Module 5 - Points to Ponder

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?
• Being able to see the existing elements and understand which one needs to be taken down is super important for the construction phase. This makes sure there isn’t a gap in the timeline of the project. Key advantages include full detailed information on previous elements to the designers in the new phase.

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?

• I thought the staircase on the outside was a bold statement so I was unsure if the client would want that. I decided to include an alternative with no stairs.
• The other feature was the conference room on the first floor. I didn’t experiment with curtain walls on the inside so I though this design alternative would help the client see a different potential for the interiors if desired.