Saturday, September 28, 2024 
Saturday, September 28, 2024
April 13, 2020
Building information modeling has the potential to revolutionize commercial real estate construction.
The construction industry has been slow to evolve, especially in the realm of commercial real estate (CRE). In many ways, the construction process is not dissimilar from how it was when the first skyscrapers were built. However, as technology begins to change various parts of the industry, especially how all stakeholders communicate, building information modeling (BIM) is playing a larger role.
BIM stands for building information modeling, and it’s essentially a way to create as detailed a model of a potential building as possible so that architects, developers, and construction managers can collaborate and answer questions before and during the construction process. The benefit of this is that all parties can share information and potentially avoid costly mistakes.
In the past, an architect would draw up two-dimensional plans on paper, and there might be a 3-D model to show what the building should look like. Now we are able to create a very detailed computer model. This model doesn’t just show how the building will look, but it makes it possible to add in details on materials, building specifications, performance requirements, and other important data regarding how the building will function.
One of the core benefits of BIM is that it can be used to run potential scenarios. This is increasingly critical as climate change and other disruptions become more common. BIM can be key for risk management and can also be used by architects and engineers to explain certain building decisions.
The types of BIM can vary, but in general, the most important factor is that it be easy to use by all interested parties. The biggest challenge in BIM might be the adoption process. Those who have worked a certain way for many years can be resistant to change, especially when there is a learning curve. BIM has existed for many years, but recent advances in the software have made it more detailed and usable.
Ali Ramadan, an attorney at Goodwin Law, reports that another factor that is fueling adoption is that more governments have been mandating the use of BIM technology for public infrastructure projects.
Each participant in the development of a building uses BIM differently.
Often, the architects and developers are the first people who are involved in the beginning stages of modeling the building and creating the model. But while they often start the model, it’s the collaboration of all interested parties that makes BIM truly useful. The various construction managers, including electricians, plumbers, and contractors, can bring in their data and estimates to allow the developer to more clearly understand all of the components.
One of the core advantages of BIM is that it essentially acts as a living document for the building. A building is a complex ecosystem; one small change, such as a change in the supplier of lighting fixtures, can have ripple effects throughout the whole project. One of the more costly components of construction is having to go back and adjust the original plan based on changes. Using a collaborative system keeps everyone on the same page, both literally and figuratively.
Once the project is completed, the BIM model also lets building managers and other end users see all of the details of the building. This can be helpful for renovations and improvements as well as for determining ways to implement energy efficiency and smarter ways of managing the building. As technology continues to evolve, managers can look at the building model to determine how to make changes to keep the building up to date.
The next publication deadline is Friday at noon
Check out the video gallery here
Join Construction Links Network
