Embracing BIM—Design through Construction
Richard Whealan, The Miller|Hull Partnership
Through the use of parametric modeling software, design teams are discovering new tools and opportunities to inform the design process, improve documentation quality, and carry these benefits into the construction delivery process. This presentation will track our learning curve and unveil the triumphs and tragedies of the BIM transition.
Lessons learned include a review of tools and techniques we have experimented with during our transition to BIM. Software tools include: Autodesk Revit, Ecotect, Green Building Studio, and Navisworks; Grasshopper with Rhino 3D design; and SolidWorks 3D fabrication software.
The presentation will describe the use of "gel" cubes to volumize each space and create massing diagrams in response to design goals. The physical properties of each gel cube reports to a programming spreadsheet for efficiency calculations, gross square footage, and cost model estimates. These massing studies can be placed on the project site and compared to terrain and adjacent adjacent buildings, etc.
The presentation will describe the use of third-party software programs to analyze solar orientation and building performance based on the early massing studies. The presentation will review tangible benefits to energy efficiency between massing options, including daylight factors, percent glazing, and building envelope design, which all contribute to mechanical system selection and function.
3D modeling provides vast improvements in project visualization for the design team, owner, stakeholders, donors, and contractors. The presentation will discuss how to harness this power to arrive at timely decisions.
The presentation will discuss ongoing exploration of fabrication software to design and document building elements that are directly fabricated for construction.
The presentation will outline the impacts of the 3D modeling approach to the traditional project phases, including: combined schematic design (SD) and design development (DD) phases, increased owner participation and decision making early in the process, and options for participation by the construction team in the BIM process.
Biography:
Rich Whealan is an architect and principal with The Miller|Hull Partnership in Seattle, Washington, specializing in systems integration and project management on some of the firm's most technical projects. Recent work has focused on new science teaching and research laboratory buildings for higher education.
During the past four to five years, Miller|Hull has transitioned from 2D drafting to 3D modeling, embracing BIM on all of our projects. We are discovering new tools and opportunities to inform our design process, improve our documentation quality, and carry these benefits into the construction delivery process.
Miller|Hull has used the BIM approach for design/build, General Contractor/Construction Management (GC/CM) process and negotiated work, as well as design/bid/build project delivery methods. While each project presents its own challenges, each presents a new way in which to benefit from the 3D model, and BIM has consistently resulted in a better building.