Landscape Architect Articles

LASN Technology April 200804-25-08 | News

BIM Technologies

By Ashley Calabria, MLA, assistant professor, University of Georgia School of Environmental Design, LASN associate editor of technology

The NBIMS Part 1, developed by NIBS and the BuildSMART Alliance is written by more than 30 subject-matter expert contributors. It is an overview of the principles and methodologies of current BIM technology, but also includes user comments and BIM production and use processes. The BuildingSMART Alliance has also started a new but simple online publication, the Journal of Building Information Modeling, which is published twice a year with the most up-to-date information on BIM programs, issues, standards and advances.

Although it has been around for years in the architecture, engineering and construction fields, one of the latest buzzwords circulating in the technology realm for landscape architecture is BIM?EUR??,,????'?????<

BIM technology in reality is much more complex in definition than simply being able to accurately calculate cost estimates or quantities. The data linked to graphic symbols can also retain realistic attributes that, when combined in a full three-dimension design, have the ability to predict such factors as structural capacity, environmental simulations and construction development and management. Factors such as wind resistance, noise control, energy consumption and indoor environmental quality can be associated with different materials. So when a graphic symbol is used en masse for producing a design element, such as a specific brick used for an entire brick wall, BIM technology can accurately simulate the overall characteristics of using that material on exterior or interior conditions, the life cycle of the materials, as well as the immediate needs of cost, quantity and usable graphic representation.

The Journal of Building Information Modeling accessible at: buildingsmartalliance.org/pdfs/jbim_fall07.pdf

Ideally, BIM technology is intended to identify the most reliable materials for addressing the immediate environmental conditions, design program and client needs but also for meeting graphic communication and long-term project development.

As great as this sounds in theory, the issue that obviously stands out is, ?EUR??,,????'?????<

Established by the U.S. Congress in 1974, NIBS is an organization that was developed to connect a variety of building professions with a national resource of knowledge on regulation, science and technology. One of the associated councils involved with NIBS is the BuildingSMART Alliance (buildingsmartalliance.org) which has taken on the initiative of developing a National Building Information Model Standard (NBIMS).

As described below, the executive committee for developing NBIMS has already produced a version 1 ?EUR??,,????'?????<facilityinformationcouncil.org/bim/publications.php

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ABOVE: The American Institute of Architects defines BIM, in part, as "a model-based technology linked with a database of project information." BIM can help bridge the ?EUR??,,????'?????<
Rendering by CAD/BIM Technology Center

The primary benefactor of all this data collection, graphic representation and project life span information will be for the client. As alluded to, there is a great deal of learning curve involved in understanding BIM technology efficiently for individual projects as well as the potential of having to learn a new program. But on a larger scale it has the potential to discover design flaws, ascertain environmental issues, and identify efficient materials and resources in virtual reality rather than during construction, ultimately saving time and money.

Many software giants known to the landscape architecture profession are leading the way in BIM technology. AutoDESK, maker of AutoCAD, has one of the most notable BIM programs, Revit Architecture software. Described as software that allows you to work more freely by allowing the user to quickly make changes or offer alternative design solutions. Any alterations will update conditions and coordinate plans with construction documents and schedules automatically throughout a design project. Download a free 30- day trial at: https://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index?siteID=123112&id=8496703

Nemetschek, maker of VectorWorks, also has a BIM software called VectorWorks Architect. Offering standard CAD tools, VectorWorks also provides standard building materials, Smart Cursor technology and a simple icon and menu driven interface. The standard building materials available with the program can be used or you can customize your own building materials according to different conditions and specifications.

Graphisoft, makers of ArchiCAD, offer a free 30-day BIM trial including ArchiCAD 11 software and interactive learning to investigate the potential of purchase later. Any files created during the trial are updatable to the full version should you decide to purchase it.

Although BIM technology is affecting the AEC field quite evidently, it is a slower concept for the landscape architecture profession to adopt. Basic data information related to graphic symbols more functional for landscape plans can be achieved from block attributes in AutoCAD, or by using LAND FX, Eaglepoint Landcadd or VectorWorks. And with the impact of SketchUp, AutoCAD Civil 3D and Photoshop over the past 5 years, the LA profession is still adjusting to keeping up with these more relatable programs.

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Reference Websites

buildingsmartalliance.org

nibs.org/

facilityinformationcouncil.org/