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 main advantage of using a single BIM for a proposed design is being able to see how the new design will be integrated with the existing conditions. If we were to make a separate model of the new design, it will be difficult for the other people involved to understand how the two parts are connected and how they work together. Another key advantage of this method is being able to build off of the existing conditions. It is better for a building design to be consistent throughout, so if an extension part is designed for an existing building, the buildings may not have matching styles or facade, which is off putting for the constructors and clients. It is better to use the existing BIM as a foundation for the proposed design.
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?
Often times the design alternatives are layout designs, different building features, exterior facade changes, etc. These alternative designs are relatively small changes. One advantage of using a single BIM for these design alternatives is time saving. It takes a lot of time to create a whole new BIM, so if we build off the existing BIM, it will save the designers time and make it so the project can start construction sooner. Another advantage for this method is consistency. If a new BIM is created each time, the correct dimensions may not transfer over correctly or the layout may be altered (even if that wasn’t the intention with the design alternative). Therefore, using one BIM for one project creates consistency and reduces error in the designs.
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?