Episode 4: BIM vs. Partial BIM

Adopting the graphical language of Figure 3.1 (Episode 3), a Building Information Model is sprung into digital existence whenever the object-based model includes different data colours; inter-disciplinary information generated in two or more disciplines or domains. That lacking, the model can only be labelled as a partial BIM.

This episode is available in other languages. For a list of all translated episodes, pleaser refer to http://www.bimthinkspace.com/translations.html. The original English version continues below:

Graphically, partial BIM is when the model includes only same data colours; intra-disciplinary information generated within the same discipline or domain. In more rigorous sense, the (full) BIM label must only be bestowed on models/processes including multiple data shapes/types. As an example and applying this understanding of BIM, an architectural firm that uses ArchiCAD®, Revit®, or Bentley Architecture® to create its design model cannot brand its activity as BIModelling unless it shares its model (or part of it) with an engineer or a builder. Similarly, those firms using a BIM application for speedier and better-coordinated 2D documentation have, in fact, only partially deployed BIM. In a nutshell, BIM is more of a process than of technology adoption (more about that in future episodes).

To be continued; next Episode will discus BIM Data Sharing Methodologies

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morgankate

May 16, 2017 at 11:12 pm

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Not all models or modellers qualify as BIM. Although there are neither clear definitions nor umbrella agreements of what constitutes a Building Information Modeller, researchers and software developers alike allude to a lowest common denominator.

This episode is available in other languages. For a list of all translated episodes, pleaser refer to http://www.bimthinkspace.com/translations.html. The original English version continues below:

This non-declared denominator is a set of technological and procedural attributes that BIModels (Building Information Models) need to have:

Must be Three Dimensional,
built from Objects (solid modelling – object oriented technology),
have encoded and embedded [1] discipline-specific information (more than a mere database),
have interwoven relationships & hierarchies between their objects (rules and/or constraints: similar to a relationship between a wall and a door where a door creates an opening in a wall),
and describes a Building of some sort.

Figure 2.1: Common Denominator for a BIModel (updated image, 2015)

Again, the above attributes are the inclusive definitions of a BIModel. Needless to say, each proprietary and non-proprietary BIM package adds its own qualifications to the attribute pool in an attempt to squeeze its conceptual and commercial competitors out of the BIM acronym itself. Whether a package is interoperable, fully parametric or allows digital fabrication output has nothing to do with the inclusive set but are additional (and highly welcome) attributes. Exclusive definitions (those that exclude others) are quite simple: Surface Modellers (like SketchUp® for example), Entity-Based Modellers (like 3D AutoCAD®) and Geometric Modellers (like Autodesk® VIZ) do not qualify as a BIModellers. The exclusion is also passed onto 3D object-based platforms that are outside the Architectural Engineering and Construction domain (like SolidWorks®, Solid Edge® and Inventor®).

Figure 2.2: Non-BIM Modellers (updated image, June 2015)

To be continued; next Episode will focus on Information within Building Information Modelling

References:

[1] Blackler, F. (1995) Knowledge, Knowledge Work and Organizations: An Overview and Interpretation, Organization Studies, 16, 6, 1021-1046.

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