BIM is coming on strong - or is it already here?

I just returned from an AIA conference in which the main technology topic was BIM.  

Huw Roberts of Bentley Systems (Microstation guys) talked about the shared Risk and Rewards of an integrated practice where all stakeholders are involved in the process from the beginning which is enabled and advanced by BIM.  We need to think of it not in terms of one discipline, but all disciplines.  The entire lifecycle of the building and not just the construction docs.  Not just the physicals characteristics of the building but also its behaviors (wind loads, stresses, etc)

Huw mentioned an interesting perspective and quote from William Gibson that “the future is already here.  It is just not evenly distributed”.  I find this of interest because we are seeing many architectural firms that have begun to use BIM and some that have been down the road a while.  But there are also many that have not even begun to entertain the idea of moving to BIM. 

He continued to discuss the issues surrounding using BIM and having no subs or other disciplines on BIM.  This is an issue that the industry has to address.  There are a limit number of subs who have heard of or have ever used BIM tools. 

He discussed how crits in the future will be done in 3D.  My firm, HMC Architects, is addressing this issue by installing a flat screen system in the open crit area. 

He mentioned the fact the by Jan 2007 the GSA will require BIM submittals for the Schematic Design phase.  Check it out at www.gsa.gov/bim . This includes measurable spaces. 

Stephan Hagan mentioned in his presentation about the buildSMART initiative (http://www.iai-na.org/bsmart/index.php ) by the International Alliance for Interoperability (IAI).  "buildingSMART” is the dynamic and seamless exchange of accurate, useful information on the built environment among all members of the building community throughout the lifecycle of a facility. In other words, it is a standard that allows building data to flow between software tools for the complete lifecycle of the building.

He mentioned that the ROI on BIM is low.  Even small levels of detail in the model will benefit the team.  He encouraged users to start small and build upon the expertise that they develop over time.  Don't over model in the beginning. 

Some of the changes he mentioned to the design process and documentation will include the display of 3D images in the construction documents, vendor defined BIM details, construction info, construction phasing, etc.

One presentation Bada Bim Bada Bang… How to Smoothly Transition form 2D CAD to 3D BIM by Digital Vision, laid out a practical approach to implementing BIM.  Many of the items on a Revit Implementation plan were verified by this presentation. 

James Cramer, author of “The Next Architect” gave an excellent keynote address outlining what is next in the arena of architectural practices.  He mentioned concerns about the next crop of architects and the global infusion of architects from outside the US.  It would be too hard to reproduce his presentation in brief.  I suggest you get the book and read it.