To understand the benefits of BIM for architects, you first have to know what used to happen before the evolution of Building information modelling (BIM). Before the era of BIM, architects used to spend several sleepless nights to come up with an idea that they presented to the client.
The challenge was to make changes in the plan for example – they want a slightly bigger room or want the beam to be a little higher, or the door shifted to a little left. Once the client asks for changes, architects use to sit again and draw the structure taking into account all the changes that the client asked for. And this goes on until the client is happy with the suggested design.
Now the question is –
What are the benefits of BIM for architects?
Unlike the old times that we discussed above, today we live in the era of technology such as BIM. Thanks to BIM, architects today can present 3D, 4D (time), 5D (cost), 6D (sustainability), and even 7D (operation) & 8D (safety) models to the client. Those who understand what BIM is – would agree that it is way more beneficial not just to architects but also to civil engineers, structural engineers, and project contractors.
As per the McGraw Hill study, the primary benefit of BIM is accuracy, coordination, and omissions in the design phase. However, when it comes to major BIM benefits for architects, below are some points that the study revealed –
- Efficient collaboration with both mechanical & structural engineers.
- Better communication with clients through 3D models.
- Better project documentation & cost control.
- Reduced errors & omissions in the construction phase.
- BIM offers design control & brings in more accuracy.
- Reduced project & construction duration.
- On-time project delivery.
- A sustainable option.
How does BIM change the entire working model of an architect?
Now that we have understood how BIM is beneficial for architects, let’s get a bit deeper into how it helps them.
Phase 1 – Planning
This is the primary and most important phase of architecture design. It is where architects prepare the contracts and BIM documents after analyzing the information flow. They tend to agree on the scopes which are not to be modified later or after the completion of the tasks.
The plan should contain all the elements including – inventory or arrangements with an appraiser. This is where BIM jumps in. Thanks to the implementation of BIM, the architects can create schedules for each project based on the existing cooperation & oral arrangements.
Phase 2 – Concept & analysis
When it comes to developing a concept, the architects are responsible for designing an object that needs to be functional as well as meet the client’s conditions while corresponding to its surroundings. This can happen when one analyzes the communication, neighbouring buildings, and local land development plans. Usually, before purchasing the land, the client sends the analysis team to invest in the area on different parameters. With the help of BIM, the concept is built keeping in mind all the requirements.
Phase 3 – Optimization
Another role that BIM helps architects is design optimization. By using BIM, architects can get the contract with an appropriate optimization proposal while contractors use it to minimize the investment cost by replacing the expensive materials with other economical ones without impacting the quality. Thanks to parametric designing, multiple variants can be prepared by the architects.
Phase 4 – Coordination
Since architects are responsible for multi-disciplinary coordination, BIM comes in really handy. It allows them to spend more time designing while delegating other coordination tasks, especially in the case of any conflicts.
Phase 5 – Information exchange
BIM also enables architects to share information with all the participants in the project. Unlike the traditional means of sharing information through emails, phone calls, or paper documents, BIM’s CDE (Common Data Environment) allows you to share real-time data with everyone working on the project without any interruption.
Phase 6 – Rework
Another highlight of BIM for architects is that it has made the whole reworking thing easier and quicker. With BIM models, architects can introduce any required modification and changes to the design without having to redo the who thing from scratch.
These are some advantages of BIM for architects and this is why we have so many architectural firms as clients. At Cosmere Technologies, we have the latest technology that can help your architectural firm to function efficiently. Not just this, but there are several brilliant minds working on our team. So, in case you have any questions, you can simply contact us.
