Using BIM visualization correctly, teams can better work together, increase productivity and accuracy, and involve stakeholders

Maximizing building information modeling’s (BIM) full potential often pushes team members new to the process outside their comfort zone. The steep learning curve and upfront investment in time, effort and design costs can be daunting for project teams, and may lead them to attempt shortcuts. But teams will not realize the full benefits of BIM without the extra investment—and it will pay off in the long run.

DPR’s Atul Khanzode makes the case for BIM visualization in a new whitepaper, “Seeing is Believing—and Building Better.” In the paper, Khanzode explains that maximizing BIM’s benefits requires getting the right people involved in the process at the right time. Stakeholders from all phases of the building’s lifecycle must be involved from the beginning, including engineers and trade contractors, facilities managers, end users, and so forth. These participants must be able and willing to work together candidly and collaboratively.

NOT JUST PLUG AND PLAY

With all the recent hype around BIM, it’s no surprise that some teams have been disappointed when BIM use alone on their project didn’t immediately yield spectacular results. But, BIM is not a “plug and play” solution. To get the most out of BIM, teams must use it as a tool and work together differently from start to finish.

FEEDBACK FROM STAKEHOLDERS

Virtual models help all stakeholders understand the design faster and more accurately. Visualization helps owners, end users, facility managers and other stakeholders understand how the facility will actually look and function once built. They can easily provide feedback for possible improvements to the form, function, operation or “build-ability” of the design.

By working together on a 3D or 4D model, the team is able to expose potential issues faster, which means they can be resolved before a clash in the field—or worse, a completed building that is not what the owner expected. At DPR, this level of attention to detail has led to a significant increase in productivity and accuracy. The detailed model also means the project team can plan down to the hour what exactly will happen in the field, ensuring the project stays exactly on or ahead of schedule. When teams use BIM correctly on a project, there should be no surprises in the field or on opening day.

IMMERSING IN VISUALIZATION

DPR continues to push the BIM envelope with new technologies, knowledge and uses. One advancement is a partnership with WorldViz, which brings advanced immersive visualization to help owners better understand layout and design features before construction even begins.

By eliminating late-stage design changes, the correct use of BIM can help save time, money and resources in the long run.

Read “Seeing is Believing—and Building Better” in its entirety.