The advantages of BIM

The new-build Letterman Digital Arts Centre in San Francisco was delivered on time and, more to the point, below budget due to an estimated saving of around $10m on change orders. During the various design phases and despite numerous changes, more than 200 design and construction conflicts were identified, most before construction even began.

In no small part, this was because of something called Building Information Modeling (BIM).

BIM is a 3D design, modeling and simulation technology for the architectural, engineering and construction industries. While not new - elements have been around for several years - it is an important initiative that is changing standard practice in architecture today.

So what does it do? Primarily, BIM is a shared knowledge resource between everybody involved in the design process - architects, engineers, interiors people, and other contractors including av professionals - for information about a facility and the building materials incorporated into it.

Structural insight

Used throughout the various design phases, BIM is drastically changing the way in which structures are designed because it provides a much better interpretation of what the building is going to look like and how the building will perform over its lifecycle.

It's widely known and used in the US, and is gaining steady traction in Europe, although it has yet to make it fully onto the UK's radar.

For av, it's importance lies in the fact that in the eyes of construction professionals, av manufacturers are building-products manufacturers, rather than av companies. And the information in the BIM building model can be very helpful to av providers. First, the ability to visualise the physical aspects which av products incorporate into a space - such as video display size and location, loudspeaker configurations, projector mounting locations, equipment rack layouts and head-end equipment locales - is very valuable. To be able to share all that information in collaboration and co-ordination with architects, interior designers and other construction professionals is beneficial in several ways. Space and system routing conflicts can be identified, and clear cable pathways, projector and camera sightlines can be ascertained.

Visual simulation can also detect potential problems, such as natural daylight designs that compromise video display clarity. Control system software can be co-ordinated within the model so that the control system can be effectively demonstrated for multi-media, volume, lighting, projection screen and HVAC applications.

Again, the data imbedded behind each av product could also include environmental information such as recycled content or low volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

This could help determine implications of 'green' initiatives for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification requirements. BIM tools offer analysis of the performance of energy efficiency elements and sustainable materials.

The benefits of BIM go beyond the construction phase.

Once the building is completed, facility management professionals can rely on BIM's potential for lifecycle analysis, performance assessment and routine maintenance. The model stays with the building for its entire life.

Av products in the model can be accessed for product information, warranty, operational and trouble-shooting procedures as well as establishing additional components needed for future upgrades should application requirements need to change.

Earlier av involvement

Av professionals will soon see that BIM will impact their world. At the least, BIM projects will require that av is involved earlier in the design process.

That can be a real advantage for av product manufacturers, consultants and systems integrators alike; traditionally av has been an afterthought and now with BIM, is an integral aspect of the structure.

With significant time and cost reductions, elimination of construction conflicts and more accurate estimates, BIM will help architects and av professionals to work together more effectively, by being on the same page throughout the entire building process.

Jon Melchin, CSI, serves on InfoComm's Green AV Task Force and is an advocate of green building initiatives and Building Information Modeling practices.