using Architectural BIM Services and the implications of this technology in design, cost estimating, drafting, and other significant processes necessary to deliver building projects.
Designing Drafting
Even though the UK government generally defines architectural BIM as the digital representation of all relevant information in building models, the most basic use of the architectural BIM application is primarily a means of generating, Designing and Drafting buildings in 2D views or layouts and 3D perspective views and models. BIM tools enable architects to design parametric construction elements that can be adapted for a different one and the next project. This, in turn, also reduces the time needed to draft and manage revisions for building designs. Architectural BIM solutions make available updates across all drawings in both directions, i.e., changes made on 3D models are reflected on all 2D drawings. This cuts down the time and increases accuracy more than AutoCAD drafting done manually.
Other Major Designing & Drafting Benefits
- Design realistic digital representations to visualize the end building overall. As discussed above, this means that the design is soundly identified, which in turn enables a better way of expressing the designer’s intent to other stakeholders.
- The ability to create drawings, sections, elevations, quantities, and Material Takes Off directly from the BIM model.
- Incorporate metadata into model components, where such metadata would contain rich information documentation.
Analysis and Simulation
Investment in sustainability concerns is now seen as a fundamental goal that forms part of current architecture and how environments are developed. Green building regulations also prescribe specific minimum energy performance requirements for new structures. BIM software is, by default, parametric and supports analysis for parameters such as energy performance, lighting, HVAC sizing, acoustic performance, and code compliance.
Architectural BIM tools interface with various industry-leading simulation engines to offer the below analyses:
- Energy simulation of conditions such as permissible solar heat gains, building orientation, the insulation value of the material, etc. This makes it easier to design an energy-efficient building envelope system.
- Assessments for areas such as usability, illumination, patterns of rainwater, etc.
- Structural design for load-bearing capacities: with particular reference to deflection limit effective designing of structural framing systems.
Construction Documentation
An end goal of the Architectural BIM process is to ease the creation of detailed construction documentation necessary to create physical facilities. This mainly entails drawings, detailing, quantities takeoffs, cost estimates, and material specifications.
Certain benefits offered by Millwork Estimators in construction documentation are:
- Faster detailing and interference checking by collaboration between architects, engineers, and contractors.
- Leveraging this as a core capability includes the following.
- The possibility of revising shop drawings with only a few points of contact with the primary BIM model.
- Procurement schedules were developed from the current material list documentation issued from takeoff schedules.
- Inclusion of critical metadata such as details of manufacturer against model components.
Therefore, architectural BIM significantly enhances the effectiveness of project teams by enabling the quick production of construction documentation and virtually eliminating clerical mistakes and change orders at the later stages.
Facility and Asset Management
It is imperative to understand that the function of architectural BIM does not stop at the building construction phase. The as-is built model serves as the basis for recent technologies like digital twin simulations and other enablers in that it allows the cadre of operating facility teams to continue to leverage the information-rich models through the operational life cycle of the assets. Estate owners can monitor, measure, and evaluate performance indicators that make it easier for the decision-maker to engage in data-driven O&M.
Conclusion
In conclusion, architectural BIM leads to better design, advanced analytics for improved project decision-making, and enhanced communication among project teams. It creates ready-for-the-future digital information about the built environment. The leading AEC firms of today see the implementation of BIM more as a strategic tool that looks at leveraging efficiency improvements to sustain competitiveness and focus on the new revenue opportunities that are likely to come on the anvil of this industry. However, if the different technological changes, such as architectural BIM, are embraced correctly, the social costs far outweigh the initial investment required.
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