Though less than
eight decades old, the computer has positively impacted all industries. And
architectural planning and designing is one such industry that has quickly moved
from the margins to the mainstream rendering sophisticated pieces. It is
unbelievable what architectures can be able to deliver given a software such as
AutoCAD. Time taken and minimal resources consumed, are all at the bottom list
when evaluating benefits of Building Information Modelling (BIM). BIM can best
be summarised as a virtual prototype that allows a building project to be
simulated and assessed before being implemented [2].
This virtual prototypes more importantly become a reference during
construction. Notably, the construction industry is notorious for not only
delivering projects late and with the end results not meeting clients’
expectations, but also with an over budget [1]. In
this regard, BIM was invented to realize effectiveness and efficiency in
building and construction.
In the BIM handbook the author identifies
a BIM as a solid way of documenting a project, sharing knowledge with peers,
and eventually expanding possibilities. True, with a 3D blueprint it makes it
easier even for those lacking technical architectural knowledge to convey their
ideas. More so, in the construction environment there exists architects,
engineers, investors, technical operators who benefit a free flow of information
facilitated by BIM, successively improving on productivity [1]. Equally important, this technique reduces errors and
greatly improve project outcome. 85% of BIM end users confirm it’s accurate,
reduces rework and thus create an overall better product [2].
Although termed the ‘Saviour’ in the
construction industry. BIM come bundled with various demerits and risks.
Firstly, it leads to loss of jobs while only offering a few employment slots.
This could lead to detrimental effects to the economy as a whole bearing in
mind construction industry is among major employers [1].
What is more, while it helps project costs, BIM does not consider market
variabilities, natural disasters eventually giving an exaggerated low or high
figure. Considerably, software can breakdown leading to overstated values [2]. Secondly, software’s that kick life into BIM are
‘heavy’ and consume a lot of computer resources often clogging the system.
Moreover, start up architectures and engineers may find it hard to purchase
this software’s together with the hardware to support it [1].
In conclusion, BIM
is a great technology. Its merits, by far, out do its demerits making it an
unnegotiable change in the future of construction. However, a lot of attention
need to be paid in to assessment of situations where to deploy this technology.
For instance, evaluating costs basing on real world scenarios and not totally
relying on the software. Also, the software might lead to work and employee
retrenchment, but it’s for the best. An economy should effectively utilise its
resources and cutting down on this work will push people in to learning better
construction methods. It will incorporate BIM studies into curriculums and sure
raise a better elite class [2].
References
[1] Chapter 4: Eastman, C. (2011). BIM handbook. Hoboken, NJ:
Wiley.
http://web.b.ebscohost.com.ezproxy2.library.drexel.edu/ehost/ebookviewer/ebook/bmxlYmtfXzM2NDIzOV9fQU41?sid=765df376-0982-4740-ab82-fefeb0ac7526@sessionmgr120&vid=0&format=EB&lpid=lp_1&rid=0
