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?
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?
This can lead to coordination challenges, especially at the interfaces where structural, mechanical, and architectural systems must align precisely across different timelines. To mitigate these issues, the initial building model should incorporate placeholder elements, shared datum points, and clearly defined scope boundaries to ensure seamless integration between phases.
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?
The principal advantage of using a single BIM of the existing conditions as the foundation for modeling several proposed design alternatives is that it allows buildings to match in style and design. This shared base ensures consistency in geometry, systems, and coordination across all options. While separate models might benefit architects working independently or exploring radically different concepts, they introduce risks like version control issues and misaligned base conditions. A unified model streamlines updates and comparisons, making it easier to evaluate alternatives side by side. Ultimately, a combined project benefits from greater accuracy, efficiency, and collaborative clarity.
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?