Building Information Modelling (BIM) process is a path-breaking addition to architectural software that has redefined the way architects design and complete projects. It has created new paradigms where teams involved in construction projects, now collaborate on a real-time basis to develop highly advanced buildings, complete the construction on time and drastically reduce the cost of a project. Even though it requires a concerted effort to introduce BIM processes at the start, the benefits of BIM hugely outweigh the costs.
The Core of every architectural software is CAD plus 3D rendering. However, with BIM software, the features are so advanced that it has led to a quick adaptation by construction professionals and most other players in the industry. If you are considering BIM, here are some of the key benefits of BIM that are worth knowing about.
Architecture is driven as much by the art as it is driven by science. It is a visually driven practice where blueprints and 3D renditions are the gateways to building magnificent structures. BIM software allows users to create rich 2D and 3D designs with advanced modules for visualization, that is backed by data. Architects can create detailed landscaping, building displays and interior components that are photoreal. The data-backed rich visualization feature is one of the huge benefits of BIM.
The features of BIM do not just stop at rich visuals. A lot of BIM software allows architects to create useful simulations so that they can test their buildings for structural integrity. Designers, architects, and engineers working on structures can virtually expose their design to elements like sunlight, heavy winds, wear and tear and shock. In advanced BIM software, users can also use virtual reality to enter their designs and get a 360-degree view of their plans. The advanced simulation features of BIM go a long way in ensuring that every construction goes on to be a safe haven for its occupants.
This benefit trumps many others when it comes to operating with BIM. With the amount of data embedded into the project, it becomes really easy for different stakeholders at different stages of a project to work together in a more seamless way. For example, any changes to the design will automatically trigger changes in the material requirements, which can be coordinated with the procurement team on an almost real-time basis. BIM helps with streamlining all execution processes from material procurement, budgets to updating of the central repository basis the progress made in execution. All in all, it ensures a hassle-free execution where every party knows when and where to step in.
Overshooting project costs can be a living nightmare for engineers, architects, and designers. Once construction begins, every single change or correction can become an expensive task. BIM allows for simulation and automatic changes in the project so that errors are eliminated and participants can exercise damage prevention instead of damage control. For example, changes in the washroom layout will create automatic changes in the pipeline placement. This excuses the need for human intervention and prevents the possibility of changes being left out or forgotten, thus, saving huge costs.
BIM is about the whole lifecycle of a construction project and not just the planning & construction phase. Every step of the project involves data compilation and storage, including budget estimates, warranty details and more. Thus, post-construction, when it comes to project maintenance or even demolition of certain parts, in a few decades, there is complete data available to make the right decisions.
From rich visuals, interoperability, real-time updates, life-cycle management to parametric modeling and cost management; BIM-based software are indeed the future of the architecture world.
