What is BIM?
Building Information Model
Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a process where 3D digital models and other information are used to design and construct a building and then to operate and maintain it.
The BIM Advantage
- BIM Saves Time
- BIM Saves Money
- BIM Promotes Smart Collaboration
This digital information can be easily shared between different parts of the design and construction team to aid project coordination, to eliminate design errors and to speed up the construction process – all of which can lead to lower costs.
Building Information Modelling benefits explained:
- Any part of the design and construction process can be easily visualised.
- Accurate calculation of materials and quantities.
- Standardisation of information passing between different parties
- Variations in the design can be prototyped and tested.
- Temperature models can be created to check the building’s performance.
- Different parts of the design team can work on the same model e.g. a structural engineer can design steelwork straight into the architect’s design.
- The model can be cloud based so different parts of the design team can be based in different offices which could easily be in different parts of the world.
- Mechanical, electrical and plumbing service can be designed to fit exactly into the building layout. Pipe, duct and cable lengths can be accurately calculated from the model.
- Construction documents can be generated more easily, freeing up architects to concentrate on design rather than documentation.
- Any clashing objects in the model can be automatically detected.
- The BIM is a complete representation of the building – any changes to the model will ripple through to all drawings and documentation.