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?
Creating a separate model means you have to synchronize changes to the existing construction across different models. This can lead to confusion and miscommunication between stakeholders. On the other hand, having one model that contains the existing structure as well as all future extensions and renovations provides a single source of information that is always current. There is also greater clarity regarding what is demolished and what is added. Furthermore, this approach makes it simpler to plan a project that is designed for phased construction.
What sort of complexities are introduced when you construct a building complex in phases?
- What happens at the interfaces between the buildings as the phases advance?
- How can you plan and prepare for these complexities as your 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?
Design alternatives generally have the same base structure with some specific modifications. The main benefit of using one model is that you only have to design the base structure once. Then, you can create different alternatives that build off the same base. This improves efficiency and organization. Once the design is finalized, you can accept one of the alternatives, deleting the rest.
In your project, which features of the proposed design did you choose to model as design alternatives?
- Why did you choose these building features? And what were the biggest challenges in modeling them as the design alternatives?