In the forward design mode of BIM, the scope of BIM work shifts from being merely an accessory to becoming an integral part of the design process. After establishing the engineering design technical requirements, overall project plan, and design workflow, each discipline directly creates and builds three-dimensional models on the BIM platform according to specified design requirements and standards—without relying on traditional plans or drawings. These models are then synchronized to a collaborative design platform.
Through this BIM platform, different disciplines work together to optimize the design by adjusting and modifying parameters of various model components and performing verification checks. Ultimately, each discipline finalizes the plan and produces construction drawings as the final design deliverables.
This forward design approach has gained increasing attention in China in recent years. It overcomes the expressive limitations of traditional two-dimensional drawings, enabling designers to unleash their creativity and develop more complex designs. Additionally, it reduces labor intensity and significantly improves efficiency. However, because this approach is still in its research phase and lacks unified standards and widely adopted tools, achieving efficient collaboration in practical projects remains challenging.
Looking ahead, the design pattern is expected to evolve toward a parametric forward design approach. Currently, a key trend is optimizing each stage of the design process by leveraging BIM technology to enhance design efficiency. Nonetheless, the traditional BIM application pattern, often referred to as “mold turning,” will continue to be widely used for the foreseeable future. Even within this framework, increasing the share of parametric design work is essential to boost productivity.
Furthermore, forward design applications can still perform mold flipping operations by inputting predetermined design parameters into the system, blending traditional and parametric methods to achieve better results.
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