Which types of structural framing systems and materials are most commonly used in the US for residences? For office buildings?
What factors determine why these are the most used materials?
Why do different teams of designers and subcontractors link and share their models during the design process?
What are the advantages of linking models?
Are there any disadvantages to linking models?
Different teams link models so they can work at the same time and keep the design process moving efficiently. Sharing models ensures everyone uses the latest information. Linked models allow early clash detection, reduce rework, and keep each discipline’s model consistent and coordinated. If models are not updated or paths break, teams may use outdated data. Linked files can also slow performance and require strict coordination rules.
How do you think design coordination was done before we started using digital models?
What advantages does doing this coordination digitally have over previous methods?
Before digital models, coordination was done manually by comparing printed drawings from each discipline. Designers reviewed plans, sections, and elevations side by side, tracing over them to find conflicts and relying heavily on visual inspection and experience. Digital coordination greatly reduces human error by automatically detecting clashes that would be easy to miss on paper. It also allows different teams to work simultaneously, update changes instantly, and visualize the project more accurately in 3D.
What strategies can design teams use to find and avoid clashes prior to the start of construction?
What can be done besides sharing the models digitally?
At what point in the project development process should design coordination start?
Is it ever too early?
Design coordination should begin right after the conceptual design is completed and the detailed design phase starts. If coordination starts before the concept is settled, stakeholder feedback may force major changes, making early coordination inefficient. Coordinating too early can lead to wasted effort because the design may still shift significantly during the conceptual phase.