BIM (Building Information Modeling) is a technique that permits architects to create virtual layout simulations to control all of the facts related to an architectural project. The era helps architects for the duration of the design and production in numerous and nearly all aspects.

While CAD generates 2- or 3-dimensional drawings that differentiate among geometric design, BIM incorporates 4-D (time), 5-D (costs), 6-D (Sustainability), and 7-D (Facility Management), allowing users to manage information intelligently throughout the life cycle of a project, automating processes such as programming, design concepts, design specifications, analysis, supporting documents, production, construction supply chain, construction and operation, and retrofitting.

It helps gain more insights earlier in the process to meet client, designer, stake holders and any other regional or country code requirements and deliver projects with improved quality and efficiency. It incorporates information and parameters related to building form, structure and systems. When completed, the building information model contains precise geometry and relevant data required to support the design, procurement, fabrication, and construction activities necessary for a complete drawing of the building.

The 3D digital model provides visual/graphical representation not only of the building form, but materials and systems too. The BIM Team and Architects are responsible for the BIM Architectural digital model. These models are linked together by the manager or the architect, which means that potential errors or inconsistencies are identifiable at the very early stages of the project. It also helps other trades contribute to the model at various stages, thereby understanding the complete design output that will be achieved on completion. By working on a BIM collaborative model all participants maintain constant contact with the final model and the changes that occur during the various phase. As a result, the duration of the design phase of the project is reduced and the quality is increased.

The benefits of BIM are immense, some of them are a single source point for all information, that is shared on the cloud accessible to all teams involved, this doesn’t only help facilitate smooth communication but also helps in a healthy collaborative process. With sustainability and climate impact as a main issue being faced in the AEC Sector Accurate Environmental Impact Analysis in BIM helps build building’s that are environmental friendly and helps us find the most energy-efficient materials and most effective regenerative design features. It helps in the visualization of the complete model through its various stages there by providing an insight into what is the is outcome of the project and helps movement in terms of material selection and quantification. This in turn helps in understanding the financial aspect of the project along with the anticipated operational costs for the building once it’s complete. This allows us to make wise design decisions that will lead to greater cost savings and simpler building maintenance for the future. BIM helps in achieving the various aspects of construction efficiently and in manner that showcases all the construction concerns resolved and leverages the scope to make more informed decisions earlier in the design process, thereby helping in efficiency and faster project completion.

BIM is changing the way we are looking at the AEC sector and the coming years it is only going to grow exponentially helping ease the gap between design, construction and communication through technical expertise.

Contributed by Suhela Fernandes,Lead BIM Architect at ICE, LEED GA BIM

As the world grows in its ever-changing technical advancements across all walks of life, every industry across the globe is in the rush to learn, adapt and expand through these new changes of this age of digitalization and globalization. The aim is to work in the most efficient ways, alongside technical expertise beyond geographical boundaries and deliver projects to the global market more efficiently and effectively. With maximum utilization of time and resources to help bridge the gap of communication through visualization.

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is one such advancement in the AEC sector. It is the foundation of digital transformation and is supported by various tools, technologies, and digital representations of physical and functional characteristics of places. In simple words, BIM helps us model projects on a 1:1 scale as computer files and helps us understand the various aspects of an asset, in its various stages of design development. Starting with concept design right through construction, along with operations and maintenance. It assists in the integration of organized, multi-disciplinary data in order to create a virtual version of an object throughout its life cycle. Through collaboration and analytical tools, these modern techniques assist judgment on a regular basis. Thereby, including key sights to the asset before, during and after the AEC Process.

As the BIM Industry continues to grow and it will eventually be crucial to the ways and working of the AEC Sector. We are at the brink of exploring many more avenues, as we move forward to an advanced future, it is these types of technologies, that can help us built more responsive building, projects, and cities across the globe. It also helps provide an insight into the complete aspect of what the project can do for the users and the community.