A Bit of History: From Concept to Application
It’s important to start with a definition. BIM stands for Building Information Modeling, and it represents the creation (modeling) and management of digital representations of a building’s physical and functional characteristics. Such a model contains 3D geometry, information about materials, costs, timelines, and the maintenance of the subject building. The focus of BIM is on collaboration, information exchange, and integration, with the goal of reducing errors and optimizing construction costs and time. Through this comprehensive approach, BIM becomes a key tool for modern architectural firms striving for innovation and sustainability in the construction industry.
A Bit of History: From Concept to Application
The development of the BIM concept generally began in the 1990s. After a period of maturation, significant events followed. About two decades later, BIM became a requirement for publicly funded projects in a number of EU member states. This led to a turning point: the EU Public Procurement Directive of 2014, which effectively stipulated that projects must be designed exclusively within the framework of BIM technology.
So, although BIM is often promoted as a novelty, it’s a concept that has been with us in the industry for many years. It’s certainly at a very high level today compared to its beginnings.
2D/3D CAD and BIM
As we can see, BIM has been with us for a long time. Now, let’s look at how the workflow of a technical office has changed. Not so long ago, design and drafting were done by hand. The development of CAD (Computer-Aided Design) technology brought improvements to the graphical representation of buildings. The focus was initially on 2D and gradually expanded to 3D, with varying levels of visualization capabilities.
It’s important to note that parallel to the rise of 3D modeling, the application of programming, or parametric modeling, also intensified. Writing program code within 3D tools and modeling through the connection of smart cards became a standard, opening up a whole new world of modeling. The advancement of computer technology has been a crucial foundation for all of the above. It became clear that there was an opportunity for something more, as it became entirely logical that all information about a building could be integrated in one place: BIM.
Where We Are and How to Reach the BIM Level
On the path toward BIM, there are many possible directions. However, it all comes down to whether you’ve gravitated toward the big, well-known tools of various names and forms or not. We have decided to utilize the possibilities that Open Source offers.
From Our Perspective, the Path to BIM Looks Like This:
The primary professional work is carried out using a CAD tool. With the help of generated PDF documents, the initial idea takes shape, always keeping client communication as the top priority. It’s crucial to remember that the majority of clients are oriented towards PDFs and paper printouts, allowing them to freely comment either manually or digitally. Information exchange with collaborating colleagues on the project happens indirectly, using CAD files, ensuring a fast and flexible process thanks to years of experience.
We create the 3D model of the building using an Open Source tool primarily for visualization purposes. We believe that, first and foremost, the building needs to be made accessible to the Buyer / Investor / Client. Secondly, it’s important to verify our own work. Only then is it a sufficiently good foundation for something more.
For our internal needs, we refine the existing 3D model using an Open Source tool, adhering to the OpenBIM standard, to achieve an IFC BIM-architecture level. OpenBIM’s IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) represents a set of standardized digital descriptions of building elements used throughout the construction industry. For our specific requirements, we’ve recognized the BIM potential in 4D (time) and 5D (cost).
We’ve intentionally not listed the specific tools we use, but we believe much will be recognized from the context.