What is Building Information Modelling (BIM)?

Building Information Modelling is a hot topic in the Construction Industry. It is rapidly changing the way project teams produce and coordinate design and construction information for building projects, and represents a similar leap forward to the original move from paper-based drafting to the use of 2D CAD software.

The concept of BIM has two key elements:

• To integrate INFORMATION on building performance requirements and component specification into the modelling of the building as design progresses so that this information can be accessed across the project team and passed to the client on completion of the project.
• To MODEL the building in 3D so that detailing issues can be properly considered as part of the design, and ultimately so that all design disciplines can share the model data to coordinate their work and resolve clashes etc. as design progresses. Rather than a series of separate 2D drawings and specifications being created to describe the project and requiring manual updating and coordination, the required information is then extracted from the model in 2D or 3D formats as required and is automatically updated and coordinated.

For professional clients, the final BIM model can remain a valuable resource for the lifetime of the building allowing future adaptations and maintenance to be managed with easy access to data about the original construction.

Haines Phillips Architects have been early adopters of this rapidly developing process, and have used BIM at all project stages from conception/feasibility design though to full Production Information packages. The process and technology and in their infancy – software and industry-standards are developing rapidly and we are committed to keeping up-to-date with ongoing developments through our external CPD programme and in-house training.

We use VectorWorks Architect BIM Software in-house and we are able to import/export design data using the IFC exchange format that is becoming an industry-standard for the use of ‘Open BIM’.