BIM: Building Information Modeling

BIM

Not a tool – An operational methodology

BIM is not software, but an approach, a methodology that allows you to create a realistic shared information model. As a result, BIM collects all the information related to the process of development, growth and analysis of multidimensional virtual models, which are digitally generated using special software. Across the construction industry, BIM can be defined as a process of collaboration between different stakeholders at different stages of a building’s lifecycle. This to add, export, update or edit the information of a BIM model.

BIM technology can be used as a process for:

• Programming
• Draft
• Operation
• Maintenance

of a building, which uses a data-rich, object-oriented and parametric representation of the building. In other words, it is a model that contains all the information about the building throughout its life cycle. As a result, it considers design, construction, operation, demolition, and deconstruction/waste treatment.

BIM or CAD?

BIM and CAD are two different approaches. Because BIM is not simply the further development of CAD, but a completely new way of looking at the design and construction of a building.

The advantages of BIM over the traditional way of working are numerous, we will briefly list some of them:

• Time and cost savings: the designer no longer has to draw an incredible amount of lines, polylines and geometric shapes (which takes a lot of time), but simply has special intelligent objects with their own properties and information (material, cost, thermal capacity, maintenance, etc.).
• Error reduction: floor plans, elevations and cross sections are simply different views of the same object. Any change to the BIM model affects all correlated views and representations.
• More simplicity: Accordingly, complex models can be easily created. Mehr Einfachheit: Dementsprechend können komplexe Modelle leicht erstellt werden.
• The specific functions of each discipline are managed by different software. Each professional involved in a BIM project will perform the particular part of the project using the BIM software that he or she considers best suited for the task.

Keep overview

For real estate owners, the BIM method is the most efficient way to obtain all crucial knowledge about the property or real estate portfolio. Finally, all data are available at any time and allow decisions on operation, leasing, management, conversion, investment planning, planning of re-investments or disinvestments to be based on well-founded values that are constantly fed in from operations or facility management.

The effects of a future, changed use of the property can be calculated quickly and precisely and the right decisions can be derived from this. In addition, a benefit is guaranteed for already foreseeable, official requirements regarding later deconstruction and the reuse of building materials.