Why do different teams of designers and subcontractors link and share their models during the design process?
The advantage of linking models is to spread information and keep all parties informed during the design phase. It ensures that all parties are aware of what others hope to achieve.
The disadvantage is that it could be overwhelming to decipher all of the different ideas and designs. It could make it difficult to create on final design model. also, it takes a ton of computing power to combine all of the linked models together.
What strategies can design teams use to find and avoid clashes prior to the start of construction?
All teams could discuss what they would like to keep consistent in all models before each team adds their different design choices, minimizing possible clashes. Also, people could respect the wishes of different teams when they add their flair to the design.
At what point in the project development process should design coordination start?
It is never too early to coordinate design because it minimizes any potential future conflicts. Keeping everybody on the same page as early as possible ensures that all teams know what to keep in mind when they pursue their design choices.