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?
By using a single building information model, you can maintain consistency throughout the proposed build. Teams can see across phases and are more likely to spot problem areas between models. Similarly, you can take all the information as a whole and understand efficiencies though interdependent items.. example electrical classing with pluming etc.. You can also design build simultaneously with other designers and architects. Creating separate models would be redundant and the model may not update quickly enough across different stakeholders.
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?
When you’re building across complex phases, it’s common to make different design decisions simultaneously. Sometimes, these decisions are not cohesive across teams. A design decision could interrupt another team's request. Take for example any intermediary phase in construction or any temporary structure that interferes across multiple team’s construction/design. How does one properly navigate through this shared physical space and digital space?Luckily, having teams build through BIM can help alleviate some of these problems. Contractors and chief architects can understand which design decisions take precedence over others.
There’s also the problem of dimensional stack-ups or inconsistencies within the real world construction and material. Certain structures and materials might not be accurately depicted in the model, so all stakeholders need a program that is adaptable. Again, BIM can help with this.
You can plan to prepare for these complexities as you create your initial building model by calling out hard points or any areas you might need accessible during the temporary phases. You can provide necessary documentation and visuals to help other teams understand your process and needs. Hard points and Datums can help everyone stay on track. A high level of communication is needed and again, BIM helps with it.
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?
- Why did you choose these building features? And what were the biggest challenges in modeling them as the design alternatives?