What are the primary goals of creating a building model? Who are the key stakeholders?
The stakeholders in creating a building model are the architect, the engineer, and the client/owner.
- What does each of them need from the model?
The client/owner is the one who needs the model to perform. They may have a set of necessary inclusions and/or a desired list of items. For example, a client may want a 3-story home that includes a certain amount of bedrooms, bathrooms, and other amenities. However, other things to think about may include office space, common rooms, ample kitchen space, etc. In turn, projects can become complex very fast due to shifting requirements. When I was working in structural engineering, we often had to work with the architecture team to accommodate their requests as best as we could. For instance, if a client wanted a bigger kitchen, the architecture team might have to make a closet smaller. If a structural beam was resting on that closet wall, it then becomes a design issue for us. So, there are many considerations when designing a model. Each of them need the model to perform, but the architect and engineer often have to satisfy the client/owner in such an instance.
- What do they care about most, and where do those priorities conflict?
The structural engineer cares first and foremost about safety, fulfilling building code requirements, and material. The architect likely cares more about the aesthetic of the building and working with the client to accommodate all of their wishes. Lastly, the client cares most about achieving their project goals, keeping the cost low, and completing the project in a timely manner. These priorities are often hard to reconcile, as these objectives can be in direct conflict with one another. For instance, it’s hard to keep the cost low when you’re trying to achieve all of the structural and aesthetic goals that the engineer and architect may have. There is only so much space in a project, and the more complex it gets, the higher the cost and time.
A drawing is a picture of a building. A model is a description of one.
- What questions can you ask a model that you cannot ask a drawing?
A model is a fluid design. It can have multiple different versions that are iterative. If I want to try a different design in my preexisting model, I can save a version to be safe and then continue to experiment. A drawing is more difficult to iterate on, as you have to erase what you have already done if you are not satisfied. Decisions feel more intentional and carry more weight, which can stifle the creative process.
- Are there things a drawing still communicates better? Give an example.
A drawing often communicates perspective to a viewer. The architect (or in my instance, urban designer) can choose to portray a model from a specific perspective (e.g., a street view, plan view, etc.) that communicates a specific message about the space. However, a model contains every viewpoint, even the ones we might not want to show. It inherently shows everything you have modeled. Thus, drawings are often helpful in urban designer because we can show residents how a new neighborhood design might add some community to a park or street.
This course splits the work across Forma, Revit and Forma Data Management.
- What is gained by using a different tool for concept, documentation and coordination?
Using different tools for concept, documentation, and coordination allows each phase of the project to remain organized. If you’re working in one program throughout the entire project, it’s very easy to lose previous work and materials that may have been useful.
- What tends to get lost in the handoffs between them?
There are several drawbacks to using multiple tools throughout a project. First, if different teams are using different tools, you’re bound to run into miscommunication. Over the summer, I worked as a consultant for an expert witness services firm. Many contractors that retained us ran into communication issues with the owners between punch lists, timelines, and more. Using different programs can be confusing, as it’s hard to keep each sheet properly up to date. I think keeping a good working relationship with all parties in the project is a crucial aspect of project success, so good communication is vital.
- Who on a real project team is responsible for making sure nothing is lost?
On a real project team, a construction manager or project manager is responsible for making sure nothing is lost. However, it varies by project management contract style.