Less than 5 years ago building information modeling, or BIM as it is called, was rarely used in building design. Now, BIM is an everyday part of the design at FSI Architects, Fisher & Sons' design division. BIM plays a big role in making the design process more efficient.
BIM is the process of creating, collecting and managing building data for use throughout the building's life cycle.
Since 2007 FSI has been transitioning to Revit, a leading BIM software program. Within Revit the architects create a virtual 3-D reality building which everyone can virtually walk-through, all before a shovel of real dirt has been turned.
The benefits of Revit are enormous because it is able to simulate the life-cycle of the building from construction through facility operation. A change anywhere is a change everywhere because the information is stored in a single, coordinated database. Revisions and alterations to information are automatically updated throughout the model, reducing conflict between disciplines such as electrical and mechanical.
FSI uses BIM in sales to visually represent the building from different angles with different design elements. Shep Cutler, AIA, one of the lead architects with Fisher explains, "We work with spacial relationships all the time, but owners aren't always spacially oriented. BIM goes a long ways in reducing surprises."
The architects at Fisher are excited about the future of BIM, expecting its data to be used for estimating, scheduling, and energy conservation.
Less than 5 years ago building information modeling, or BIM as it is called, was rarely used in building design. Now, BIM is an everyday part of the design at FSI Architects, Fisher & Sons' design division. BIM plays a big role in making the design process more efficient.
