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?

Using one building information model (BIM) to model proposed additions/renovations provides a few key advantages that can help reduce expenses and streamline processes in a project. One advantage is the direct incorporation of integrating proposed designs onto an existing model. This will reduce the amount of time and expenses associated with modeling the proposed design because the model of the existing building can be used, rather than create another model to include the proposed additions/renovations. In addition, using one model allows for a more organized structure to store the model and share it with other designers and contractors. This is especially helpful for larger projects where the level of complexity associated with the building components and construction phases can cause confusion and bring about conflict between the varying stakeholders on a project.

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 design alternatives for the exterior facade and the interior floor plan (of the first floor). Even though only the floor plan of the first floor was modeled with a design alternative, this was assumed to be a typical alternative floor plan, which is representative of the other two floors in the building. I chose to change the exterior facade that I had originally selected because I wanted to explore the idea of having a curtain wall on only one floor, rather than on all three levels. Since natural light is beneficial for people and helps to brighten the mood for those indoors, I wanted to explore the idea of having curtain walls in the buidling, particularly on only one floor. This was implemented to survey how the building will look like with the proposed design. The biggest challenge associated with modeling curtain walls was ensuring that the corners of the curtain walls were connected (properly). Moving on, I also changed the original floor plan because I wanted to investigate how the interior space will look like if the building had an open floor plan. The original floor plan is a bit more closed off because there are many walls and doors that separate each space, which can help to ensure privacy and quiet, but create more of a separated sense of community. Modeling a circular floor plan is challenging because there are fewer corners and edges available that can be used to create separate rooms for the different spaces as specified.