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?
This helps create a consolidated record of both the new design proposal as well as the changes that will need to be made to the old model. This helps increase reliability and viability of the new design, allowing all members of the AEC process to communicate more clearly with each other at every step. This also improves transparency in the design when communicating ideas to owners. Creating a separate model would both require a significant amount of rework and opens the door for potential errors in transferring or correcting the design.
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?
The two features I chose to model as alternatives were the roof conditions as well as the setup of the central foyer. In the case of the roof, I found that it would be interesting to make the roof partially an outdoor terrace for social gatherings and greenery. But I recognize that there would be complications with rooftop or terrace loading from a structural standpoint, and further efforts would be required to maintain accessibility and safety of the roof while also maintaining user comfort, as some space would still need to be allocated to mechanical equipment. Thus I wanted to offer the owners the likely cheaper option of using the roof strictly for mechanical purposes. With the central foyer being the key highlight of the building interior, I wanted it to be a beautiful space that helped accentuate the exhibits that would occupy it. However, the plants placed there would require constant upkeep and would also leave little room for seating around the rest of the first floor due to the anticipated flow of people throughout Level 1. Hence, I offered the option of placing seating within the central foyer itself, to allow students to gather and discuss the surrounding exhibits, or be inspired by the exhibits as they do their own work.