Team 1 - Things we learned from our Presentations

Sarah Hollis was the first to present in our team. We learned about the history of automated design. It was enlightening to learn about the world before Autocad and Revit existed. She walked us through the way Autocad broke into the world of draftsmen and eventually evolved into a comprehensive, 3D model. Before Autocad, she said that designers would try NOT to change designs because it would simply take too long for the draftsmen to propagate the changes throughout the drawing sets!

Dung Tran presented about his Revit model of the Glass House, where he modeled with immense detail each of the systems within his building. Dung explored some extensions of Revit such as the structural analysis that we had never seen before. He was also very thorough in modeling subsystems such as the plumbing!

Brad DiGiovanni and Cody Johnson gave a super interesting presentation on laser scanning and BIM. They gave an overview of the applications of 3D scanning and the benefit of generating a point cloud. It was crazy to see how 3D scanning can survey, in one day, a space that would have otherwise taken multiple weeks to survey. The point cloud is super accurate - and they were discussing the future potential of putting 3D scanners on drones.

Zac and myself presented on our interdisciplinary model that we constructed in Revit based on our AE 391 design. Building a Revit model as we progressed through the design phases helped to visualize how the various systems interacted in 3D, and definitely helped to identify conflicts as they arose.

Overall, all the groups walked away with a better understanding of modeling processes. We received the whole gamut of knowledge about modeling. We started with the origins of Autocad and Revit, saw two projects utilizing the interdisciplinary capabilities of Revit, and also learned the ways that 3D scanning can be integrated with BIM to incorporate detailed, field information.

Johnson - B5: Databases in Design

            Databases are now being used for design work in all aspects of architectural design.  This integration is making designers’ work easier by saving and classifying different tools and built objects in BIM.  Using relational databases can help create new tools that help change minor details in the project.  They can be attached to different properties of building elements to quickly edit heights, sizes, or other properties with a click of a button or moving a slide bar.  Dynamo, a program that links with Revit, allows for this.  There are several editing tools that relate to another piece of the project.  The video of the Dynamo example shows how they can create a structure completely in Dynamo by creating a repeated design and then defining the space that it will cover.  They can even change the materials and how the roof curves throughout the structure.

            The Dynamo program is driven by SQL.  This is a database program that allows Dynamo to feed the tables in Revit.  SQL can be coded to set objects into categories such as furniture and can be pulled from Revit into an easy to understand table.  This will allow you to pull all the information for a particular type of object.  As the SQL code expands, you can get more specific in what you would like to look at.  If a client would like to see all the types of chairs he or she was getting in a design, the designer could easily go into SQL and pull that data for an easy to understand chart for the client.  This is much easier than setting up a furniture schedule and then having to just highlight all the chairs in the project.

            The same procedure can be done with the rooms of a project.  Once all the data is collected, then they can be sorted using SQL to show what furniture is in which room.  This is just one example of the power of relational databases in design.  This can be done for any part of piece of a design project.  This will ultimately make communication between the owner and the designer easier.  They can create quick lists during the design process to give updates and keep records of the design at certain times. 

Resources:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0Sk1w7xU4Q

https://revitbeyondbim.wordpress.com/2015/09/09/driving-a-sql-database-with-dynamo/

Responses:

1) DiGiovanni:

Brad,
It sounds like you found a great article that you could combine with your personal knowledge of the industry. I agree that it would be incredibly beneficial for design firms to have databases filled with information from sensors on previous projects. Since design firms typically specialize in a certain type of building or facility, most of their jobs tend to be very similar. They also probably work for some of the same owners repeatedly. They could know what the design did for those previous projects and make small changes to reach the goals that the owner sets out for them in contract. Although the contracts you mention are very harsh to the designers, it would still be incredibly useful for them to understand exactly how their design actually runs. One of the big issues of this type of contract is how the contractor builds the facility. If the design is not built properly, this may have an impact on the expectations of the design. This alter the actual data collected and may leave the design firm misinformed.

2) Wahbeh:

Jacob,
I think you found several benefits to database technology for the construction industry. Being able to access the drawings virtually from site is a major bonus for contractors. Although this does not replace the typical paper drawings, contractors can receive updates faster and keep the project on schedule. Also, one of the most important aspects of being a constructor is keeping records. With all revisions, change orders, and RFIs kept in database collection, they will not be lost in translation. These are crucial for finding when and where these parts were sent. This allows a better defense for contractors or designers when trying to find faults on the project.

3) Zhang:

Shuyuan,
You made a very good point about the subcontractors only getting the information they need for the project. With all of the design typically coming in one package, it can be difficult to sort through all the disciplines to find what specific contractors may need. With databases, it is easy to sort the data out into different categories. This allows all plumbing aspects to go to the plumber, all electrical aspects to the electrician, etc. This saves time and effort typically for the contractor. The general contractor still needs to make sure everything is coordinated correctly, this may not be as necessary for the subs. If the information can move more easily, the project typically moves smoother and faster.

Johnson - B4 3D Laser Scanning

            For our project, Brad and I will be looking into 3D laser scanning and its applications within the construction industry to improve the process.  With the improvements of technology today, the construction and design fields are starting to fall behind.  Typically, 2D CAD is still used for as-built drawings and for existing drawings.  The use of 3D scanning is already being implemented to put existing conditions into 3D models, but there is still much room for improvement and development.

            With the use of 3D scanning, we could improve the field work without hindering standard labor practices.  Although a 3D model helps designers and owners picture how the building will be built, contractors typically just need the 2D CAD drawings to put everything into place.  3D scanners would help bring the two sides of the construction industry together.  My group will investigate how current practices could be improved to make the relationship between constructor and designer better and onsite measurements more accurate.

            One example of 3D scanning currently in use is scanning existing conditions to be put into 3D BIM models.  This allows designers to go out into the field, scan the room in question and automatically have a 3D BIM model created.  This does not require the designers to take measurements and sketch up what was found during the visit, which may be inaccurate compared to the scan.  This technology can be improved upon for as-builts to be sent directly to the designer with a BIM model so that they can adjust their design accordingly.  The field personnel would have less communication issues and the designers would not have to spend as much time making multiple site visits.

            Another example to improve upon is the use of drones in the field.  Currently, drones are being used to fly the same path of a site every day.  This will be recorded in a video to show site progress daily.  This is the current practice that could be improved with a 3D scanning system.  The video is currently just a visual recording of the site and investigations must be done to see the differences every day.  With 3D scans, different survey points and elevations could be measured.  This would help contractors have a more definite idea of how the site is changing every day and give them real values to report to the owner.

References:

Link, Jeff. “Drones in Construction Are the Next Big Technological Boom.” Redshift, 30 Oct. 2017, www.autodesk.com/redshift/drones-in-construction/.

Speakman, William. “3D Scanning for Better BIM: An MEP Firm's Search for an Alternative to Laser ScanningAECbytes Viewpoint #77 (February 11, 2016).” 3D Scanning for Better BIM: AECbytes Viewpoint, ACEbytes, 11 Feb. 2016, www.aecbytes.com/viewpoint/2016/issue_77.html.

Responses:

1) Dung Tran
I like your idea for this project. I think it poses a challenging task while integrating all aspects of Revit. One thing that might make your project more interesting is to try to make the current building more energy efficient. Maybe you can look at doing an energy analysis of what you design for the original building and then trying to make it more efficient. It might be a good challenge for you if you end up having time for it at the end of the term. Other than that, I look forward to seeing what the finished product looks like.

2) Allison Abad
I like your topic since it directly relates to your senior design project.  For some of your challenges, do you know if there is any research or development into any of those factors?  Such as if there were to be developments into creating a colony on Mars, would there be any possibility of setting up GPS systems for these automated builders?  I am certainly interested in hearing about how you and Tom combat these problems and what the possible solutions are.  Good luck!

3) Carlos Hillinger
It seems like your topic is a little broad.  For your own benefit, you may want to try to narrow it down since you are essentially trying to improve all aspects of these countries.  I think the construction development research is very interesting, however.  I would be interested in knowing how to help these countries develop with a budget.  I am sure that this is something that would have trouble funding, so it may be important for you to figure out the least expensive, most effective option to supporting these countries.  Best of luck on your project and I look forward to seeing how your project develops.

Johnson - B3 Benefits of BIM/Revit

            BIM modeling gives new advantages not seen by previous design technologies.  Revit is allowing designers to make 3-D tangible models, over the previous 2-D drawings that would have to come together like a puzzle during the construction phase.  Although the drawings are still printed in two dimensions for the construction set, the model built in Revit has more coordination and the clashes in design will show through more easily.  This is because it can have one central model with multiple parties working simultaneously.  As I mentioned last week, I have had first hand experience with this in my second coop.  It was easy for the structural engineers and architects to coordinate structural clashes through screen sharing and instant drawing updates.  With designers seeing everything in a 3-D space, instead of just different labels and tags describing elevations, the project becomes much simpler to coordinate.  This also leads into Revit’s automatically updating tags, which cuts out the monotonous, time-consuming task of typing up each update as it is changed.

            The use of macros in Revit can also help cut out more time-consuming tasks.  Macros are written commands and functions coded into the program, which my first article from the Autodesk User Group International (AUGI) discusses.  They can be used to rename sheets, renumber rooms, and change family names, for example.  These are the menial tasks that can keep an architect or engineer working later hours to make sure the project is properly annotated and easy to read when trying to hit a deadline.  Since macros do need to be coded into Revit, someone will need coding experience or be willing to learn how to code.  Once the macros are coded, they can be repeated for each project that design team is working on.

My second article is a general update on the new features included in Revit 2017 from architect magazine.  Since BIM is a fairly new technology for design, it is important that it is constantly improving on its weaknesses.  One of the specific improvements Autodesk made was a simpler energy analysis.  This is supposed to help architects conduct more frequent energy analyses when significant changes are made to the design.  This will allow better record keeping in the design development with better ideas about how the project compares to initial goals.  Other updates discussed include improved text editing, improved schedules and tags, and increased depth presentation.  Although these may seem like minor updates, these can help projects run much more smoothly.  With BIM, specifically Revit, constantly improving, it becomes more user friendly.  It is important for Autodesk to continue listen to client complaints and experiences to continue increased user friendliness.  Knowing that Revit is constantly improving is a major benefit of using the technology since it can only get easier.

Online Sources:

https://www.augi.com/articles/detail/getting-started-with-revit-macros

http://www.architectmagazine.com/technology/products/five-standout-features-from-autodesk-revit-2017_o

Responses:

1. Digiovanni
Brad,

I think you are right about BIM being a beneficial tool for designers or contractors to give quick, more accurate estimates during the bidding process. This will help with coordination later in the project and is something I did not consider when looking at the benefits of using BIM modeling. I also think your coop experience with clash detection can be a major benefit for you. With newer technologies, we can actually use virtual reality to "walk" around a BIM model and point out clashes to the parties. This can also help for owners getting a better feel for how the space will be laid out, which can also help cut down on costly owner changes later in the project.

2. Thach
Chris,

I think you made some really good comparisons between traditional CAD and Revit. I think you make a really good point about how CAD is still necessary for design projects. Similar to your discussion about electrical single line diagrams, many design firms still use CAD for drawing design details. CAD allows for simpler single lines and shapes to be made, as opposed to only being able to draw 3-D objects or families. As you mentioned, skills in both programs is important for all engineers to possess.

3. Deutsch
Alyssia,

I think you are right with the potential for BIM to become too advanced or simple. From what I read this week, although, I think there is a higher potential for Revit and other BIM modeling tools to become more automated. This would allow design to be performed by only a computer. I also believe that Autodesk is working hard to make sure they make small advancements each year. They do not release any drastic changes with each new iteration of Revit. They have also been able to remove content added to newer versions because they did not work out as planned. By doing this, they are able to keep old and new users happy when using newer versions of the program

Johnson - B2 BIM for Architects and Engineers

            When going into the BIM Handbook for architects and engineers, I was expecting a heavy emphasis on BIM models’ ability to coordinate easily between different building systems.  This application of BIM was actually a very small portion of the reading.  I was especially surprised when the chapter started with discussing different project delivery methods and coordination between owners, architects, engineers, and contractors.  This is an integral part of the construction process, especially with the more recent IPD methods, but not necessarily in the use of BIM for architects and engineers.  This is a much bigger discussion into how BIM can attempt to solve issues at the beginning of the project rather than relying on RFI’s and change orders from the contractor while construction is underway. 

            The chapter then discusses the preliminary 3-D modeling programs, such as SketchUp, Rhino, and BonZai.  These are great tools for architects, but not as useful for the engineers, as they can show quick spatial models, with shapes and materials being defined.  These are more conceptual that can be detailed and improved in the other programs, such as REVIT or ArchiCAD.  Once these concepts are more detailed, they can be put through several different simulations, such as structural, daylighting, energy analysis, and air flow.  These will help understand how the building will act throughout the year and under different conditions.  This will help with understanding the life-cycle of the building and costs during the lifetime of the building.

            A big portion of BIM modeling for architects and engineers focused on the planning stages.  Although BIM is a powerful too, professionals cannot jump right into design.  They must carefully plan out the rooms and where they will be located within the overall building.  This can be planned through Excel spreadsheets, databases, or CAD 2-D block models.  It is very tough for current BIM modeling programs to integrate planning tools that are simple and user friendly.  Besides planning, another setback for BIM is site design.  Although this handbook is from 2013, I believe that there still has not been much improvement for making a user-friendly site designer in mainstream BIM programs.  Since this sets up the whole project, it is important for the architects and engineers to understand how the site will be developed for the smooth transition from excavation to structures.  Without a tool for this, designers could have a hard time picturing what the site will actually look like before their design is able to be carried out.

            Using REVIT throughout coop, I believe one of the biggest advantages of BIM modeling is using a central model to layout all systems in a 3-D perspective.  This version of the handbook may have been written before we really saw the full potential of this feature.  In A/E firms, they will typically have one central model that all disciplines can work in simultaneously.  When the model is reloaded, you can see the saved changes others have made to the building.  This helps coordinate all systems concurrently and cuts down on clashes and issues during the design phase.  With current technology, we can take a 3-D model and “walk” through a model using a VR headset.  This allows you to see into the plenum of a building and see where structure, vents, or pipes will interfere with each other.  It also allows the user to get a better understanding of how the space will make you feel.  Being able to physically look around at a 3-D model can help owners figure out if the design is really what they were picturing when they funded the project.

Sources:

C. M. Eastman, “Chapter 4: BIM for Owners and Facility Managers,” in BIM Handbook: A Guide to Building Information Modeling for Owners, Managers, Designers, Engineers, and Contractors, 2nd ed., Hoboken, NJ: Wiley, 2012, pp. 93–147.

Dee Dee Comment:

Dee Dee,

I like your connection to your own experiences.  I have been on the structural side of the central model for my coops, so it was nice to see how the MEP side differed.  I also found it interesting that you used REVIT's built in design features for sizing ducts.  Since the structural design of REVIT is not quite up to speed with other sizing programs, I always had to rely on RAM Structures or other programs when looking at the support loads.  Maybe Autodesk will be able to improve their REVIT structural analysis to allow all engineering disciplines to design all systems directly in the program.

Kerry Comment:

Kerry,

I thought you did a great job summing up the chapter and hit many points in a short post.  I think a lot of people forget that BIM is more than just putting intricate shapes into a program.  It also allows for analyzes and integration between systems.  Also, my chapter did touch on being able to create families or objects to allow for more freedom in design.  I still feel that this is a weakness of 3-D modelling because it will still take liberties when putting families in plan views or elevations.  I found myself putting in lines to show overlaps when everything is in the correct elevations but the program is not properly displaying the plan views.

Johnson - Team Project

I am thinking about looking at the implications of new technologies on prefabrication vs traditional construction.  I will look at how most of the new robotics and AI in today are working and what advancements people are looking to make which will influence future construction.

Johnson - AI in Construction Sequence

AI and robots are attempting to advance the field of construction.  Using AI and robotics in construction could potentially help out if there laborer issues.  They could help to be used during construction to analyze construction sites and projects and keep records of what is accomplished regularly.  If they advance enough, AI and robots could be used to speed up the construction process helping cut down on human labor.

Johnson - Intelligent Building Definition

Intelligent buildings use the latest technology to provide the owner with the most comfortable, energy efficient experience of the space.  They also provide owners ease of building operations through different technological means.

Cody Johnson Week 1 Post

HVAC and Sensors:

In this wired article, smart vents are discussed.  As touched on in the introduction, vents are typically hidden in the home.  People typically have no control over them other than opening or closing manually.  All the heating or cooling power in the home is typically just determined by the thermostat.  With a central control system, there is no differentiation between the different rooms of the house.

 The article goes on to discuss Keen's Smart Vents.  This will allow the residents to program the vents to open and close at certain hours depending on how the user programs each room.  According to the article, this can lower the vents run time by about 22% on average.  This technology will be able to increase home efficiency and allow different temperatures for different comfort levels.  It also allows the user to visually see the difference in room temperatures on a smart device through an app.  This technology could allow families or roommates to control their own comfort levels, even if there is a central unit.  This technology could also be developed to be integrated into design.  This will allow engineers to set standards to perform different efficiency tests based on how the vent fans open and close.

AI and Future:

The second article, from BBC, discussed how AI has been implemented since its invention and how much we should allow it to advance.  AI has the ability to quickly search through data collected to learn and "make decisions" to solve a problem.  AI has been applied to several areas already, such as modern medicine, car technology, and several office applications.  The biggest issue with AI is how far we allow it to develop.  AI always has a set of boundaries that are set by the developer.  If those boundaries were taken away, AI could potentially have unlimited access to data online and be able to learn anything.  Allowing AI access to anything and everything could allow for maximum internal development.  But, the article does discuss the possibility of acting off stereotypical or wrong information.  If AI is implementing these kinds of falsehoods, then it is not developing correctly.  This could actually be detrimental to societal developments as we move towards equality.

Sources:

https://www.wired.com/2015/01/brilliant-air-vents-never-knew-needed/
http://www.bbc.com/news/business-42559967

Dee Dee S. Comment:

Dee Dee,I read the same article about HVAC and sensors as you and I agree that with more development, this type of technology could really improve upon our current building energy efficiency. I also thought your take on your second article was very interesting. I feel that there will always be a human component to paleontology. Although, the new technology you discussed could be incredibly helpful to them and almost give new meaning to the job. Its amazing that inputting some data into a computer could return an immense amount information about the findings.

Brad D. Comment:

Brad,

I found your second article particularly interesting. I think it would be a major convenience for a personal assistance AI to have access to all personal accounts. As you pointed out, there would be several security risks. If someone found a way to gain access to that AI, they would not only be able to steal your money but also your whole identity. This would definitely need further development for anyone to be able to trust it.

Chris T. Comment:

Chris,

I think you are correct when addressing the security issues with the virtual assistants in terms of sensitive information, such as banking or social security. I think for them to be full fledged, they would need to be 100% safe. That being said, they are useful tools for homes. They can essentially change anything around the house using voice commands. I think that with more development they would be able to warn of household issues. This could actually become very useful, particularly to the elderly, when trying to contact emergency response teams.

Cody Johnson Introduction

1. your background relvant to intelligent building

2. your expectations for this class

3. evernote note you found most interesting

4. initial definition of intelligent building

My background, in regards to intelligent buildings, includes using Revit to create integrated design projects, using different types of database software, and using other BIM models to utilize on site for construction purposes.  I expect to use and enhance these skills throughout this course to learn how all the aspects of intelligent building interacts.  Most of my experience comes from separate uses of these particular skills.

When searching through Evernote, I found a video on 3-D printing building envelopes and its advantages.  These included intricate design, different materials and interior structure of the material.  When the building skin is printed, it can be made into different patterns and thicknesses depending on its purpose.  If this is used correctly,  it can reduce human labor and shorten construction schedules.

Intelligent building is a use of different technologies and resources to create the most efficient design and construction process while integrating new technology.  Many new technologies can be integrated into the building process to ease the lives of the contributors and final users, which is what intelligent building looks to accomplish.

Last Names for Tags

Below are the names of the student in Intelligent Building in AY2017-18.  This post is used to create the last names as labels/tags to be used when you enter a post.  It's initially alphabetic, but students added after 1/7/2018 may be at the end.

Amisial, Mariano Anibaba, Abd'Lmalik Oladepo

Arnold, Zachery Todd

Bihun, Oksana T

Chen, Lu

daCostaXimenes, Marino Hero Sutejo H S Dahroug, Shaden

Deutsch, Alyssia M

DiGiovanni, Bradley S

Gibson, Christopher A

Hillinger, Carlos Luis

Hollis, Sarah

Huxley, Jake

Johnson, Cody James

Kujawa, Lauren E

Lovett, Joshua M

Maita, Andrew

Milligan, Kerry M

Mutso, Maria-Irena

Odorizzi, Mark R

Oo, Nay Ye Quelly, Peter Isaac

Shuster, Jordan W Sisson, Thomas

Strohl, Diedre H

Thach, Christopher Tangari, Luciana

Tran, Bach Tran, Dung

Tufano, Sarina Angel Wahbeh, Jacob Tareq

Wicker, Tyler C

Xiao, Jianfeng

Zhang, Shuyuan