Chapter 12 Building Information Modeling 303
Curricular Connections
1. Social Science. One of the primary
advantages of BIM is that it facilitates
collaboration and data exchange between
companies involved in the construction
process. Research two local architectural
firms that have used BIM to share and
coordinate models. Interview architects from
both firms to learn about how much success
they have had with this process. Write a short
report on your findings.
STEM Connections
1. Engineering. BIM is commonly used in
commercial building projects, but there
are certain types of commercial buildings
for which BIM is especially suited. This is
usually because of the complexity involved
in construction and the efficiencies gained
in facility management. In some facilities,
space planning and equipment management
are particularly important to the operation.
Conduct research to find out more
information about facility management in BIM
and buildings in which space management is
a key concern. Write a report on your findings.
2. Math. BIM can involve expensive startup
costs for a design drafting firm. Conduct
research on five different BIM software
programs. Examine the cost of the software,
as well as the cost of upgrading computer
hardware in order to operate the software.
Calculate the potential savings on projects
and the time it will take to recoup the cost
of installing BIM software for each of the
five programs. Write a short report on your
findings and present your report to the class.
Communicating about
Architecture
1. Reading. With a partner, make flash cards
of the key terms in this chapter. On the front
of the card, write the term. On the back of
the card, write the pronunciation and a brief
definition. Use this chapter and a dictionary
for guidance. Then take turns quizzing one
another on the pronunciations and definitions
of the key terms.
2. Speaking and Listening. Assemble a
collection of illustrations that show custom
homes designed in BIM. Include the different
types of views discussed in this chapter.
Present the illustrations to the class.
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