A Review of Building Information Modeling Tools from an Architectural Design Perspective

2 Building Information Modeling

Building Information Modeling (BIM) systems is the latest generation of Object-Oriented CAD systems in which all of the intelligent building objects that combine to make up a building design can coexist in a single ‘project database’ or ‘virtual building’ that captures everything known about the building. A Building Information Model provides a single, logical, consistent source for all information associated with the building.

A Building Information Model is a digital representation of the physical and functional characteristics of a facility. As such it serves as a shared knowledge resource for information about a facility forming a reliable basis for decisions during its life-cycle from inception onwards (Smith, 2007).

The concept of Building Information Modeling is to build a building virtually, prior to building it physically, in order to work out problems, and simulate and analyze potential impacts. The heart of Building Information Modeling is an authoritative building information model.

The reality is that all information for a building already exists electronically is the catalyst which makes implementing BIM a possibility. Therefore the challenge should be to pull all the information together for the specific building being developed. The creation of a building information model begins with the first thoughts of the project. From that point forward the model is used as the authoritative source for information about the building. When completed the model will be delivered to the operator and sustainer of the facility and any modifications or improvements will be recorded in the model. The model is the authoritative source and it will be used to plan and execute changes throughout the life of the facility (Smith, 2007). BIM includes continuous collection of data and building of knowledge at various stages of the building life cycle.

Building Information Modeling (BIM) refers to the creation and coordinated use of a collection of digital information about a building project. The information can include cost, schedule, fabrication, maintenance, energy, and 3D models which are used for design decision-making, production of high-quality construction documents, predicting performance, cost estimating, and construction planning, and eventually, for managing and operating the facility (FMI Research Report, 2007).