Why BIM?
In more advanced usage of BIM we talk about the concept of Product
Models that even further improve data management and quality of the
information and increases control of all processes. BIM is short for
Building Information Model and as such a lot of emphasis should be
put on the word information. From this central Building Information Model or product
model, architects and consultants can work together, share data,
check for inconsistencies, clashes and better work together. All
drawings are basically an automatic output from the information model; all plans, sections & elevations are generated automatically and are kept
updated all the time.
BIM models can also be used for estimations and a bill of materials can
be generated. Automatic door and window schedules, as with room lists are generated. It all allows for more focus on the actual design part for the architect.
More and more tools allow for more advanced calculations and
simulations, like sunlight and shadows, energy and carbon dioxide,
airflow and sound simulations. This creates a higher demand on the
OBJECTS in the model that Architects and Engineers use to populate their
BIM model with. Very quickly you come to a point where manufacturers
actual product specific data, is crucial to be able to generate the correct
visualisation, functional analysis and accurate calculations of energy.