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Building Information Modeling: Implications of Government and Industry BIM Initiatives for AEC Education

Abstract

This paper provides an overview of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and the key issues that have lead to the development of government and industry initiatives related to BIM. The implications of BIM for AEC curriculums are discussed and strategies for integrating content related to BIM in AEC coursework are proposed.

Introduction Parametric object-based design tools have become standard in architectural CAD applications and the ability to utilize parametric control of geometry and dimensional relationships has become an expectation 1. While the design flexibility and productivity afforded by parametric modeling positively impacts the role of computing in architectural design, the adoption of parametric computer modeling does not in itself dramatically alter the design process. However, this is not the case with the current generation of OOP-based architectural CAD applications which utilize Building Information Modeling (BIM). BIM applications integrate 3D-2D operations, which expands the conceptualization of computer modeling from an assembly of 3D geometry to that of a repository of project information and introduce a fully model-centric design process. The concept underlying BIM is using digital technologies to integrate all project data in order “to build a building virtually prior to building it physically, in order to work out problems, and simulate and analyze potential impacts” 2.

Definitions of BIM vary, but common to most is an emphasis on the integration of project data. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) defined BIM as “a model-based technology linked with a database of project information” 3. More specifically, BIM has been defined as a combination of graphical project data such as 2D and 3D drawings and non-graphical information including specifications and cost data 4. Gallaher, O’Connor, Detbar, and Gilday proposed a definition that is somewhat broader in that it considered the project in terms of post construction. They defined BIM as utilizing “cutting edge digital technology to establish a computable representation of all the physical and functional characteristics of a facility and its related project/life-cycle information, and is intended to be a repository of information for the facility owner/operator to use and maintain throughout the life-cycle of a facility” 4. The National Institute of Building Sciences published the following definition:

“Building information models, or BIMs (are) digital, easily managed and shared representations of physical and functional data that define buildings throughout their life cycles—are increasingly seen throughout the public and private real estate and construction sectors as a way to control cost and performance problems associated with inaccurate and incomplete communications” 5.

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Guidera, S., & Mutai, A. (2008, June), Building Information Modeling: The Implications Of Government And Industry Initiatives For Aec Education Paper presented at 2008 Annual Conference & Exposition, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 10.18260/1-2--3730