Datasheet
Leveraging the Bim modeL
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This same workflow is true for daylighting (Figure 1.8) and several other types of building
performance and design analysis. By being able to repurpose the Revit model geometry, we are
able to lose many of the “rules of thumb” we have created as designers along the way and begin
to rely on calculated results. The Revit model also ensures consistency and accuracy of design
through analysis by using the model as the sole point source for design geometry.
Building analysis can reach beyond just the design phase and into facility management. Once
the building has been constructed, that doesn’t mean the use of the BIM model needs to end. More
advanced facilities management systems allow us to track—and thereby trend—building use
over time. Building use historically changes over a building’s life span. By trending building
use, you can begin to then predict future use patterns and help anticipate future use. This can
help you become more proactive with maintenance and equipment replacement because you
will be able to “see” how equipment performance begins to degrade over time. Trending will
also aid you in providing a more comfortable environment for the building occupants by under-
standing historic use patterns and allow you to keep the building tuned for optimized energy
performance.
st r a t e g i z e
To maximize your investment in a BIM-based workflow, it’s necessary to apply a bit of planning.
As in design, a well-planned and flexible implementation is paramount to a project’s success. By
identifying goals on a project early on in the process, it allows the BIM model to be created to
efficiently reach those ideals. A good BIM strategy answers three key questions about a project:
What processes do we need to employ to achieve our project goals?
•◆
Which people and team members are key to those processes?•◆
What technology or applications do we need in place to support the people and process?•◆
Ask these questions to your firm as a whole so you can collectively work toward an expertise
in a given area, be that sustainable design or construction, or something else. Ask the same ques-
tions of an individual project as well so you can begin building the model in the early stages for
Figure 1.8
Daylighting
overlay from
3ds Max Design
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