Reproduced from my Atkins blog of 08.07.2011
So what was talked about during the
rest of the Excitech AEC BIM Forum? The three key themes were ‘The BIM needs of
contractors’, ‘BIM implementation, process and trends’ and ‘Managing Revit
project data’.
1. Capturing lessons learned: this will be a key activity
as we move through 3D CAD into true BIM. How was it for all the parties
involved? Were Client expectations met? What were the timescales and benefits?
Where were the delays? Was the BIM process effective and was
clash-free construction achieved? Often we have all not been great at capturing, reflecting on and
sharing lessons.
2. Key reading: I must get hold of “The
Business Value of BIM in Europe” – everyone was using this as a key source.
’The Government Construction Strategy’ and ‘The Government Construction Client
Report’ are also important, but are much more likely to aid
insomniacs.
3. Design Process: Whilst CAD just replaced the old pen and
ink tools we used, BIM changes the underlying design processes and we need to
structure its use in order ensure we gain what it can give. Rapid Energy
Modelling is an example of how structured data will allow new opportunities. I
must find out who in Atkins is doing this now.
4. Beyond Revit: It is vital to keep aware of all the other
applications that Revit plugs into. It is this interconnectedness that moves
from 3D CAD to BIM. Revit alone will not deliver your BIM needs and a clear
‘Application Workflow’ must be set up.
5. Know why and what: Key frustrations to avoid are a) not
being clear why models are being constructed and b) constructing them at the
wrong level of detail. A project BEP and an understanding of the design process
will avoid these.
6. The Client’s part: Paul Shilcock from TFL felt it was
the Client’s duty to get involved, to know what it wants and finally to make
active use of the BIM product (“use it or lose it”). Most of Atkins’ BIM work is
currently for our own needs, but the learning curve will continue when our
Clients want BIM data as a design deliverable
Final thought: Shaun and Kyla Farrell
(no relation) from Zaha Hadid gave great and clear presentations on how they
deliver their complex geometrical buildings through a full BIM process. Although
some of their comments do not apply to the ‘normal’ rectilinear world I was
again impressed how the team at ZH can communicate so much complexity
effectively.
