Currently, the application of BIM technology in China is primarily focused on the design phase, followed by the construction phase. So, what exactly is BIM design? What are its core principles and values? Why do design firms adopt it? Today, the editor from BIM Architecture Network will explore these questions with you.
1. What is BIM Design?
The process of building a model—what to model and to what level of detail—depends entirely on the intended application. Therefore, BIM planning must start with a clear understanding of its use case and methodology. If the application is limited to a single purpose, such as pipeline coordination or inventory calculation, using one software tool might suffice, and this would be a basic form of BIM Design.
However, if multiple tasks need to be handled—for example, both pipeline coordination and inventory management—you must carefully select the appropriate software tools. Among these tasks, model export offers the highest reuse potential and lowest overall cost. It’s essential to customize modeling rules, especially for inventory calculation within pipeline integration, and this represents the simplest form of BIM design.
For a more complex scenario, consider a project requiring 3D design (including pipeline integration), inventory calculation, and material tracking. First, you need to define submission standards for the 3D design: which modeling software to use and the format design firms should submit in. These standards support downstream processes such as inventory calculation and material tracking. When tracking materials, it’s crucial to determine which components to monitor, identify all involved parties, and then customize workflows and select integrated systems accordingly.
2. The Core and Value of BIM Design
(1) Parametric Design
Parametric design is essentially about assembling components. A building information model is constructed from countless virtual components. Instead of relying on traditional modeling techniques like stretching or rotating geometry, parametric design sets parameters within predefined components (known as families). Adjusting these parameters drives changes in component shapes to meet design requirements. More importantly, parametric design simulates various real-world properties of building components using parameters, enabling data analysis and calculation.
(2) Component Correlation Design
Component correlation design extends parametric design. When all components in a building model are controlled by parameters, linking these parameters creates an associative design. In other words, if an architect modifies one component, the entire building model updates automatically, maintaining internal consistency.
(3) Parameter-Driven Architectural Form Design
This approach generates architectural forms by defining parameters. When an architect changes a parameter, the form updates automatically, facilitating architectural form exploration. This method can also be achieved by defining components with adjustable parameters.
(4) Collaborative Design
BIM provides a robust technical platform for collaboration among traditional construction professionals. For example, when structural engineers adjust column dimensions, the building model updates immediately to reflect those changes. BIM also fosters cooperation across different production teams and management departments. Construction companies can integrate time parameters into the model for virtual construction scheduling and progress control, while government agencies can conduct electronic plan reviews.
3. Why Do Design Institutes Use BIM?
Some pioneering individuals within design firms recognized BIM’s advantages early on and sought to gain a competitive edge through its application.
Secondly, challenges encountered in certain projects—such as collaborative design on large-scale developments, buildings with complex geometries, or tasks involving green building analysis—can be difficult to address with traditional drawing tools. These pain points motivate firms to adopt BIM technology for better solutions.
Thirdly, to meet client demands or collaborate with international partners, some design institutes are required to use BIM. For instance, developers like Swire Group and the Shanghai Center Project mandate BIM usage. Similarly, foreign design firms working with Chinese partners often require BIM for schematic or preliminary design phases. While this demand is not yet widespread across China, an increasing number of real estate developers are recognizing the value of BIM and actively pursuing its implementation, signaling a growing trend.
That concludes our discussion on what BIM design is, its core values, and why design firms use it. We hope this article has been helpful to you!
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