How BIM Transforms Your Architectural Projects
READING TIME
4:45
MIN
May 26, 2024
Building Information Modeling (BIM) is not new anymore, but it’s been the most important technology in architecture that has transformed architectural workflows. In fact, according to the AIA Firm Survey Report 2022, almost 100% of large firms now use BIM software for billable projects.
In this article, we'll delve into the importance of BIM in architecture and how its implementation can streamline your projects, enhance collaboration, and boost efficiency.
What is BIM in Architecture?
BIM is a digital representation of a building including its physical components and the data and information associated with those components.
BIM isn't just another software tool. It's a collaborative process that allows multiple stakeholders, such as architects, engineers, contractors, and facility managers, to work together on a shared digital building model.
Importance of BIM in Architecture
According to the McGraw Hill report, two-thirds of the users of Architectural BIM Modeling have reported a positive return on investment. The adoption of BIM has become increasingly crucial in the architectural workflow for several reasons.
Better Collaboration
As more and more architecture, engineering, and development firms adopt BIM in their processes, it facilitates cross-company collaboration among project stakeholders. 77% of users believe that BIM creates better multi-party communication and understanding from 3D visualization.
By working on a shared model, teams can communicate and coordinate more effectively with all the data and information in one place.
Less Drafting, More Designing
BIM increases project efficiency by enabling real-time modeling and visualization. Instead of drafting every single line, BIM is component-based—meaning changes that you make in 2D can easily be reflected in 3D automatically.
With less time spent on drafting, you can spend more time exploring different design options, developing better details, and making informed decisions in the design process.
BIM Software and Tools in Architecture
Ecosystem of BIM Software and Tools © 24studio
To harness the full potential of this methodology, architects rely on a wide range of BIM software and tools specifically designed for building modeling and analysis.
Here are a few popular software in BIM:
Autodesk Revit
Revit is one of the most popular BIM software used by architects, engineers, and contractors. It allows the design team to create and edit building models in 2D and 3D seamlessly.
The iconic One World Trade Center, also known as the Freedom Tower, utilized Revit extensively in its design and construction process. SOM, the architect of the project, used Revit to create detailed 3D models of the building's complex structure and coordinate various disciplines involved in the project.
Graphisoft ArchiCAD
Another popular BIM software is ArchiCAD. Similar to Revit, it offers a variety of editor tools for all aspects of the architectural design process, from design, and energy analysis to construction documentation.
But unlike Revit, ArchiCAD is known for its flexibility in modeling. This results in more flexible design geometry like the Charles Perkins Centre in Sydney, Australia, designed by fjmt.
Autodesk Construction Cloud/BIM360
We can’t talk about the power of BIM collaboration without the cloud. Autodesk Construction Cloud (previously known as BIM360) centralizes all your building information models in one place for the entire design team.
Architects and engineers can coordinate their BIM models during design and documentation.
Clients can review models and drawings on the cloud for design approval.
Contractors can perform clash detection to avoid conflicts among their subcontractors in construction.
These are just a few examples of BIM software in architecture. Choosing which one will heavily depend on the needs of your firm and the types of projects that you design. But the ultimate goal of adopting a BIM tool is to help you design, document, and collaborate more efficiently—all within a single integrated environment.
3 Benefits of BIM Implementation in an Architecture Firm
The benefits of implementing BIM extend far beyond improved collaboration and less manual work. BIM also helps in improving design visualization, providing more accurate cost estimation, and reducing errors and conflicts during construction. This all enhances the design and construction team’s ability to deliver projects on time and on schedule.
Enhanced Visualization
Design visualization is the number one application of BIM in architecture firms, accounting for a significant majority (91%) of its usage. With rendering tools like Enscape, you can easily create beautiful visualizations and walk-throughs for client presentations and city approvals.
The integration with visualization tools like Virtual Reality (VR) enables architects and clients to immerse themselves in virtual environments to explore design alternatives, assess spatial relationships, and evaluate material choices.
Accurate Cost Estimation
BIM's ability to generate accurate quantity takeoffs and cost estimates contributes to smoother project management and budget control.
With real-time access to updated project data, teams can make data-driven decisions regarding materials procurement, resource allocation, and scheduling to minimize costly overruns.
Reduced Errors in Construction
The implementation of BIM can help facilitate the construction process immensely. Project teams can detect and resolve potential conflicts or errors between different disciplines early in the design phase, minimizing costly change orders and delays during construction.
For example, BIM helped the University of Colorado reduce 74% in construction Requests for Information (RFI) during the foundation phase of their Denver Health Sciences Centre project. As a result, the project advanced 2 months ahead of the scheduled completion timeline, outpacing another comparable project by 6 months.
Training and Adopting BIM at Your Firm
As more clients begin to require BIM on their projects, you’ll need to start implementing BIM to win more work. While the learning curve might not be easy, it’s not as hard as you might think.
A lot of architecture firms start by investing in training programs to familiarize themselves with BIM processes and software. This may involve workshops, online courses, or hands-on tutorials for your project teams.
The next step in successfully adopting BIM is to establish a BIM Manager role with the sole purpose of training and implementing BIM across all project teams. Some larger firms even have a bigger Design Technology team with multiple BIM Managers working to improve their BIM processes.
Training is crucial in overcoming these challenges, ensuring that architects have the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively leverage BIM tools.
Unlocking the Potential of BIM in Architecture
The implementation of BIM has transformed the way we streamline our workflows, enhance collaboration, and deliver coordinated projects with fewer errors. By adopting the BIM process and investing in training, you can position your firm as the trusted advisor to your clients, helping them realize their vision more efficiently.
Ready to unlock the full potential of BIM in your practice?
Contact us to learn more about our BIM services and how we can help you transform your architectural projects.
