Module 5 - Points to Ponder

Submitted For
Module 5 - Points to Ponder
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Please share your comments on 2 of the following Points to Ponder questions. (Choose 2 of the questions below.)

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?

It is principally advantageous to include a single BIM model for proposed additions and renovations so demolitions to existing features, new constructions, and design options can all be viewed in one project file. It’s good to include all these things in one environment for simplicity’s sake. Otherwise, it would be easy to lose continuity between them and have features that overlap inappropriately between construction phases. We wouldn’t want to create confusion and give the construction team contradictory designs!

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?

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?

In my project, I chose to model solar panels on the roof and the cafe’s front exterior as design options. I thought including solar panels would help emphasize the modernity of the extension, but it’s good to include it as an option so the client can see the underlying roof without them, and have the option not to include them in the construction due to their cost and the complexity of integrating them to the electrical systems. I included a deck with patio tables and umbrellas versus a continuation of the arched, covered walkway as design options for the front of the cafe so the client could choose between functionality and higher visual continuity with the existing building. The biggest challenges for me were bringing hosted elements and arras into design options, which generated lots of errors for me.