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 a single building model of existing conditions is beneficial for additions/renovations because you can work directly with the how the building currently stands, allowing for more accurate and easier designs. Additionally, it allows you to see (and copy) elements from the previous design, such as wall or window type, creating a more seamless design process. It also makes it easier to see how the old building and new building will inter-play, primarily through additions and demolitions. Using a separate model treats the addition as its own separate building, when in reality it must interact with the old building.
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?
The primary advantage is you can use one base model then make a series of alternate options within that base model. Without this, the designer would have to start from scratch for each option, which takes time and energy. Additionally, it makes it easier to "flip" through all the different options and compare them side by side. A major disadvantage to using separate models is that the information would be stored in separate files, while using one model allows for the design and all its alternatives to be stored in one place.