B3: Group C - Alexis

I thought the most interesting possible future advantages of building information modeling were the site survey applications discussed during the presentation. The digital terrain models created with 3D imagery allow for images and point clouds to be integrated into design development drawings [1]. This will improve the overall quality of the project by giving project engineers quick access to existing conditions or progress on site. Modeling site plans and mapping existing infrastructure will become significantly simpler in future years with 3D imagery. Like we discussed last week in lecture, with advancements in raster processing design firms can utilize drones to fly over project sites and collect hundreds of photos. These images are later stitched together in a scalable 3D model known as digital terrain models (DTM). A DTM is created by overlapping high quality images associated with specific coordinates. This will enhance topographic maps of the site and make demolition drawings much quicker, since existing conditions are already modeled. Developments have also been made in image recognition for 3D texturing applications.

Applying 3D visualization to as-built and record drawings comes with many advantages for the building owner and facility managers. Implementation has just begun for buildings in the post-construction phase, used during commissioning and the testing and balancing process to locate mechanical equipment throughout the facility [2]. As discussed in lecture, the facility manager will be able to hold up a tablet anywhere on site and identify the location of tagged items through their camera. Contractors will be able to outfit their digital record drawings with tagged locations of mechanical rooms and switchgear for commissioners. In the future it will become common practice for mechanical and electrical equipment to have individual QR codes. This way, facility maintenance and building owners can easily pull up their specifications, past performance, energy usage, and location on site. 

Advancements in parametric design software will continue to enhance the architectural complexity of buildings. Generally, the designer uses CAD software to manipulate lines of a digital plan. Today’s parametric technology automatically modifies the model when the designer changes a parameter, giving the architect and engineer more flexibility to explore design options. Future versions of parametric software will allow for more input parameters and make changes faster. Parametric models can already optimize features like natural lighting, ceiling heights, and structural systems, and they are also used to determine how much water and energy a building will need [3]. In the future, full body physical simulations will be applied to the 3D model to optimize the building layout. These simulations are currently used for the design of cockpits but could be applied to larger spaces to visualize occupant movement and human proportions. 

1. https://www.bentley.com/en/products/product-line/reality-modeling-software/bentley-descartes
2. www.researchgate.net/publication/283574972_3D_terrestrial_laser_scanner_for_managing_existing_building
3. http://www.technologyreview.com/review/517596/new-forms-that-function-better/

Comments:

Bridget,
I also think the main advantage of BIM software is the collaboration between design disciplines. Though there is a lot of progress that can be made to improve the parametric modeling of each type of system, the mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and structural systems can be viewed in one model. This has drastically increased collaboration, allowing for integrated project delivery from the initial design concept to construction. I liked your point that BIM has given designers more flexibility to explore alternate aspects of each system.

Matt,
I agree that Revit has much to improve, but ultimately it is a software used to communicate the designs of MEP systems and not primarily an energy model. A pipe connection like that can be placed without connecting the elbow to the system, it will print as a true connection. In some cases, the software must be manipulated to better communicate the design to the constructor. Like you said in your post, Revit has drastically improved and is becoming the most widely used parametric modeling software for consulting firms.