Datasheet
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CHAPTER 1
UNDERSTANDING BIM: FROM THE BASICS TO ADVANCED REALITIES
referred to as the master builders—they were integrated into all facets of the design and construction
of architecture.
Over time, however, architecture became more and more academic as building typologies solidified,
and classical reconstructions on paper and in model form became part of the formative education
of the architect. The design profession began its gradual separation from the building trades. The
notion of design process and iterative problem solving became critical attributes of a design pro-
fessional—in many cases superseding knowledge of construction means and methods.
With modern architecture, solving abstract spatial problems, accommodating programmatic ele-
ments, and experimenting with new materials became driving forces. The machine age and the prom-
ise of mass production were idealized and fully embraced. Le Corbusier’s (1887–1965) romantic vision
of steamships and automobiles inspiring a new generation of architecture took hold, and buildings
became increasingly machine-like. Consider all the office towers and commercial office parks that
have emerged, with their internal mechanical systems used to keep the building operational.
As buildings continued to grow in complexity, both technically and programmatically, the
architect grew more removed from the act of physical construction. Modern materials such as steel
and reinforced concrete became prevalent, and complex building systems were introduced. In turn,
the production of more detailed drawings became a legal and practical requirement. Structural
engineers and mechanical engineers were added to the process, as specialized knowledge of build-
ing systems grew. No longer could the architect expect to produce a few simple drawings and have
a building erected. Complexity in building systems demanded greater amounts of information,
and this information was delivered in the form of larger and larger construction document sets.
Architects today find themselves drafting, producing details, working with a wide range of con-
sultants, and still having to create sketches for contractors in the field.
The traditional production of plans, sections, and elevations continues to this day, but with far
more drawings than in the days of Palladio. At the same time, we ask: Will all these drawings be
necessary in the near future? Will the adoption of BIM lead to new delivery methods, new forms of
construction, and new roles for the architect? Can a shift in technology lead to a shift in thinking
about building?
Building Information Modeling
Fast-forward to the present context and the advent of Building Information Modeling: In this land-
scape, complexity is still very high, but the production of drawings is now the by-product of building
a virtual 3D model composed of constructive elements. These elements are loaded with data that
describe not only geometry, but also cost, manufacturer, count, and just about any other metadata
you can imagine. With an integrated parametric 3D model, it’s possible to detect spatial clashes
between the multitudes of systems in the building. You can know with confidence whether duct
work will interfere with the structural steel long before construction starts.
The goal of reducing errors and smoothing out the construction process is driving firms to be
more efficient, effective, and productive. In this reality plans, sections, and elevations are all
derivative representations—producing them isn’t a set of isolated, discontinuous tasks. A data-
rich model means that more analysis and iterative searching for optimal solutions can occur early
in the design process. As detail is added, the model becomes an increasingly accurate represen-
tation of what will actually be built. The model itself can be used to generate part lists, shop draw-
ings, and instructions for industrially produced elements. If you can send a digital file that can
instruct machines to produce components, the need for traditional annotated drawings disap-
pears. Of course, that day has yet to arrive; but the idea can get you thinking about future direc-
tions and possibilities. The ultimate benefits of BIM are still emerging in a market primed to
radically change the way buildings are designed and built. A shift in process and expectation is
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