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 of the existing conditions, we are able to interact with existing building conditions when modeling our proposed additions and renovations. One advantage is that it allows us to ensure the original design is consistent in appearance and style. Also, we may need to tear down or add things to the existing build environment, and we want to make sure we can do scenarios in the new model that are compatible with the existing model.
What sort of complexities are introduced when you construct a building complex in phases?
Compatibility with original design, control of construction sequence and difficulty, schedule arrangement, etc.
- What happens at the interfaces between the buildings as the phases advance?
When buildings are built in stages, additional elements will only be seen in certain stages, depending on when they were added. Similarly, the parts that need to be removed will also appear in different views, which is convenient for construction
- How can you plan and prepare for these complexities as your create your initial building model?
Duplicate views to create different stages, which adds management of when elements are built and possibly demolished in order to display the stages correctly. Keep the design consistent before and after, pay attention to the logical arrangement of the building space and the timing of ideas, etc.