Construction Models are Sexy! (Everything You Wanted to Know about VDC: But Were Afraid to Ask)

Nevermind the fact that most construction sites aren't the most glamorous places in the world (depending on p.o.v), they're pretty unaesthetically pleasing sometimes - it's true. But have you seen the latest features in Virtual Design Construction technology? These are the interactive 4D and 5D deliverables that are out there now within the latest out-of-the-box AEC technologies. These make most architects, builders, developers, project managers, and marketing teams drool at experiencing such succulence of rich data and graphic rapture. Virtual design can explicitly expose the hidden operations of construction in ways never imagined before.

As to encapsulate the very focus of proposed projects, Virtual Construction technology allows user groups a unique opportunity to experience a project before it's even built. Its very nature is to entice one with the concept of explaining the design and building process in a simple, cost effective format. This has been attributed to numerous infatuations, seduction, and even unfaithfullness of clients (often choosing BIM savvy firms over non-BIM firms).

Combined with interestingly rich architecture, evolving information, programmable scheduled data, geospatially accurate form with representitive take-offs and volumetric quantities (need I say more?), the VDC concept is THE launching pad for all things progressive in the building industry. All of this attributes to the very tied together aspect, and information, that is, never-to-stray-too-far-from: the Virtual Model.

Pretty sexy, right? Did I mention it's also about being "interoperable" too. What is being "interoperable" all about? Actually, it's related to the virtualness of the model-project being able to change, in any view, at any time, in real time. It's also about using parametric information, as data to support and also update the model.

When you first understood/understand the action of this word, "interoperable", in BIM, yes, it's simply orgasmic, in and of itself (especially for CAD junkies, like myself). You'll be amazed that you won't have to draw a detail dozens of times as the design changes. That you'll be able to base a door schedule off of the model is another feature. With a BIM project, you'll make the change in one location, it updates in virtually every view you've created. Interoperability is also about using well defined libraries that reflect 80% of repetitive features used in AEC. It's an intelligent system used to help participants share information throughout a building's lifecycle.

For those of you about-to-BIM (virgins), who've yet to discover "interoperability", it's a natural appeal and will be something like when you first learned to ride a bike, (or lost your virginity at the high school prom). Simply put, you will always cherish when you first made the revelation of "interoperability" - or perhaps will, when you someday get to that point. My guess is that there's a lot of 40 year old virgins out there right know - using this example. You know who you are.

The ambiguity often faced while vaguely understanding flattened, two dimensional presentations is virtually erased within the Virtual Construction presentation. Now, as much data can be processed with more intuitively operative and sophisticated softwares - the participant is not on the sideline but more focused within the project, knowing it, & being more intimate with it. Guess what? Mistakes, clashes, misaligned floorplans, incorrect dimensioning, and gross miscalculations are mitigated, as a result. I know, it's all so great you'll need to have a cigarette when you're done.

Graphically, everyone wants the BIM/VDC project and the term "crack cocaine" is justly applied. All teams need a "fix" of this very graphic, & glamorous "sex appeal" which is that of the BIM model.

The full frontal "Virtual Design" down the runway - it's a beautiful thing! You're clients are going to pay top dollar for a front row seat for that "Eye Candy" (have I used too many cliches yet?).

On the rise: BIM modelers, BIMers as they are called, starting to take up seats of the juicy new software. They're quickly accepting the call to arms for the "Virtual" cause. They're not only kids fresh out of colleges who are just stepping into this (at the right time). They're also the many successfully trained existing (in addition to veterens, who've known, and used, BIM long before it's being dubbed as such) architects, industrial designers, civil engineers, landscape architects, structural engineers, interior designers, historic preservationists, urban planners, etc., et al.

All will soon be sharing the virtual model over the more static CAD files of the past. CAD information will be the footnote information to the BIM-Virtual project.

Firms such as RTKL, HOK, NBBJ, SOM, CUH2A (naming just a few) have already successfully implemented BIM and Virtual Digital Design programs to both foster an awareness of this phenomenon and to produce sexy models that can walk the walk, and talk the talk.

The fact that others feel they are behind the pack reflects some insecurities, it's typical when technolgies confront users as they do. Some people are apprehensive by the seemingly intimidating circumstance of opening a new door. No one should feel afraid to fail. It's virtually impossible to lose out on BIM enlightenment and enjoyment, but only if you don't try. Trying is the first step to overcoming any obstacles. It's really not worth it not to try.

My main point being this: the BIM revolution is here, and not in its infancy anymore, really. If your competitors are picking up the program (or even holding off for now,) here's your chance to get a head start on them. Don't be afraid to ask the right questions from your resellers, and remember what to listen for: Construction Modeling, BIM, Virtual Design, whatever you may call it - it's a thrill, and it's a much more exhilirating way to do your job. It's also a much more accurate way to do it, saving time, money, and perhaps many headaches.