What are the principal advantages of using a single building information model of the existing conditions as the foundation for modeling proposed additions or renovations?
- Why not create a separate model for the new proposed design?
The most obvious advantage is that you don't have to build from scratch. You're appending on the proposed design and that can show the steps of demolition and the before and after. Additionally, in the real world, many constructions now are to renovate or add onto existing buildings. This gives a more real in depth experience with the building information model. For simplicity, you want to have it all in one file so that it is easier to access and share to the stakeholders.
What sort of complexities are introduced when you construct a building complex in phases?Â
- What happens at the interfaces between the buildings as the phases advance?
- How can you plan and prepare for these complexities as you create your initial building model?
What are the principal advantages of using a single building information model of the existing conditions as the foundation for modeling several proposed design alternatives for a portion of the building?
- Why not create a separate model for each of the design alternatives?
In your project, which features of the proposed design did you choose to model as design alternatives?Â
- Why did you choose these building features?
- And what were the biggest challenges in modeling them as the design alternatives?
I chose to modify this curtain wall on the east side of the building. Like the rest of my building, the wall was straight and symmetrical. I wanted to play with the shape or add a big of softness into the structure. I decided to curve the curtain wall on the first floor and top it with a mini roof extending from the second level. The biggest challenge was figuring out what you needed to add to the design option. I add the wall first and then saw that I had to add the floor of the first level and the ceiling of the first level. Planning out ahead of what elements you need would have been helpful.