Current Problems with BIM
Using BIM for project design requires more work upfront. The process inherently is more collaborative. It requires greater initial communication between designer, owner, and contractors. The effective use of BIM software is highly dependent on how it is implemented. Good use of software like Revit requires intimate knowledge of the program, establishing client needs, office standards, and new design practices. The use of BIM can require a great deal of licensing and training, and often requires hiring several individuals to oversee implementation of these programs and practices in office.
A lack of standards on how building models should perform is another issue. Drafted drawings were read as showing design intent, but now modelled buildings may be read as instruction for construction depending on their level of detail. Ensuring accuracy in a BIM model suggests maybe more risk than that of a drawing set. The ownership of the BIM model and its data are uncertain.
There is a learning curve with BIM, and smaller practices might not have the resources or time to invest in this new software, making for a longer learning curve and time of adaptation. The transition from drafting to modelling can take many months, even years. If a model is meant to be used long term to inform building operations, it will take more time and input from the owner to assure engineering teams this is something they want and will use.
The electrical industry is not very well represented in BIM. Most BIM software do not provide electrical elements out of box, nor have they developed the type of compatibility that is not built in to running piping or vents. There is no intelligent circuit design available. Other issues that need to be developed in BIM software include better representation of architectural planning processes, more intuitive user interfaces, integration with GIS systems, integration with energy modelling, connection to real world capture and feedback. [1] Developing the design for a building usually involves some amount of information collection and abstraction. Buildings are not born perfectly in the mind of a single architect, ready to be represented in highly detailed 3D but are a process of adjusting, elaborating and correcting upon a concept.
The electrical industry is not very well represented in BIM. Most BIM software do not provide electrical elements out of box, nor have they developed the type of compatibility that is not built in to running piping or vents. There is no intelligent circuit design available. Other issues that need to be developed in BIM software include better representation of architectural planning processes, more intuitive user interfaces, integration with GIS systems, integration with energy modelling, connection to real world capture and feedback. [1] Developing the design for a building usually involves some amount of information collection and abstraction. Buildings are not born perfectly in the mind of a single architect, ready to be represented in highly detailed 3D but are a process of adjusting, elaborating and correcting upon a concept.
Resources
[1] http://usir.salford.ac.uk/12898/2/PaulCoatesLimitationsofBIMICSU.pdf
[2] http://www.caed.calpoly.edu/content/pdci/research-projects/simonian-10
Peer Comments
Taryn Francischetti
Taryn, I agree ownership of these BIM models and how they might be used post project construction is a big issue that is yet to be resolved. There is no benefit for the design team to share their model, as they might be held liable for discrepancies in the model post construction. Specialty contractors working on the model might want to maintain their rights to their details of design. Proprietary information left in the hands of an owner could find its way to a competitor. The desire to use the models for future repair and maintenance of the project will have to be balanced with liability issues.
Peter, you are right geotechnical and site related work is underserved in existing Revit design.There is also minimal integration with GIS systems. The location of the project so greatly informs a project and its performance that it seems a ridiculous omission.
Hayley Selden
Hayley, with respect to your comparison of Revit and Sketchup you are completely right. Sketchup serves as a more intermediate design concept phase of a project, more than a platform for detailed design, especially when it comes to detailing or engineering systems. This ‘concept’ or planning part of the design process is not really built into Revit. You touch on the distinction between drafting and modelling. For me this is another interesting problem. Drafted drawings are read as showing design intent, but now modelled buildings may be read as instruction for construction depending on their level of detail. Ensuring accuracy in a BIM model suggests maybe more risk than that of a drawing set.
Paulina,
ReplyDeleteGreat post about the problems of BIM. One thing I didn't know about before reading your post what that BIM is not standardized with how drawings are upload and presented on BIM. This could make it hard for users in the beginning to understand how everyone else is using it. How do you think can be implemented to standardized how BIM is used?