Building Information Modeling (BIM) has been in use by SRD since 2004 and used in 99 percent of its projects.  We still retain seats of AutoCAD Architecture for pulling up old projects and use it for converting work.

Benefits of BIM That SRD has Experienced

Improve the collective understanding of the design;

      Improve the quality of the project;

      Reduce the changes during construction;

      Reduce the number of requests for information during construction;

      Better cost control and predictability;

Sharing of the BIM Model with Owners and Contractors

Autodesk Design Review is a free valuable tool that can be used by owners and contractors to view models and drawing sheets.  The files used in Design Review can also be used as a central data file for maintaining all of the information of a project, including shop drawings, construction and field notes and photographs.  More information and examples of using this can be seen on our DWF Potential Page.

SRD Looks to Full Implementation of BIM

We have found BIM to be more than just an easier method of drawing and means of visualizing projects in 3D.  “I” is for information that is readily available in the Model that is shared with clients, contractors, and other designers.  This is done through the use of BIM or other systems ability to be interoperable, which is the ability to exchange information.  Sharing of this information helps the contractors provide quicker and more accurate bids, engineers are able to reduce conflicts and changes during construction, and helps in expediting shop drawings and provides more accurate dimensions and details and also provides critical information for other designers.  Engineers are also able to provide a more accurate analysis of the cost of operation of a building and quickly determine changes in efficiency if different products are used, or by changing the rotation of buildings for enhancing the use of natural lighting, or the affects of heating and cooling loads.

 All aspects of a building can be pulled together in one model by the use of NavisWorks which imports multiple user files from all of the designers.  At this point the tools in NavisWorks can identify and coordinate clashes and interferences, provide a means of collaborating with the project teams, and gain insight into potential problems before the first shovel is in the ground.  Full implementation can even simulate and optimize the construction schedule.

SRD continues to align itself with other design firms, material fabricators, and suppliers in an attempt to use BIM for integrating the delivery of the product (IPD) Integrated Product Delivery.  IPD is generally used for larger projects, but its concept is very affective on any size project if the owner is willing to spend a little more at the front end of the project to pull the team of designers and contractors together that can collaborate and share ideas to meet the criteria of the project and build a more accurate time line and estimate. For more information on IPD you may view this on the Owners Guide Section of our site.

There are various levels of quality available for renderings from shaded black and white to full color renderings.  SRD can provide to you the level of renderings that meet your budget and project requirements.

Above is an example of how we are able to accurately show the lighting conditions of a space.  The first image is a rendering of the space set for Dec. 22 at 2:45pm and the second image is a photo taken at the same date and time for comparison.  We feel this is a very good tool that allows us and the owner to understand just what the final appearance will be like.  Additional adjustments can be made in the virtual model to achieve better results and less changes after construction is completed.

Example of a view showing various finishes from a single view that can be generated to help in the final finish selections with the lighting conditions that would be present in the space.