Building Information Modeling

Cassandra W. Brunson CAD IN INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE

Parametric modeling is an interactive digital form of an object or a building. It is not random data however it is a collection of measurable data that is capable of corresponding to one another. This form of modeling allows changes and edits in one family / component to reflect in all families instantly with one simple click. Therefore, if the designer chooses to make any changes with the walls, doors, materials, or roof in plan view [2D]; these changes will automatically update simultaneously in all other views. [elevation, section] Parametric modeling allows objects to maintain relationships within and between objects. This method of building supports cohesiveness in all documentation of a project. The parametric engine in Revit guarantees, “a change anywhere is a change everywhere”.

I’ve been successful in visually communicating my designs ideas in SketchUp due to it’s amazing rendering Plugin [Podium SU]. This allowed me to share my ideations with my professors or clients in a creative manner. However, I have been limited in exchanging this information with any others in the construction process. SketchUp doesn’t seem to be designed for efficiency in floor plans, sections, and elevations. Although, they are possible to create in SketchUp, they are primarily useful when diagramming and not actual measurable tools for building. Instead, I’ve used AutoCAD for these purposes, and have also experienced great limitations with the exchange of information and modeling. AutoCAD has been a life safer for editing documents. Then on the other hand, it too has been detrimental at times because it’s not built to correspond with other families/components within the project. Therefore, if I changed the position of a door in plan view, I must remember to change it in all views, as well as how it is attached to other components.

I am pleased to be introduced to a software program that operates on a BIM approach. Revit will allow all the headaches and heartaches from the previous software to cease. Changes will occur throughout the entire model simultaneously with the click of a button…plan, elevation, sections, and schedules / lists. It will be easy to correspond with contractors and clients based on the capabilities of documentation that can be generated. The computer will basically do the hard work, like calculating, communicating and translate changes in data, unlike CAD. I’m looking forward to worker smarter and not so hard.