Probing Questions

This course has been an exploration of BIM and it's influence on architecture. Following you will find some of my views on BIM:

1. Exploration and understanding of the role of visual communication:

• BIM allows for the creation of much more intricate models and complex drawings. There is a level of detail made possible that otherwise might not be reached earlier on in design work. BIM also allows through parametrics to instantly see in multiple views the project wide effects of a change made to a drawing or part of the model with ease.

2. Re-prioritizaton of ways of thinking and designing:

•  With quicker access to sections, plans, elevations and 3D views, the process of design and thinking changes. We never design solely in plan or section, but many times there is a progression in moving from one form of design to another. With BIM however the lines between when one works in plan or section becomes blurred and when adding modeling in 3D a much more complete and comprehensive model emerges.

3. Visualization, documentation, and coordination of space:

• BIM allows you to virtually create a 3D model as you design. This allows for a more comprehensive view and documentation about the moments of space you are creating as you create them. As such you can proceed to see how elements of design relate spatially and quickly modify to obtain the results and view you wish to create.

4.Investigating design opportunities:

• As previously mentioned, BIM allows for a deeper exploration of spatial connections and how elements relate in space this is one design opportunity. Another important design opportunity lies in the level of detail that can be explored, be it joints, walls etc. From the macro scale [site] to the micro [structural joints] to the conceptual [mass families] revit allows you to design it.

5.Issues of  design specificity, ambiguities, and liabilities of digital modeling:

• Digital modeling allows for many opportunities in design, but these opportunities can become a liability when modeling. One such example is how quickly one can begin to model fine details in a model. Becoming caught in these details without having taken the time to model ambiguously often harms the project. Without first modeling a concept or ordering principle the model often becomes cluttered. Revit allows for ambiguous and detail oriented modeling, but the trick to properly using this tool is moderation and a proper order of work phases in the project.

6. Investigating skills that contemporary practice must employ:

• Contemporary practice has turned to BIM as its new digital practice. As such there are skills that must be employed that this class has explored. BIM can bring the architect back to the idea of the master builder with access to structure and detail. The access to libraries and multiple options and versions of components ideas can be tested quickly and more efficiently.