Module 5 - Points to Ponder

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? Creating a separate model makes it harder to check if there is a seamless transition. I don’t know how many times I modeled something in CAD as separate files, and then they still didn’t fit together the way I intended when I put them together in another file. I also took advantage of using the alignment tool and existing constraints—for example, the windows auto-aligned at the right height from the bottom of the level, compared to having to put in all of them by hand. The existing file already has important details that need to carry over.

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? The graphics don’t always appear seamless, so sometimes it’s hard to tell if your intentions are actually translating. But, it’s nice to use the demolish tool over deleting, because that is much easier to go back and change later.
• How can you plan and prepare for these complexities as your create your initial building model? I think it’s just being aware of where you are putting things, similarly to how you have to check levels for items in 3D view. I do like that I can grey out the old phase, because that gives me the overall picture while still highlighting the new.