278 Section 2 Architectural Planning
Implementing BIM
Companies that adopt BIM do so with the
intent to achieve greater effi ciencies in building
projects. However, this decision requires careful
planning and strategy. Usually, implementation
occurs gradually in phases, rather than overnight.
One common approach is to implement BIM
over a series of projects. For example, a fi rm may
decide to use BIM in a pilot project by creating
a 3D model and using it to produce the drawing
documentation. After the initial project, the fi rm
may decide to share models and coordinate work
with other disciplines. As this process becomes
more familiar, subsequent projects may involve
greater use of coordination and data exchange.
This transition continues to evolve as the fi rm
employs greater use of BIM, and additional
parties, including the building owner, become
more involved in the process.
Because implementing BIM requires a major
shift in how a company operates, proper plan-
ning is essential. One of the fi rst steps in imple-
menting BIM is to appoint a BIM manager. This
should be someone who can guide the company
in its transition and provide the necessary lead-
ership. The BIM manager is usually the person
who is most knowledgeable about a certain type
of BIM software, but this individual must have
a combination of knowledge and management
skills. The BIM manager’s responsibilities may
include the following:
• Software training
• IT management
• Identifying projects that are suitable for BIM
• Assigning roles to team members
• Coordinating work with other disciplines
• Standards development
Firms frequently fi nd it necessary to employ
an outside consultant to help with the transition.
The consultant can help with training and project
coordination. The consultant can also help identify
standard practices to implement and mistakes
to avoid. In working through this process, the
fi rm must be able to establish a strategy for using
BIM to effectively reduce costs. BIM provides
very powerful tools, but specifi c applications and
uses must be understood by the fi rm before it
makes BIM part of its business model.
Applications for BIM in
Residential and Commercial
Architecture
The majority of companies using BIM in archi-
tectural design are in commercial construction.
See Figure 12-2. BIM is also used in residential
building projects, but to a lesser extent. There
are several reasons for this. Most commercial
construction projects are more complex in scope
than residential projects. Large commercial
projects usually have much longer time frames
and sequences that require greater monitoring.
Typically, large commercial projects have a larger
economy of scale and tend to have higher profi t
margins than residential projects. Projects in the
commercial sector stand to benefi t more from
BIM because the improvements in effi ciency
produce greater savings and have more impact.
Botswana Innovation Hub - SHoP Architects
Figure 12-2. BIM is commonly used in commercial
building projects. This is a BIM model of a science
and technology center. The wing shown is the central
building, which serves as a collaboration area for the
building tenants.
Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.