BIM technology is constantly evolving and improving, enabling greater accuracy and increasing all of the benefits it brings to use in construction projects. More and more architectural practices are also now switching to our 3D CAD services from 2D in order to improve their design coordination.
But what other benefits can BIM bring to a constitution project?
#Saving of time and money due to effective information coordination
When used in conjunction with 3D modelling software and a Common Data Environment (CDE), BIM can enable architects to efficiently and effectively coordinate, manage and distribute any digitally created project information.
The BIM process allows them to establish the extent of each project member’s involvement within the project, defining their precise role and responsibilities, and establishing the optimum timings for when information is required within the project lifecycle.
Due to its structured approach, BIM not only brings order to projects by ensuring everyone has the information they need, but it also reduces the reliance of working based on unverified information or assumptions. This then reduces or even eliminates the risk of misinterpretation of poorly coordinated or outdated information.
BIM also allows the role of the architect to be brought into clear focus. As it uses digital technology, it highlights the importance of communication, collaboration and good design, with the architect’s ability to communicate their vision and required outcome to the whole team becoming more important than ever.
BIM technologies also help to reduce some of the traditional administrative load associated with design coordination, through the use of tools such as clash detection and document version control – which can free architects up to focus on more creative design solutions.
#Visualisation of the project in 3D
If we strip it back to its simplest form, BIM essentially enables architects to work in a 3D environment, using reality capture technologies such as 3D models and point clouds to ensure the information is valid. This then leads to an improvement of knowledge right at the beginning of the project and allows the design team the freedom to explore their initial ideas in a risk-free way supported by the expert insight of specialist construction contractors and engineers.
Many architects have used 3D models to help communicate their designs to other stakeholders for a while now, but BIM design software takes these balsa wood models and turns them into virtual ones, giving architects the chance to design a building, secure in the knowledge that the information they are working from is highly accurate.
#Improvement of design coordination
It is common now for measured survey data to be integrated directly into the BIM process at a very early stage of a project, providing critical information relating to the existing engineering, fabric and structure of the building that is undergoing refurbishment or a more major transformation.
BIM can therefore be used to manage increasingly complex design processes where an unlimited number of participants are involved.
#Reduction in project risk
BIM is a process of sharing information that everyone involved in the project must buy into. BIM reduces project risk as it facilitates collaborative working to improve communication, as well as clearly defining workflows.
BIM also allows any errors and issues to be identified and corrected early on in the project, reducing wasted time and energy.
#Increase in productivity through collaborative design
The digital project model created through the use of BIM is a powerful tool that can be used to precisely communicate concepts and spatial relationships through a 3D simulation. By using both animated and still models, architects can share their ideas and concepts, and get input from other consultants and stakeholders.
How can The CAD Room help you?
For architects who really want to capture the benefits that BIM can bring, contact The CAD Room today to discover our collaborative approach.
