How BIM is Changing and Is Data Truly the Future of BIM

Summary

This video explores the evolution of Building Information Modeling (BIM), from its early days influenced by Steve Jobs to its current state. The speaker, Christina, reflects on her journey through various BIM roles and discusses the shift from a focus on 3D modeling to a more data-centric approach. She emphasizes the importance of data management and analysis in BIM's future, predicting that BIM roles will evolve towards data science and that BIM is not a profession but a framework for architects and engineers.

Takeaways

• 😀 Steve Jobs played a pivotal role in the early development of Building Information Modeling (BIM) by donating McIntosh computers to Graphisoft, a Hungarian startup.
• 📈 The speaker's perspective on BIM has evolved significantly over seven years, starting from a BIM modeler to a BIM manager, and now focusing more on development and consulting.
• 🏗️ BIM was initially more about parametric modeling than its literal definition of creating a digital representation of a building's characteristics.
• 🛠️ In the early days of BIM, tools like Revit were not fully equipped for structural engineering needs, leading to underdevelopment in areas like steel and concrete detailing.
• 🤝 The promise of BIM for enhanced collaboration and coordination was initially messy in practice due to differing adoption rates and capabilities between architectural and engineering disciplines.
• 🚫 The concept of 'pseudo BIM' emerged as a criticism of practices that did not fully utilize BIM's capabilities, leading to increased time and costs in the design process.
• 📊 There was a period where the industry became overly focused on the 3D model as the sole source of truth, neglecting other data sources and formats.
• 🧠 The true value of BIM lies in data science and the ability to manage and analyze data from various sources, not just the BIM model itself.
• 🔍 Data modeling, which involves defining data structures and relationships, is becoming increasingly important in the BIM process, emphasizing the need for a data-centric approach.
• 🔮 The future of BIM roles may see the BIM modeler role merge with designers, BIM coordinators focusing on clash detection and communication, and BIM managers evolving into data scientists or analysts.

Q & A

What connection did Steve Jobs have with Graphisoft in the 1980s?

Steve Jobs met Gábor Boser, the founder of Graphisoft, and decided to donate some of the first McIntosh computers to the company, recognizing its potential in developing building information modeling software.

What is Building Information Modeling (BIM) and how did the speaker's perspective on it evolve over the years?

BIM is the process of creating digital representations of the physical and functional characteristics of a building. The speaker's perspective evolved from seeing BIM as primarily parametric modeling to understanding its importance in data management and the integration of various data sources in construction projects.

What roles did the speaker explore in the BIM field?

The speaker explored roles such as a BIM modeler, BIM coordinator, and BIM manager, and currently works mostly as a developer and consultant.

Why was there a gap between architectural and engineering disciplines in adopting BIM technology?

The gap was due to the underdevelopment of detailing tools for wood framing, steel framing, and concrete in early BIM software like Revit, which left engineers with limited options and the need to develop their own tools or seek alternatives.

What is the issue with the term 'pseudo BIM' and how does it relate to the BIM process?

'Pseudo BIM' refers to the practice of faking parts of the BIM process by not extracting project documentation from the original BIM model. This can lead to accusations against BIM for making the design process more time-consuming and expensive.

What was the impact of focusing too much on the 'B model' in BIM?

Focusing too much on the 'B model' led to an overemphasis on 3D modeling and a neglect of other data sources, which resulted in insufficient or inaccurate data and added human hours and errors to the BIM process.

How does the speaker define data modeling and its importance in BIM?

Data modeling is the process of creating a conceptual representation of data structures, relationships, and rules within a specific domain. It is fundamental in designing databases and information systems and is crucial for understanding and managing data in BIM.

What is the Information Delivery Specification (IDS) and its role in BIM?

IDS, as defined by buildingSMART, is a standard in development that defines information requirements in a way that's easily read by humans and interpreted by computers. It helps in better defining exchange requirements and ensuring clarity among various stakeholders in the construction industry.

What are the speaker's predictions for the future roles within BIM?

The speaker predicts that the role of the BIM modeler will merge with the designer, the BIM coordinator will focus on clash detection and project requirements, and the BIM manager role will transition into something closer to a data scientist or data analyst.

How does the speaker view the role of BIM in the broader context of architecture and engineering?

The speaker views BIM not as a profession but as a framework applied to jobs in architecture and engineering, emphasizing the need for diverse skills including understanding of architecture, project management, 3D modeling, and data processing.