Why BIM?

Building Information Modeling (BIM) offers numerous benefits in construction projects. It enhances collaboration among stakeholders, improves project visualization, reduces errors and conflicts, enables better cost estimation and project scheduling, facilitates efficient facility management, and enhances overall project efficiency and sustainability. Additionally, BIM helps in detecting clashes and interferences early in the design phase, leading to smoother construction processes and better project outcomes.

For developers and clients the result is improved understanding of the design, less change, reduced costs and improved programmes.

What is BIM?

It’s worth noting that BIM is normally 3D but not all 3D is BIM! Building information modelling involves the creation of a single model to represent the building project. From that model various data can be extracted to fulfil needs not only during the construction phase but also into the long term running and maintenance of the building.

Changing one part of the model is immediately reflected in the various views of that model so for example if we change a window in our plan view this change will be reflected in elevations, sections, 3d perspectives and window schedules.

The data extracted from the BIM model is commonly drawings and 3D views and flythroughs (3D) but this belies the depth of the underlying data. Depending on the level of need the model can include Programme data (4D), Cost (5D), Sustainable design (6D) and Operational Data (7D).

Because all of the information relating to the project can be extracted from the same model conflicts can easily be avoided. Hence we generate our window and door schedules from the same model.

Collaboration

The UK Government has developed a set of standards to facilitate BIM working and sharing of data which have evolved into ISO 19650. We have amended our working practices to comply with these standards. We have formed working relationships and together delivered projects with other BIM ready consultants. We are keen to work with like minded professionals and contractors who are keen to lead rather than follow in the move to BIM.

You may be about to procure a building, or be a developer or a contractor seeking to develop their BIM supply chain.

If you have a project you are considering please contact us to discuss options for putting together an appropriate project team.

“Here at Doherty Architects we have fully embraced the move to BIM and have been doing so since 2007. We develop all of our projects in BIM software generating benefits and ensuring high quality design in projects of any scale.”

How do we use BIM?

BIM

Weavers Court Creative Industries Building

New build office building integrated with a nineteenth century office/industrial building to form Creative Industry grade A office space.

How BIM added value to the project:

BIM ensured that the construction documentation was coordinated. We cooperated with structural engineers who modeled both the steel frame and foundations. We combined both their and our BIM models to allow clash detection and carried out further design improvements

‘Data Drops’ at project stages:

2/C: We presented the building design conceptually in 3D to the client and other consultants.

3/D: Schedules of accommodation; we tailored the reports from the BIM software to generate a set of accommodation reports for inclusion in the marketing of the development.

4/FG: Full working drawings were extracted from the model to include General Arrangement, Details, Door, Window and Finishes Schedules. These were all maintained with live links back to the model ensuring the documentation remained fully coordinated.

6/LM: The BIM model was kept up to date during the works to provide the As Maintained model and drawings.

Coordination/Working with others:

The existing site and buildings and proposals were integrated into a single building model combining Civil, Structural and Architectural models of the site.

Duncairn Centre for Culture and Art

This was a project for the conversion of a historic church on the Antrim Road in Belfast to a cultural centre. The project was grant aided from a variety of sources. The facility was opened in 2014.

How BIM added value to the project:

The BIM data allowed significant stakeholder and funder buy in to the project through the 3D images and our 3D Virtual Reality presentations. The 3D modeling approach to the design ensured that a solution was developed that would be sympathetic to the existing building. We were able to explain the proposal and obtain buy in from the Northern Ireland Environment agency who would process the Listed Buildings Application.

Specific BIM tools and approach:

We obtained and used a point cloud survey to prepare an as existing model of the church building.

Using our BIM software we maintained a single model of the exiting building and the proposed facility. This allowed us to easily monitor exactly how our interventions would impact on the existing fabric by jumping back and forth from the existing to proposed views.

‘Data Drops’ at RIBA project stages:

2/C: 3D VR presentations to the community, funding organisations and politicians.

3/D: All planning application drawings. NIEA Listed buildings attended our 3D walkthrough presentation of the design proposal. Images for publicity and for funding applications.

4/FG: Working Drawings, Schedules.

5/K: 3D Virtual Reality model to assist contractors in getting a feel for the project.

Colaiste Feirste

Large school extension and redevelopment project. Commenced on site February 2016.

How BIM added value to the project:

Assisted with stakeholder participation through images and Virtual Reality demonstrations. Helped with planning of sequencing of the works. On such a complex building BIM ensured that the construction documentation was coordinated.

Specific BIM tools:

We used software extensions to freely distribute 3d Virtual Reality models to stakeholders allowing fully interactive game type walkthroughs. These were compatible with Desktop computers, tablets and smartphones.

Maintained the as existing and proposed data in the same model allowing us to jump between existing and proposed. This also simplified the process of maintaining data up to date as more detailed survey data was input to the model.

‘Data Drops’ at project stages:

3/D: 3D publicity images; 3D VR models to describe the works to School staff. All planning drawings. Schedules of accommodation, we tailored the reports from the BIM software to generate a set of accommodation reports in the format requested by the Department of Education for stage 3/D.

4/FG: Schedules of accommodation, we tailored the reports from the BIM software to generate a set of accommodation reports in the format requested by the Department of Education for stage 4/FG. Construction Sequencing, we generated drawings and video from the BIM model to describe the sequencing and phasing of works on this complex site which is to continue to function over the course of the works.

Full working drawings including general arrangement, details, window, door and finishes schedules. All data linked to the model and updating from the BIM model.

Quantities extraction: We prepared queries and reports in our software to allow extraction of reports and schedules for completion of BREEAM materials assessments.

Coordination/Working with others:

Doherty Architects developed a full 3D model of the building proposals together with a model of the existing facilities. We set up systems to allow us to take advantage of the model while working with other consultants not yet using BIM.

Structural Coordination: We linked the structural drawings into our 3D model to check for coordination.

M&E Coordination: Room plans with Elevations which automatically updated from the model were produced for each educational space. M&E drawings were produced as an overlay to these with mechanical and electrical components described in plan and elevation facilitating easy checking and coordination.