The Benefits of BIM Modeling for Designers

Back in the day, drawings and blueprints were used to express information about a specific building plan. This 2D approach made it very hard to visualize dimensions and requirements. Then came Computer Aided Design (CAD), which helps drafters see the benefits of plans in a digital environment. Afterward, CAD turned to 3D, which produces more realistic visuals for blueprints. At present, BIM (Building Information Modeling) is the standard, and it is much more than just a 3D model.
Building Information Modeling (BIM) is the starting point of digital transformation in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. It refers to the entire process of creating and managing data for an asset. BIM is a highly collaborative process that enables designers, architects, engineers, contractors, manufacturers, real estate developers, and other construction professionals to plan, design, and construct a building or structure within one 3D model.
How Can BIM Help Designers?
BIM upgrades how designers, architects, and engineers design and construct buildings. With BIM tools, designers can create a 3D digital model of the building, allowing them to see a representation of what it will look like and how it will operate. It will help guarantee a smooth workflow by significantly lessening errors and coordinating the design to save time and expense. Architectural drafting services can provide a ton of necessary drawings and models by using BIM models or 3D architectural modeling.
Benefits Of Using BIM
One of the greatest benefits of BIM is the collaboration it allows between designers, owners, and builders. Here are some of the other benefits of using BIM.
Faster Project Completion
Using BIM takes less time to design a building. This means that the construction process can start earlier. On top of that, the design is a database that evolves and is used to make more informed decisions earlier in the design process.
Better Collaboration
Everything is stored and shared from a single point of truth, which means that all the architects and designers on the team can see the latest design and document changes. BIM tools offer project management functionality so that the team can keep an eye on who is working on what and view each other’s design notes. Using BIM will also enable you to collaborate closely with a specialist, even if they cannot be there in person.
More Thorough Visualization Tools
It is difficult to model and visualize the physical components of a building using 2D drafts, but with the use of BIM software, architects, designers, etc. can see the building in basic 3D dimensions like its height, width, and depth. BIM also allows us to view a building based on how long it will take each element to complete (4D) and how much each stage will cost (5D).
Early Tracking of Project History
Users can easily track their entire project history using the BIM software. It is way more convenient because all the design versions are kept within the BIM platform instead of looking at loads of 2D-drafted designs. The BIM software stores every version of a design, so surely nothing will get lost.
 Capable Of Designing from Any Location
Using BIM software, you can design a building or any project from anywhere. It is typically cloud-based software, which means users can access designs even outside of regular business hours.
Sort Out Conflicts Quickly
By designing with BIM software, users can quickly identify and resolve problems before the actual structure is built. For instance, BIM automates clash detection so that construction crews are not surprised by a design that needs ductwork to run through a beam. By identifying these mistakes before construction begins, companies can save a lot of money and time.
How Can BIM Be Used in The Design Process?
Design can start from the outset with the use of BIM. This is made possible because the fundamental tool used by computers is parametric design, which means parameters like geometry, form, or other conditions determined by feasibility data and initial programming can be entered into a computer as design conditions. With these parameters, the computer can generate a 3D model consisting of all of the design inputs.
Part of the beauty of working with BIM is that it enables total flexibility when making changes in the design or any alterations as a design is refined or as feedback is received. The process is streamlined since, in a parametric environment, all elements have a hierarchy and are related to each other. Like, for example, changing the length of the wall, it will update not only the wall but also the elements within it such as windows, framing, insulation, etc. In this way, BIM supports a real interactive design process, allowing changes in a model that lead to a deeper, more comprehensive knowledge of the building being designed.
Using BIM, a base model can be made and then saved as a separate file to create a variation that can be saved to produce another variation. This process is more time-efficient and allows solutions and variations to be produced and investigated rapidly. It means that all possible changes and options can be saved separately so that each one can be saved, studied, and compared to the others.
Conclusion
With its clear benefits, BIM software is here to stay. With its clearly defined goals and objectives that are beneficial to those who work in the AEC industry, the future will be even more collaborative and digital. RW2 Career and Technical Education offers BIM training year-round for novices, new career seekers, and for those needing to skill up. In just 15-week, you will be career- or promotion-ready. To get started, check to see if you are eligible for a scholarship. If not, take advantage of a no-interest, 10-month payment plan as well as a $400 discount for February in honor of Black History Month and in recognition of National Career and Technical Education Month. Sign up today!

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