Why BIM is the ‘go-to’ solution for Architects?
Modern architectural design requires precision, collaboration, and quick approval. Traditional tools like CAD fall short, leading to errors. Building Information Modeling (BIM) with tools like Revit, Navisworks, and cloud-based platforms, including BIM 360, revolutionizes architecture through enhanced accuracy and communication.
In the field of architecture, where designs are grand visions and buildings are expressions of art and functionality, the challenges faced by architectural firms are equally intricate. Complex design iterations, cost overruns, and the constant demand for customized designs create challenges difficult to manage with traditional tools.
Building Information Modeling (BIM) has become the “go to” solution today for architects and architectural firms. Architects faced with complex projects and demanding timelines are increasingly leveraging BIM solutions to overcome critical pain points.
In this article, we will discuss the top 3 challenges faced by architects and how using BIM for architectural projects can effectively address them. These challenges significantly impact architects making BIM solutions necessary to resolve them. But first, let us understand why BIM is crucial for architectural firms.
What is the importance of BIM for architectural firms?
For architectural projects, BIM has been helpful in achieving hundreds of hours in time savings and millions of dollars in cost reduction. BIM-based architectural design solutions or BIM modeling for architecture have demonstrated exceptional capabilities to go beyond the business needs of clients and projects.
3D model coordination, interdisciplinary clash detection, digital simulations, clarity gained from BIM design and visualization, accuracies within schedule, and cost estimation are capacities that architects can incorporate to realize the desired results.
Legacy tools based on CAD drawings are unable to support architects in reaching optimum results due to limited collaboration, absence of coordination, ineffective revisions, unavailability of visualization, and time and cost overruns.
Discover challenges architects face and how BIM addresses them in architectural projects
Challenge 1: Inconsistent or inaccurate data/working in silos
Inaccurate data or inconsistent data is a direct consequence of utilizing CAD-based drawings based on manual processes. Paper-based sketches or drawings created in siloed environments lead to fragmented information within the drawings. The absence of communication within multiple design teams gives rise to a series of errors that can have a cascading effect on the design and other stages of the building project. Inaccurate data leads to clashes, costly reworks, and delays in design and approvals.
Solution: BIM standardizes data/ single source for all stakeholders
BIM coordination in architecture is crucial in today’s construction projects. An architectural BIM model offers high data accuracy and consistency by aligning architectural designs with those from other disciplines in a 3D environment. This collaborative approach in a 3D environment enhances data validity, enabling seamless sharing of information, ideas, feedback, and quality checks from a single source of truth.
The use of global standards and specifications within architectural design fuels data standardization. This includes object classifications, annotations, attribute definitions, analysis, simulations, and the use of interoperable file formats like IFC, while adhering to AIA standards. Efficient information and document management are also vital aspects of 3D model data standardization. These standardized practices guarantee model consistency, reliable information, and continuous innovation in architectural design.
Case Study 1: Standardization
Standardized data within a coordinated and clash-free 3D model improve resource planning and communication and deliver accurate BOQs.
A leading architectural firm approached Hitech BIM Services for a data center building project. A coordinated and clash-free BIM model for architecture, structure, and MEP with accurate BOQs was required as a business need. The team navigated through design inconsistencies, missing input data, several markups, and multiple design iterations.
A quick and effective approach was formulated to create a coordinated and clash-free 3D model in Revit from various inputs, including Architecture, Structure, and MEP, with the required standardization. Accurate BOQs were fetched from the 3D model to calculate precise material estimates and material consumption.
Upon handover, the client could seamlessly communicate design across multiple teams, achieve a high accuracy of 98% to estimate quantities and materials, and utilize GFC drawings for greater on-site efficiency. It also led to a significant reduction in construction waste and improvements in resource planning and material storage.
3D Architectural BIM Modeling
3D Structural BIM Model
3D MEP BIM Modeling
3D Coordinated BIM Modeling
Challenge 2: Modifying designs as per client needs
Traditional processes and tools fall short in achieving designs as per client needs. Utilizing CAD-based drawings with no data accuracy, validity, or visualization increases the need for design modifications. Sending out large numbers of RFIs to the client for clarity in design leads to cost overruns and higher numbers of revisions or modifications, causing design delays. Aligning architectural design with the client’s vision, functional requirements, and budget cannot be achieved through legacy tools.
Solution: Customizing models and quick modifications (Revit Libraries)
BIM-based processes and tools have supported architects in being more flexible, creative, collaborative, and balanced. Parametric design capabilities that support generative design along with Revit libraries and Dynamo automation accelerate 3D model creation, reduce repetitive tasks, and inject realism into architectural design assets. Collaborating in real time with multiple teams on a single 3D model drives quick modifications and speeds up design approvals.
BIM solutions promote collaboration among various teams and clients, enhancing clarity and vision. The 3D model’s design flexibility allows for quicker changes while maintaining design functionality and integrity. Realistic project timelines, regulatory compliance, and budget considerations are key outcomes of design modifications facilitated by BIM technology.
Case Study 2: Revit Families
Revit family creation for a zoo project in Doha fuels greater reusability, control, quick design changes, and high-quality design presentation.
Hitech BIM Services was outsourced BIM modeling for an architectural project that included character modeling animals for a zoo project in Doha. Rough sketches and pictures were provided by the architectural firm. The input files had limited details; however, the client required a highly accurate size and shape details of the Revit family.
Design presentations, quick design changes, and managing projects were business needs. Hitech BIM Services created non-parametric Revit families for 250-plus animals based on client images and reference dimensions. Handing over the deliverables to the client resulted in greater control of elements based on behavior and use, quick design management, efficient project management, and reuse of Revit families in the future.
BIM Content Creation Zoo
Revit Family Zoo
Challenge 3: Staying within cost and budget
It’s challenging to stay within budget when using outdated tools in architectural design. Working with CAD-based assets can result in inaccuracies and the need for rework. Numerous revisions and reworks often lead to cost overruns and project delays. Isolated and siloed workflows for generating 2D drawings, sketches, or other documents lack transparency in terms of project asset costs.
Solution: Detailed cost estimation for budgeting & resource planning
Integrating a coordinated, clash-free 3D BIM model with 5D cost estimation offers architects a detailed view of accurate cost projections. These reliable cost estimates, alongside feasibility studies, enable architects to monitor how design changes impact costs. This comprehensive approach facilitates improved planning, cost control, and better decision-making regarding design options, materials, and processes, helping architects align their vision with budgetary constraints.
Tracking project costs within the 3D model helps architects with preemptive risk management by avoiding conflicts and cost overruns. Accurate cost estimates build transparency, trust, and credibility between clients and design teams to achieve complete client satisfaction and financial project viability.
Case Study 3: Cost and time savings
A coordinated 3D model for an architectural project in Brisbane, Australia, improves quality and saves time and costs.
A leading architectural consultant from Australia outsourced its BIM model creation requirements to Hitech BIM Services for a project that spanned 2,500 residential units. 2D architectural design drawings were provided as input. Creation of 3D BIM architectural models at LOD 350 in Revit, a coordinated BIM model, clash detection, and shop drawings with BOMs and BOQs were the business needs.
Incorporating last-minute revisions, ramping up teams, and coordinating with multiple teams were challenges that the team at Hitech BIM Services had to resolve. All the deliverables within the business need were created and handed over to the client, which led to scalability, cost savings, improved onsite planning, and greater collaboration through data upload on a platform like BIM360.
3D Perspective View of Housing Cluster
3D Perspective View of Single Unit House
2D Elevation of House
2D Housing Plan
Conclusion
Architectural firms are increasingly turning to BIM solutions to resolve pressing challenges head-on. By addressing the issues of inconsistent data, working in silos, modifying designs to meet client needs, and staying within cost and budget constraints, BIM is revolutionizing the architectural industry. Firms can now achieve accurate and centralized data management, streamline collaboration, enhance design flexibility, and optimize cost control.
This transformative technology empowers architects to deliver projects that align with client expectations, foster efficient teamwork, and ensure financial viability. Through BIM solutions, architectural firms will continue to unleash new levels of productivity, innovation, and client satisfaction.
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