THE FUTURE WITH BIM
NEIL MITCHELL TECHNICAL LEADER, EDGE
At EDGE, we have been using BIM (Revit) for 18 months now on some of our retail roll-out programmes. Whilst it’s a technology we would have looked into over time on its own merits, our initial implementation was in response to the specific needs of our clients.
As expected, with the addition of any new technologies to an office, there was a period of learning our staff needed to go through. However, whilst there may have been a slight dip in productivity at that time, it was less than might have been expected. The benefits now far outweigh any initial productivity dip, as the added efficiency and
speed BIM affords throughout the project process is very evident. These benefits apply throughout a project, from securing client stage sign-offs by fully and robustly articulating the design (with a thorough understanding of associated issues at an early stage) to efficient and streamlined production information. On some projects this is utilised in post- architectural design, throughout the procurement and construction stages, with the design information being utilised for quicker and more robust cost modelling, as well as facilitating an earlier initiation of the supply chain. It can contribute to a reduced tender period too; on occasions with just a few days for framework contractors to bid and return (and with more
accurate returns), as well as to the placement of orders into the supply chain, with known quantities at a much earlier point in the project programme. The benefits of BIM (Revit), whilst not always appreciated once we’re fully engaged in projects, certainly become very evident if we swap back to a more traditional CAD-based project. For example, more tedious tasks like revision updates and the issuing of drawings take a fraction of the time in BIM (Revit) with the processes we have developed, compared to the same tasks in CAD. Other benefits are around the co-ordination of the drawing set, with drawing numbering, tagging and cross referencing being achieved much more speedily, as these link in two directions.
Our industry experts provide a compelling insight into the topical issues of the day
THE EXPERTS... ALISTAIR
BAINES DIRECTOR, CASSIDY + ASHTON
Alistair joined Cassidy + Ashton, in 1988. He was instrumental in developing the Cad system for the practice, becoming group IT Manager in 1992. As an equity Director, Alistair is now continuing to broaden the Practices experience in education.
DAVID
MARCHANT CAD/BIM MANAGER,
NEIL
REARDONSMITH ARCHITECTS
David has extensive experience overseeing high-profile international projects within the construction and architecture industries. His expertise comprises a broad range of software packages including AutoCAD and Revit, as well as CAD/BIM standards, training and procedures.
MITCHELL TECHNICAL LEADER, EDGE
Neil has over 20 years’ experience in the architecture and design industry and provides the highest level of technical and management expertise on EDGE projects. Neil has successfully managed the technical delivery of countless new-build, refurbishment and fit-out projects.
These make a big difference, enabling designers to spend more time getting the design right and letting the software take care of some basic but time- consuming tasks.
Whilst there may be some minor downsides to BIM - not least the initial cost and investment in hardware, software and training - there is no doubt that we would have had difficulty delivering some projects in the timescales needed using more traditional CAD solutions. Our overall experience is very positive and BIM will definitely form part of the delivery strategy for other projects from EDGE in the future. ■
If you would like to contribute as a panelist email:
jade.tilley@onecoms.co.uk
ArchitectNews.co.uk | Architects Choice | 23
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36