Building Information Modeling—Opportunity Knocking?
Galen Lif, AIA, LEED AP®, PGAV Architects
We have come a long way in our ability to detail and document our construction projects, but in many ways, the napkin sketch conveys as much information as a well thought out set of construction documents. In the course of this presentation, we will examine the benefits and deficits of using building information modeling (BIM) for the design and construction of a new, highly sustainable incubator laboratory/office building for the Kansas Bioscience Authority (KBA) in Olathe, Kansas.
Overall, the use of BIM was wildly successful and a key component to the success of this high-design laboratory facility. A number of the integrated architectural, structural, and mechanical features would not have been possible without its use. However, in many other ways it was frustratingly disappointing to not use BIM to its fullest potential and left one with a longing sense of what could have been. Unfortunately, this is a common problem with the use of BIM and it does not need to be that way. What BIM requires is full cooperation and understanding between the owner, design team, construction team, and key project stakeholders of what is possible and what is expected.
The speaker will discuss how best to implement a largely underutilized tool of the design and construction industry. The speaker will use a wide variety of components from the BIM model and, along with construction photos, will compare actual installation to the design. This will show several areas where the use of the BIM model allowed the speaker to design the laboratory components with greater speed and client input, increase design team collaboration, identify construction challenges, and maximize the energy efficiency of the design through energy modeling and analysis. In contrast, it will also allow the speaker to discuss the missed opportunities, the "death" of the model, and what it will take to not let those missed opportunities occur in the future.
The use of BIM by the design and construction team can make a very complex laboratory project manageable in several notable areas, provided all the members on the team see its intrinsic value and invest the time and resources to fulfill its maximum potential. The ultimate success of attaching building information to digital model components will always come down to human involvement and investment. BIM certainly helped with the design, construction, and installation of the systems at the Kansas Bioscience Park Venture Accelerator. Additionally, it aided contractors in coordinating schedules and shopping drawings from multiple trades to eliminate many construction issues. But, in the end, opportunity should have knocked louder.
Biography:
Galen Lif is a senior project architect with PGAV Architects and specializes in the design and delivery of highly efficient research facilities. Mr. Lif thrives on complex challenges and leading the project team through the design and construction process. Mr. Lif's true strength lies in presenting a clear and consistent vision for the project while attending to countless details. Mr. Lif is a LEED AP, member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the U.S. Green Building Council, and is currently serving on the AIA Missouri Board. Mr. Lif earned his Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Kansas and has a total of 22 years of design and construction experience. Prior to becoming an architect, Mr. Lif spent 13 years as a civil engineering designer, working on transportation and stormwater management projects.