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?
Having the previous and new models together allows for better management and communication of the new designs; the existing conditions can easily be incorporated into the new design and minimizes design errors.
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?
Construction in phases has to consider building usage during construction and therefore protection of occupants and facilities are necessary as well as temporary setups, rework and demo of existing at the interface. For modelling, setting-up of phase and demo filters as well as the new construction elements will better facilitate communication of the design.
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?
For a preliminary design, its easier to manage the options together, minimizes design errors, saves time and resources until selection of the final design options.
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?
Design options are: the bridge connection between the existing and new having only one level connection in lieu of the two level connection as the primary option. The second design option involves; replacing the Level 1 rear, right and left sides in lieu of the stone veneer as the primary option.
The design options require additional design time although they appear to provide better economy for a single level bridge and improved aesthetics for the curtain wall in lieu of the stone veneer at Level 1.