Report on integrated practice: University and industry
research in support of BIM
By Chuck Eastman
The article gives an overview on BIM and
its importance in replacing traditional drawings with a new base of
representation that combines design, communication and construction information
all in one place. The article explains the parametric logic that drives BIM,
and it describes some of the issues and opportunities that remain in terms of
developing the technology to increase productivity in the architecture and manufacturing
world. The author suggests that BIM software is “closing the gap” between representation
and construction, thus allowing for a more collaborative and efficient workflow
that ultimately gives the architect more freedom to direct the final built
product and enhance the creativity based on this new ability.
At the beginning of the article the author describes the
parametric nature of BIM. In essence, he explains 2D and 3D objects are defined
by parameters that are either based on the relationships between the different
components and systems, or that are user-defined. What is interesting about
this is that every piece that is inserted in the model comes with some form of
embedded information, which I understand as a set of rules, and these rules and
information constrain the results that can be achieved in the model: “When you
acquire a particular BIM design tool, you are also acquiring a set of abstract
architectural objects that have a particular built-in behavior style.” This
simplifies the design process because the architect can test immediately
whether something can be built, or detailed, and so the model is in a way
informing the designer using the tool. This is further enhanced by the use of simulation
tools like windload testing, pedestrian use flow, interior airflow, among
others. However, it seems that such a constrained design software can at times
be limiting. I wonder if these embedded set of rules also limits the
possibility to use the software in a more exploratory way. How does it work,
when the user cannot explore with different forms or adjust existing components
because they are limited by the system they belong to? The article claims that
in the longer term there will be plug in developed to allow for lofted curtain
wall design systems and building skin and rib definition editing and such. Many
of the concepts described in the article are difficult to grasp because they
are highly technical, but it seems that there is some form of tension between
the incredible advances in design and productivity that come with such a “smart”
design technology as BIM, and some of the limits it brings to the design process
and outcomes.
