Consulting-Specifying Engineer - March 2009 - (Page 30) BIMStorm BY KIMON ONUMA, FAIA, Onuma Inc., Pasadena, Calif. Engineering a Building information modeling in a web-based charrette increases specifying accuracy and value. Editor’s note: BIM is an information technology as well as a critical component of integrated project delivery. This article on BIMStorms presents how BIM can create a community event, with a wide variety of professionals collaborating on single and multiple projects simultaneously. It’s different—but interesting and even a little edgy. We hope you enjoy learning about BIMStorms and perhaps have an opportunity to participate in one. High-impact decisions that affect a building’s performance can be made at early design stages when engineering input has the highest potential impact. Web-enabled building information modeling (BIM) tools allow specifiers to position themselves as profitable information managers and can yield great value for clients. A traditional engineering process is very linear—waiting for the architect to complete his or her task before the engineer becomes involved. This is the limitation of current processes. The American Institute of Architects Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) calls for earlier and more frequent involvement by all stakeholders throughout the project, and this process promotes interaction by those who typically would only be reacting to previous decisions before they are set in stone. IPD allows specifiers to have an early impact on project decisions, reducing costly overtime to change bad decisions or rapidly visualize scenarios before they are set in stone, creating a better end-product. When BIM is web-enabled, it supports stakeholders’ ability to interact in real-time through a model as the communication medium. Typically design decisions on a building’s form and MEP systems are made in later stages, reacting to earlier decisions that are difficult to change. IPD calls for stakeholder collaboration in earlier design stages. Breaking down the linear process of design decisions opens up huge opportunities. It is also a sustainable process for the building industry, as there is exponential value in having real-time expert advice throughout the design lifecycle. Meanwhile, building industry tools are becoming increasingly sophisticated. The amount of data related to projects and buildings is growing exponentially. The task of categorizing and accessing the information is adding another dimension to the BIM process. For some, BIM inundation is creating BIM aversion, at a time when we need to be versed in BIM. So where does one go to become BIM versed in a short amount of time with little cost, and in a way that is experiential and fun? Try a BIMStorm—a web-based, handson workshop that enables stakeholders to be part of a live collaborative BIM process. BIMStorms bring together many experts, use a variety of interoperable tools, and demonstrate how knowledge from owners, engineers, architects, facility managers, and the public is connected. As an online learning and collaborating environment, BIMStorm statistics Statistics from BIMStorms in 2008: 14 BIMStorms 3,000 participants 14 countries 2,458 sites 3,964 buildings 493,914 rooms 485,883,746 sq ft of space In 2009, BIMStorms will focus on lowcarbon collaboration starting with the University of Southern California. Low-carbon collaboration describes the efficient process of project decision-making by using fewer resources in time and the need to physically collaborate. Low-carbon collaboration with input from experts at the appropriate time in the project, will result in more intelligent decisions being made for the project. 30 Consulting-Specifying Engineer • MARCH 2009
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