The BIG BIM picture

[Anonymous]

Currently I am in the research phase of moving our company in the world of Building Information Modeling. Our firm is on the cutting edge of design for science and technology facilities. To our credit we have designed some of largest research facilities in the world. Our firm is a multidisciplinary organization with Architecture, Laboratory Planning, Structural, Mechanical, Plumbing, Electrical, Site Planning, Facility Planning, and Interiors under one umbrella. We have been working in 2D AutoCad since release 10 but now that the technology has evolved it is time for us to incorporate the latest technologies into our workflow. Our firm, like most AE firms, has decided that BIM is our future. The question is what technologies(software) will improve how we deliver projects.
As I continue to research and understand the world of BIM I continue to keep the following points in mind when choosing any technology. My questions for the ArchiCad community are at the end of the list.

1. Past, Present, and Future. Because we cannot just drop the current 2D process and switch all future projects to the 3D BIM process, what current software will help us transition by supporting our old projects, our current projects and our future projects?

2. Interoperability. What software will support the 3D interoperability between all the above disciplines? The software needs to support the old way of 2D xrefs, but it must now support 3D interoperability(Industry Foundation Classes).

3. 2D Drawing Coordination. How does the software interface with multiple users and with users who are using different software? Our firm, our contractor, our clients, and consultants require several different drawing formats from AutoCad 14, 2000, 2002, Microstation, PDF, DWF, Tif, Jpeg, etc. Will the software support all these formats?

4. Design flexibility. How customizable can the building be? I have yet to see any of our facilities contain just run-of-the-mill building designs. Our designers aim for something new every time on all aspects of the facility design, from overall building shapes to very fine details. We cannot rely on the software’s libraries; instead can the libraries be customized to fit our every need.

5. Building Size and Complexity. Can the software handle the complexity and size of our buildings? For us, it not just size that is a factor it’s also the complexity of all that goes into a science and research facility. How does the software handle these things?

6. Scheduling and Cost Estimating. If you are familiar with BIM, you understand the BID process is getting pulled closer and closer to the early part of the Construction Document phase and even into Design Documentation. Does the software support the ability to view or export out a broad range of building data for early bidding and cost estimating?

7. Error checking. Does the software support a “building spell check?” Can we perform coordination checks between disciplines and consultants on major aspects of the facility?

8. Code Checking. In Asia there are a few governments that are working on programs that code checks your BIM model. When USA code officials adopt this methodology will the software be ready to support it?

9. Analysis Reports. Will the software support the future of Wind or Energy analysis on a facility?

10. Construction. Does the software fit the BIM process beyond the design phase? Can contractors use the software or the BIM model to do 4D construction?

11. As Built BIM Model. How will the software encourage the creation of an As Built BIM Model for the owner?

12. Facility Management. Can the software support facility management? Does the software help the owner to better understand the facility and how to manage every complex part of it?

13. Building Lifecycle. Because our facilities are design to evolve with the changes of science and technology, can the BIM model be reopened in five or more years to support major changes to the facility such as renovations and additions?


If you have managed to read through that entire list then I ask you to comment on how ArchiCad or ArchiFM fit into any one of the above points. I am not asking and I know that ArchiCad or ArchiFM cannot do all these things. I am also not look for one single application that can. What I am looking for is software that supports the BIG BIM picture. If the software cannot fulfill one of the above points then what can the software do to support it. For example, if Revit cannot do 4D Construction for a contractor then how will Revit help to get the information to the contractor so that he can do a 4D model in his own software?

I am posting this message on Zoogdesign.com forum and eventually Bentley’s. Because I have had a chance to pilot Revit in the design phase and seen a demo of ArchiCad, and soon Bentley; I will also reply to this thread on how I think these applications are fulfilling the above points. Also feel free to add any points that I might have missed.

Thank you in advance,

Ben Ferrer
bferrer@cuh2a.com

[stefan]

PivoArch wrote:
So, no replys to the information and the new set of questions in the update?

I suggest you start a new and clean thread... And avoid discussions on cars and bikes, since the thread will quickly run away from you.
(I'm not saying you started the bike discussion)