Datasheet

Chapter 1
Beyond Basic Documentation
In this chapter, we’ll cover some of the principles of a successful building information modeling
(BIM) approach within your office environment and summarize some of the many tactics possible
using BIM in today’s design workflow. We’ll explain the fundamental characteristics of maximiz-
ing your investment in BIM and moving beyond documentation with the BIM model.
In this chapter, you’ll learn to
Leverage the BIM model
•◆
Know how BIM affects firm culture•◆
Focus your investment in BIM•◆
Leveraging the BIM Model
Building Information Modeling or BIM is a parametric, 3D model that is used to generate plans,
section, elevations, perspectives, details, schedules—all of the necessary components to document
the design of a building. Drawings created using BIM are not a collection of 2D lines and shapes
that represent a building, but a series of parametric, interactive elements that allow a model to
become infinitely more data-rich. These elements can be changed by manipulation of their para-
metric data. This means creating one door or window can quickly be made into several simply
by changing specific parameters associated with that object. Additionally, all of the elements
within the model share a level of bidirectional associativity—if the elements are changed in one
place within the model, those changes will be visible in all the other views. So, move a door in
plan and that door will be moved in all of the elevations, sections, perspectives, and so on in
which it is visible.
We have all seen the growth in the use of BIM in the past few years within the design and con-
struction industries. Firms have been moving from a two-dimensional (2D) documentation process
to take advantage of the benefits of BIM and a model-based document set. According to a recent
survey by McGraw-Hill (http://construction.ecnext.com/coms2/summary_0249-296182_ITM_
analytics), the adoption of building information modeling has taken quite a hold within the
architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. By 2009, almost 50 percent of the
industry had fully adopted BIM as a workflow, and many of those firms use BIM for their
sustainable design and analysis. Figure 1.1 shows the impact of current BIM adoption and the
levels of involvement in sustainable projects.
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