Digital Technologies at Herzog & de Meuron
In this extract from The BIM Manager, Herzog & de Meuron BIM Manager Michael Drobnik, discusses the role of digital technologies at Herzog & de Meuron
Working with models in the context of architecture is not new per se. Historically, physical scale models were an essential tool in the development and description of a construction project prior to the arrival and dominance of drawings as a means of communication. Even the generation of digital, three-dimensional models for coordinating geometry or making visualisations with the help of CGI has been around for decades. Digital fabrication, like CNC technology and 3D printing, have blurred the lines between physical and digital models even further. The emergence of new technological opportunities has made it necessary to define conventions in order to create required interfaces and enable the exchange of structured information during the design process. These steps form the basis of the BIM methodology. Consequently, each new BIM model does not start with an empty sheet of paper but emerges from within a pre-structured digital system environment.
A solid foundation is crucial for the successful implementation of a BIM project. Expectations must be discussed with all those involved and they must be agreed upon and documented at project inception. Processes for modelbased cooperation can then be developed on the basis of what has been agreed. For us as an architectural office, challenges emerge in the domain between defining the BIM Execution Plan, as process description, and the data-drop, as delivery point – that is in the realm of model development. Efficient and successful use of models is dependent on the collaboration of the whole team and its various participants, not on the activities of a specific BIM Manager. As members of the Digital Technologies department at Herzog & de Meuron, BIM Man agers develop processes, templates, and standards. Implementation in the BIM environment requires ongoing communication, continuous training of employees, and the extension of software using API’s. Every building triggers different scenarios as a result of its design, typology, and location, as well as the requirements of the client. In consideration of this, at Herzog & de Meuron we design and manage each BIM process individually. At the end of the day, our goal is the built structure, not Building Information Modelling.
www.theBIMmanager.org
Thanks for the post Mark. I was interesting to note that "The emergence of new technological opportunities has made it necessary to define conventions in order to create required interfaces and enable the exchange of structured information during the design process." To press forward on this a bit more, given that these new conventions can be clearly defined as IFC MVD's, they can be objectively tested. This allows the real-time self-assessment of the quality of a design with respect to the convention. Many of these conventions have already been defined and implemented. They include the Coordination Model View from bSi and COBie, HVACie, WSie, Sparkie, BAMie from my team. These are currently being integrated into practice by Dr. Shawn O'Keeffe, PhD-CS MSc BSc ASc at MMA Environmental. BIMSteel, concrete, and precast MVD's were created by Dr. Eastman from GaTech. Who will step up to do the next ones? Who will work to implement what has already been done? Who will write the open source testing software needed to document compliance? Many practical questions remain and until this matter moves from "trade secret" to "open standard" information exchanges among companies will not progress.