Visualizing a New World Today
Adapt or Die
According to the UN, by 2050 the world's population will be over
9.7 billion with over 1/3rd
in Africa alone. The global AEC industry is over 40 years behind
other design and manufacturing industries in its ability to
optimise, manage and deliver and is falling further behind the
required growths needed, if the existing players in this industry
want to survive and stay relevant within the next 10 years the
entire industry must
look to smarter, more efficient digital integrated processes to
design, build and manage their offerings, not just as a means to
attempt to keep up with local and global demand but to help create
spaces that are smarter and more resilient too.
BIM not only allows design and construction teams to work more
efficiently, but has also been proven to be a more viable delivery
mechanism. Capturing of critical information and data being created
during the process brings about massive benefits in construction,
operations and maintenance activities while bringing about better
communication, saving of money and time throughout the design, build
and operational phases of a projects life. This is why
BIM mandates are increasing
across the globe.
See: Disruptives & Incumbents Master Class
What Is Building Information Modeling (BIM)?
Building information modelling (BIM)
is a process that begins with a common understanding of the required
outcomes and Vision of a project and then moves to the creation of
intelligent 3D models which enable document management, coordination
and simulation during the entire lifecycle of the project, this
process is supported by various tools, technologies and agreements
involving everyone involved in the generation and management of
digital representations of physical and functional characteristics
of objects and places related to the Vision.
Building information models (BIMs) are digital files (often but not
always in proprietary formats and containing data) which can be
extracted, exchanged or networked to support decision-making
regarding the built assets throughout their life-Cycle (plan,
design, build, operation and maintenance).
See: BIM for manager’s Master Class
W hy
is BIM used by so many?
BIM is used by individuals, businesses, government agencies and
Clients to plan, design, construct, operate and maintain diverse
physical infrastructures, such as buildings, water, refuse,
electricity, communication utilities, roads, railways, bridges,
ports and tunnels.
A Digital BIM model can be used –and not limited to- analysis,
explore design options, optimise material use, lower energy
requirements and be used to create visualizations that help
stakeholders understand what the building will look and how it will
perform before it’s built. Digital models are also used to generate
marketing, design and construction documentation and are often
handed over to the clients and owners to be used to access and
manage its wealth of intrinsic design, performance measurements and
facility data over its Life-Cycle including but not limited to
decommissioning and demolition.
BIM is essentially a process of communication and common
understandings that with the correct implementation and guidance
will make delivery and management easier, clearer and more
profitable for everyone involved in a projects life and use.
See: BIM Essentials
