290 Section 2 Architectural Planning
standardization tools that can save considerable
setup time.
Modeling software used in BIM provides a 3D
design environment for creating a building model
and preparing the drawing documentation.
The model is constructed by working in different
views. Each view provides a working space in
which to construct model geometry. For example,
walls can be created by working in a plan view,
such as a fl oor plan view. Objects that are created
are visible in other views. In addition, changes
made in a given view are refl ected in other
views.
The views in the model fi le are usually set up
to coordinate with the major types of views and
working drawings used in architectural drafting.
Typical types of views include plan views, sec-
tions, elevations, and discipline-specifi c views,
such as mechanical, electrical, and plumbing
plan views. The views are named to identify
the content and relationship to the building.
For example, a view named First Floor Plan is
used to represent the fi rst fl oor plan view of the
model. Each view can be prepared for drawing
documentation purposes. Then, views are inserted
onto sheets. A sheet is different from a view. A
sheet is a layout that contains a title block and a
view for printing.
Views in the model fi le are organized in a
logical order by the software. In the modeling
interface, views are listed in a window similar
in appearance to a fi le explorer window. See
Figure 12-13. Views are organized under named
categories such as Floor Plans, Ceiling Plans,
Sections, and Elevations. This helps keep track of
all the views in a model. A similar organization
is used for sheets, as shown in Figure 12-13.
The method in which views and sheets are
organized in the model fi le differentiates BIM
from traditional CADD processes. For example,
in CADD work, the different drawings created
in a project may be organized by using different
layers, different drawing fi les, or a combination
of the two. In this approach, it is common to have
multiple drawing fi les that host other drawings.
This requires an additional level of project man-
agement. In a BIM model, all of the model views
and drawing documentation are stored in a single
fi le. This greatly simplifi es fi le storage and
makes it much easier to locate drawing views,
provided that the views are properly named and
organized.
modeling, elements such as walls, fl oors, doors,
and windows are created as 3D objects. Objects
can be edited parametrically and have “smart”
relationships with one another. All model edits
have a downstream effect so that any geometry
associated with an edit is automatically updated.
As previously discussed, creating a BIM model
is similar to constructing the actual building.
The designer must have an understanding of
construction principles to construct the model
accurately. For example, it is important to have
an understanding of common framing methods
used to construct walls, fl oors, ceilings, and roofs.
The designer must also have an understanding
of structural construction and the typical mate-
rials and fasteners used. Construction systems
used in residential construction are covered in
later chapters of this text.
A BIM model serves a number of purposes.
On one hand, the model can be studied to analyze
building performance and confl icts in construc-
tion, as previously discussed. In addition, a BIM
model can be used to create the construction
drawings used in the building project. One of
the major advantages in creating a BIM model
for this purpose is that work takes place in a 3D
environment, allowing the model to be viewed
in its physical form from different viewpoints.
The display can be quickly switched between
plan, section, elevation, and 3D views to make
it easier to visualize features during modeling
work. The following sections discuss the typical
processes involved in creating a BIM model.
Model Setup
The fi rst step in constructing a BIM model
is to create a new project. A project is a fi le that
stores all of the model geometry and views
associated with the model. A project template
provides a starting point for creating a new
project. A project template is a fi le confi gured
with predefi ned settings, model content, and views
that can be applied to a new project. Usually, a
project template is set up for a specifi c discipline,
such as architectural, structural, or mechanical
design. As the designer becomes more familiar
with the modeling process, template development
becomes more important. For example, project
templates are typically created to incorporate
offi ce drafting standards and discipline-
specifi c content. Project templates are powerful
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