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.