Module 5 - Points to Ponder

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?
• A single building model helps to visualize how the additions will not only look but also how they can be phased in the construction process. Creating a new model would not be also to show the demolition phases needed. A single model is more intuitive to follow and would be more helpful in the construction process for the construction managers to better understand what is being done for the renovation.

What sort of complexities are introduced when you construct a building complex in phases?

• Constructing a building in phases can created lots of complications if the phases are not fully modeled or if any of the steps in the phasing are unclear. The first major step is demolition, can be can difficult to show at times and is very important that it is done correctly. Revit has helpful tools for this task, which reduces the complexity of the issue. Then, joining the new addition to the existing building can also be a potential problem. Revit does not explicitly show the detailing and connections needed, but it does show the architectural expectation for the new building. While the structural aspect is probably more important in terms of constructing the actual building, having the architectural visuals helps the construction supervisors to visualize and understand what work they need to accomplish to complete the project.