B4 Project Outline Post

Intelligent Buildings Augmented by Sustainable Design

Although the concept of "green" design being integrated with intelligent building, or vice versa, is not a new concept, it has become under great scrutiny over recent years and have begun being perfected and quickly advancing methods for synergistic employment. 

The main idea proposed within my paper will be how to have sustainable features from the "green" initiative become multi-fold for other aspects of the building systems.  In other words, how can we harness resources that allows our buildings to function on a more sustainable level while utilizing the excess output to create more efficient usage of the systems and general environment, all the while having the advanced control systems typically associated with intelligent buildings to monitor said efficiency.  These methods open up an entirely new world for energy modeling and the use of advanced sensors to monitor and therefore improve conditions for the inhabitants.

Below you will find a link associated with the concept of reusing sustainable energies (wind in this case) after their need for power retention has been fulfilled.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1364032114008351
Beyond this scope, I will explore how certain companies may surpass the monetary restrictions associated with not only the “green” systems, but also the cost synonymous with intelligent building design.  Though there is not much in the way of research completed in this vein, the possibility of such a matter will be a direct result of how well these concepts can intertwine to meet the future of building design innovation.  


Cody,
This is such a great tool for the construction industry for so many purposes.  As you mentioned it can create 3-D models of buildings for renovations and the like.  Another application that may be possible in the future, the the proper correlation with a program such as Revit, could be the ability to store the models and reconfigure them into different components.  This would mirror the concept of libraries and architects could even use this type of catalogue for inspiration as they do real pre-existing buildings.


Luciana,
I found your topic of particular interest because of how much it relates to my own, or rather how much it deviates from what I am delving into.  I intend to find a distinct connection between the two topics and I believe understanding the concepts you're speaking of prior to will be crucial to do so.

Brad,

I had commented on another student's post concerning the future of 3-D laser scanning and how libraries could form eventually to help pre-construction processes.  You have essentially outlined this concept from the opposite end. You bring up a valid point of the different levels of technological advancements in the many other countries around the world.  Perhaps this could help bridge that gap to an extent.

Advantages in Revit/BIM

With the use of BIM in Revit becoming larger and larger, the advantages of using such programs are greatly increasing. Although they are not easy tools to master the skills acquired from them are worth the struggle. Using Revit, BIM processes and three dimensional drafting are combined which is a very productive aspect. This has cut down work time in half when such measures were drafted and calculated by hand.

With the use of these programs buildings and structures will be able to be studied better. With less time physically drafting engineers can focus more on how to create structures that will withstand natural disasters and be able to implement these concepts into BIM and Revit which could in turn have great benefits. Not only could lives be saved by buildings that can resist these disasters but property damage would be reduced and time and money wasted in rebuilding could be salvaged and used towards improving older infrastructure. Future scenarios can be used to simulate events and really study how to make a building that can out live the test of time.

It’s hard to say where Revit could go in twenty years from now, but as more people learn the program the greater its benefits can be.  With more and more new engineers coming into the work for they are more apt to learn newer technologies such as Revit.  I would say that the future could lead to building generation without the use of a person physically drawing it. Soon parameters can be put in such as rough size and location and programs will be able to generate a structure for that area automatically. The future of BIM and Revit I believe is just beginning and will be revolutionized over the next twenty years.

http://www.architecturalevangelist.com/tips-and-tricks/top-7-reasons-to-use-revit.html

Sherry Liu

Sherry,
I agree that using Revit and BIM processes enables work to be done much faster an efficiently. I think one of its best tools is the ability to simulate different scenarios in order to study how a building will perform under different situations. With this technology buildings of the future may be able to withstand natural disasters and potentially not only save properties but lives.

Malik Anibaba
Malik,
I like how you mentioned how construction documentation has improved with these programs. That is a valid point that I feel isn't mentioned often. With these processes very detail about a buildings construction plan is documented and eventually signed off for which is great in terms of referencing and liability issues. 

Carlos Hillinger
Carlos,
I like how you talked about agriculture and how these processes are going to revolutionize a practice other than one in the construction industry. Revit and BIM are great tools which are going to revolutionize technology as a whole even though they are most commonly associated with building and construction. I also agree which your opinion about the time frame, yes BIM will make great strides but it needs to be learned first and then mastered which won't be a quick ordeal as the program can be complex.

Advantages of Revit/BIM

Revit by Autodesk is one of the Architecture, engineering and construction industries top used Building information modelling system (BIM). Building information modelling system (BIM) have been in development since 1985 (Vectorworks), and Revit was just introduced in 2002. Revit capabilities allows users to design a building and structure and its components in 3D, annotate the model with 2D drafting elements, and access building information from the building model's database. Revit is 4D BIM capable with tools to plan and track various stages in the building's lifecycle, from concept to construction and later maintenance and/or demolition.

More specifically Revit benefit Architects and engineers by providing, a substantial preview of their designs. This is helpful in the concept design phase. Here architects and engineers can provide client with design options as they would appear on site. Revit an Building information modelling systems allows engineers and architects to make quick changes to design and eliminates repetitive tasks. During design it is almost certain that changes to design will occur. This would require changing certain aspects of drawing file. Revit and BIM software’s intelligently intertwine design so that a change to one component will result to the exact same change of that component in the Revit file.

Revit and BIM software’s offer an extensive library of parametric Building Components. Revit for example provides families of Ceilings, Doors, Ducts, furniture, pipes columns and so on. Revit also allows you to create our own family and include them into the library. Revit also allows you to edit existing components of a family and saves them for later use. This eliminates the need to create parts from scratch and provides a guide line for creating new ones.

BIM’s like Revit allow production of high quality construction documentation. Revit allows you to print out sheets of your design file with the possibility of schedules and parts break down. Revit also has the capability to produce a bill of quantities which allows for accurate estimation of quantity costs. This provides clarity for construction manager and all entities involved in managing the project and limits time needed to tabulate construction items.

High level of Flexibility with overall constructions. BIM’s in general allow collaboration with other BIM’s. Revit for example can allow users to export components of drawing into a dwg file, which allows AutoCAD cad users to make use of file. These are just a couple of benefits to Revit and BIM, I believe it has more advantages than disadvantages and should be further developed to aid the AEC industry.

Sherry Xiaoyu Liu Comment: I liked the idea of BIM being able to factor in potential extreme conditions into modelling and helping engineers design accordingly. This step will cut down on time for research on future weather conditions. I also liked how you made the general statement that the future of BIM will most definitely make the design process cheaper, more efficient, and safer.

Nay Ye Oo Comment: I see your concern with the advancement of BIM in relation to Engineers. I believe that there will always be a need for engineer but i do agree that the need will require more experience, bring about higher competition and probably less pay.

Possible future advantage of BIM/Revit:

Possible future advantage of BIM/Revit:

There are a lot benefits already nowadays with using BIM process. With the fact of having more information contained buildings in the future, BIM could be a great tool to capture the completed process in a way that the tradition pen and paper aren’t able to do. Using BIM drawing tools are way faster than the 3D drawings tools. With having the family feature in of the BIM tools, Revit, the project can automatically update the information with different numbers and sizes being changed, which would make the design process much more efficient and easier. Another example, with using BIM, it can improve the collaborations between architects, engineering, and the owners. Autodesk 360 is commonly used nowadays in the design field with having the feature of integrating all of the different disciplines.

Also, there are simulation tools out there for designer to visualize things such as daylight and different weather condition and the software would generate the peak conditions with analyzing the data. In the future, it would be ideal if the BIM software could also predict the extreme weather condition so that it could incorporate the needs into the design process. Despite the fact that BIM is and will be making the design process cheaper, more efficient, and safer, but there are still people are used to the old ways of working. From the article I read, seems like the solution could be summarized a three-pronged approach: processes, policies, and people.

Resources:

https://www.autodesk.com/redshift/building-information-modeling-top-10-benefits-of-bim/

https://www.autodesk.com/redshift/future-of-bim/

Comments -

Abad: I enjoyed reading your post about the future of BIM uses. I agree with your point that BIM could reduce building energy and makes the building sustainable and it is something traditional paper and pen can never achieve. And I believe with the use of BIM getting more common and common, it will for sure to reduce the construction cost and increase the efficiency a lot more  in the future.

Shuster: The point you brought up about BIM not being building information modeling but building information optimizing is really interesting to read. It would be ideal if designers don't need to code every aspect of the building in the future and only need to put in the parameters to let the program generates on it own. For sure it will save so much time and cost but it also makes me worry that if humans will eventually lose our creativities one day or decrease creativities with fast phase development of the technologies.

Nay: The points you listed there are very interesting and unique. I actually agree with all of your three points. What I will be discussing here will be your third point where engineers will be no longer needed in the future. This is the aspect that I worry about the most also. Like jordan mentioned in her post, it is most likely that designers are not necessary to code every aspects of the building and instead only some parameters will be needed to make the design happen. It makes me worry that one day our humans creativities will be going to a down curve.

Future Advantages of Revit/BIM - Carlos Hillinger

Carlos Hillinger - AE410 - B3

Future Advantages of BIM

     In a world that is constantly being shaped by technology, futuristic ways of developing a building are emerging. Among the newest technologies related to the construction industry we can name: concrete 3D printers, brick-laying robots, AI, BIM programs, powerful laser cutters, and many more. And it does not take a genius to realize how technology has already been shaping the way we build today! It was not too long ago when people designed structures with only pen and paper, developed buildings with an organized book and used techniques that seem ancient to us to put together a building. After looking at the advances in construction in technology, the first question that comes to my mind, is, What's next?

     According to Mark Chidwick, "The adoption of collaborative ecosystems combined with the modernization of traditional processes and the introduction of information management technologies will provide the environment necessary to support the needed cultural change in the industry". This is a very interesting article that introduces the use of BIM as a new revolution. They explain how the Agricultural, Industrial and Information Revolutions have been shaping the world, and how BIM is going to create a new revolution, which they call, the Ecosystem Revolution. The Ecosystem Revolution consists in the integration of various disciplines to solve complex problems, and this is achieved through technologies such as BIM. BIM is definitely going to change the way people approach a project, it will look for integration and workflow among all the areas of of a construction and set them together in one place, in order to provide the smarter and most efficient solution. It is a process that will probably take few years, since there is a lot of techniques and information that we need to teach these technologies. But once the programs have more knowledge of constructions that even human beings, we are going to be the ones entering the parameters and they will be the ones designing and developing a project.

Source:

M. Chidwick, Shaping the Future of the Construction Industry. CanBIM, 2017 [Online]. Available: http://www.canbim.com/single-post/2017/10/31/Shaping-the-Future-of-the-Construction-Industry

Comments:

Jordan:
Jordan, I believe you make very good points by pointing out that buildings are soon to be designed by programs rather than people, I made some similar assumptions in my post. I did enjoy the video you shared, although I am not completely sure that programs are going to be extremely easy to use, I believe that there is always going to be some training required in order to be able to use the development tools that advances in technology will offer us.  

Tyler:
Tyler, I liked the way you introduced the use of Revit and BIM in the construction industry, I agree, it is a problem that projects developed in different tools are not able to easily translate into each other's formats. Could it possibly be a solution to create a programming code that would set constraints on how the files of every big construction program should be developed, in order to make it easily editable through other platforms? For example a monopoly of a big company such as Autodesk, in which they would own every emerging technology and make them operable among one another? Now with that been said, this may even cause a bigger problem, a slower rate of newly developed technologies. It is definitely a big topic to discuss, and I look forwards to hearing what professor Mitchell has to say about it. 

Andrew:
Andrew, you wrote a very nice introduction on Revit and BIM, I believe that sharing your own experience is always a good way of getting people into context of what you are writing about. Interoperability among programs is a problem that many have addressed and I share the same point of view. You also went into detail even compared programs like eQuest to other programs like Revit. Maybe another big problem could be that the rate of machines replacing humans will start to grow exponentially again, like in the industrial revolution? It is definitely a big problem for a big discussion and I'm looking forward to talk about it in class.

Jianfeng Xiao - Blog 3

BIM, building information modeling, is the 3D base process involve generation and management in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry. Revit is the most popular BIM software currently. BIM performs great functions in a project’s lifecycle, which is often used in design, construction and management process, which is a project lifecycle. In the following, I will introduce the current advantage of BIM used in these three processes.

For the design phase, BIM can be used to conduct complex model. Compare to the 2D drawing, the BIM provide a more visualized and precise view of building and infrastructure. Through the generation of the 3D models in BIM, designers and constructors can easily understand and analyze the complex model for the on-site work. In addition, the clash detection function allow designer to avoid conflict in designing and find issue early in designing phase but not on the site. This will save some time and cost.

For the construction phase, BIM provide the sharing and modify function. Designer and constructors and share the models and document in the cloud. They do not need to bring a bunch of plan set for discussion. They can analyze model directly on the BIM, and the design plan can be simulated for more productivity function. Furthermore, if any changes required in the working site, designers can modify in the BIM directly. They do not need to redesign the whole plan like the traditional way. Furthermore,

For the management phase, BIM database is connected to the infrastructure. The managers can monitor the real time status. If there is any issue, the BIM database could navigate it and report to the manager. The manager can get to the spot very quick to check problem, which save some time and avoid additional loss.

Although there are still concerns and problems in using BIM, the advantage of BIM already develop the project into a higher level. By comparing the traditional way and BIM software, it is clearly to see how BIM used can improve the project performance.

Sources:

Li, Jian, et al. “Benefits of Building Information Modelling in the Project Lifecycle: Construction Projects in Asia.” SAGE JOURNALS, journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.5772/58447#articleCitationDownloadContainer.

Alyssia.Deutsch Comment:

Alyssia,

You did a good job showing your perspective of future problem of BIM/Revit. I agree that the BIM/Revit will be too advanced or too simple. But I do not agree that BIM will be too difficult to learn and not adopted widely. I think the BIM tools are updated every year with just small update or few new functions, it is still easy for new or old users to learn. In addition, with more function produce, the BIM will be use more widely. Because it can solve more problems.

Tyler Wicker Comments:

Tyler,

You did a good job explaining the current problems of BIM/Revit. I agree that the developer should create a more efficiency way for platforms to work together. As one BIM tool only do part of the overall jobs, many programs will be used together to finish a project. The problem of data or model transfer will be a big problem. If develop can solve this problem, I think it would convenience the project.

Lauren Kujawa Comments:

Lauren,

I agree with your comparison between Revit and AutoCAD. AutoCAD is more like a 2D drawing showing the plan. You need to imagine the work site when read the plan. But Revit will generate the 3D directly once you draw the 2D plan. This present the visualize view of real work site, which help designer to understand the works. 

Amisial-B4: Current Advantages of BIM/REVIT

Current Advantages of BIM/REVIT

In our today’s world, BIM programs such as Revit has impacted the general construction industry considerably, and anyone would agree that most of the advantages span in all the phases of a project design and construction. Some people might even argue that there are more benefits that we have not yet conceived or taken advantages of. Thus, here is a glimpse of the current advantages of this program:

First, its application during the conceptual design speed up the process by giving basic information in terms of framework, massing, structure, and spatial layout. In addition, to this, it allows the conception of the project regarding its function, cost, construction methods and materials, environmental impacts, and building practices. Secondly, during the project design and analysis, it provides parameters with which the project could be manipulated using temperature control, ventilation and air flow, load distribution, lighting, pedestrian circulation, energy consumption, and water supply and waste water disposal.

Later during the planning and construction, it facilitates the production of automatically consistent set of drawing, 3D overview, and application schedules. Furthermore, special drawing could be developed for specific part of the construction which will decrease change orders, and save money in terms of materials, manpower, and time. According to this article cited below, the main advantages of using Revit could be summarized as follow: it is quicker meaning many of the drawing’s elevation, section, and perspective are automatically produced; The project information is automatically coordinated for the model i.e. there is a match plan for each drawing, and schedules match the quantities of element and type; The testing and the analysis could be done at an earlier phase meaning the coordination of all the elements of the project such as plumbing, electrical, mechanical, structural are largely beneficial.

Source: C. M. Eastman, “Chapter 5-9: BIM for Architects and Engineers,” in BIM Handbook: A Guide to Building Information Modeling for Owners, Managers, Designers, Engineers, and Contractors, 2nd ed., Hoboken, NJ: Wiley, 2012.

 BIMscape, “What is Revit Architecture”, January 21, 2017

http://bimscape.com/module-1/what-is-revit-architecture/

Comments:

Cody,

Your writing on the BIM/Revit advantages was particularly informative. I found the implementation of the new feature such as the energy analysis is one the many that we should expect soon. I believe that by turning Revit into a more indispensable tool within BIM would be more advantageous for everyone since it is already a commonly used program in the industry.

Lauren,

Your comparison between AutoCAD and Revit was very detailed; it clearly stated the reasons why most firms prefer the use of Revit instead of other programs. Also, I had appreciate reading about MicroStation, since I have never heard or used it. In addition, there was one aspect between AutoCAD and Revit that you did not mention; I have previously used drawing made from AutoCAD to be completed in Revit. This concept has been widely in use, and I believe that it has some interesting concepts.

Sara,

I agree with two of your key issues regarding Revit; the lack of interoperability within itself requires too much time from the users to obtain a desired result, but some of the automatically produced sections could compensate, and some of the recent add-on features are addressing these issues. Also, after construction, there is not much of the Revit model of project, I think that this is one aspect that we should invest on because it changes the way we view the life span of a building and how we go about renovation of previous structure.

Future Problems with Revit/BIM

Week 4: What are the possible future problems with Revit/BIM?

Some problems that BIM could face in the future include technology becoming too advanced or too simplified. Although a certain amount of user friendly aspects need to be maintained, it would significantly decrease the usability for authorized construction aspects of the program if it were to be made too simple. Along with that, there exist other similar programs which could be described as simpler versions of Revit, such as SketchUp that may be accessed by less advanced users.

In examination of BIM/Revit becoming too advanced too quickly could cause it to be too difficult to learn and not adopted as widely. However, BIM has a sort of monopoly on the construction fields since it is one of the most compatible methods of tying projects together completely. This would deem it very difficult to update, and looking at its history would prove that quick updates or advancement of the program are not the aim of Autodesk corporations. If it were to become too complicated, then all of the older generations within correlated work fields would be unable to perform as well in their jobs. This could lead to greater expenditures in training and other related matters which over time could add up significantly.

Other costs besides those that would have to be invested into necessary training implementations would be due to the program directly. Files containing a large amount of information such as structural and architectural details tend to be quite heavy. If these programs are going to get more detailed, then the files will get even heavier and this will require higher resolution viewing methods along with higher storage systems and rule out people/companies who don’t have the most updated software available for access. 


Comments: 

Mark - I very much agree with your outlook on BIM dependence factor. I never saw this as a downfall but now I can see clearly how too much trust in these types of software could likely get us into trouble. Perhaps even though hand drafting is very much a thing of the past, we should still try to incorporate it into a few college classes or internships so that our generation of engineers has a deeper understanding of methods and design. This could be helpful in aiding us in coming up with better ways to use BIM and get us accustomed to double checking everything in our computerized models instead of trusting them outright.

Cody – I like how you mentioned simple time cutting tasks that BIM can offer as advantages to its users through the use of added commands and coding. Also, I never knew that BIM incorporated energy analysis software. That is quite interesting and must be one of the smaller updates that they keep improving slowly over the years that you had mentioned. While I do agree that it is important for Autodesk to keep listening to its clients, I do believe that it is also important for them to concentrate on listening to the current client base for the best possible improvements to be made.

Lauren – Your post mostly goes to show that even though AutoCAD is a very useful tool, BIM is slightly better with its automated generation of things. For example, in different views such as an elevation, will be automatically created when a user has only created something such as a plan view. I have never heard of MicroStation, but I should look more into it. I do agree that on the surface Revit seems quite simple and easy to follow but mastering it takes a great level of dedication and time. I like how you point out that only so much can be perfected when it comes to AutoCAD and similar programs and therefore it is easier to manage unlike Revit software as one delves deeper into its intricacies.