Building Information modeling (BIM) has enabled the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry to have an interdisciplinary and collaborative workflow. With BIM, projects can be visualized in a highly realistic manner and get supplemented with real-time coordination. The AEC industry is not any new sector but has been operable for a long time. Even before BIM, exemplary construction projects had been executed. However, what had been missing before was the source of reliable data, decision-making, and high efficiency. As BIM digitized the process, the percentage of error through miscommunication, manual handling, or else has been reduced to negligible. As such, financial, structural, or other risks are scrutinized thoroughly before putting the process in place.
A Brief Insight into BIM
The core concept of BIM revolves around information or data. Be it structure, design, planning, or MEP BIM services, information is a critical attribute shared across allied disciplines. This data generated through the process needs to be exchanged, evaluated, and shared amongst various stakeholders. As such, where previously there was a contextual lag through different stages in the industry, now, all are empowered through BIM to utilize the updated information at any stage and build a valid context for their work.
Besides, the functioning proceeds with the constant 3D model generation, updating the project status and eliminating the tedious interpretive technical assistance by aiding visualization. Alongside this information are the conventional building process and data management. Hence, BIM is not a software update but a holistic approach to a creative and efficient design.
With BIM, one can precisely workaround prefabrications, predictive building maintenance, cost evaluations, risk analysis, and more. The highest attribute contributing to smooth operation across various disciplines is multi-software compatibility. Such is the power of BIM and all the reasons why it has become not only appealing but an essential tool for practitioners.
BIMs’ Impact on MEP
While it is easy to understand the potential of BIM with architects and structural engineers, MEP BIM services aren’t that spoken about, yet, it is as beneficial and valid. MEP stands for Mechanical, Electric, and Plumbing Services. While architects govern the spatial visualization and structural engineers verify building strength, MEP formulates its essential services. Be it electrical conduits, the HVAC system, Water Supply, and Filtration or Fire Sprinklers and alarm systems, MEP engineers need to formulate strategic designs to assist a well-functioning place. The progression of an MEP design in a coordinated installation model can not only be time-efficient but cost-efficient as well.
The process demands a valid spatial model before MEP consultants can work it out. However, receiving the correct model in earlier stages can only bring their simultaneous workflow and help them provide a layout with accurate sizes. Early MEP BIM services can henceforth assist clash detection and save the owner or investor from any financial stresses.
With MEP BIM services, consultants counter any risks, work with a greater degree of adaptability, and have an integrated workflow, eliminating any communication gaps. Not only is the data streamlined, but the design solution is enhanced. A significant contribution to this is being witnessed in sustainable design efforts. This is possible with accurate plumbing routing, HVAC duct networking, and optimizing spatial coordination between the given set of equipment.
BIM Services in New York
BIM wasn’t accepted with equal warmth globally. The complexity and cost of technology created an irrational fear in the old-school practitioners. However, times have emerged when even small offices have started to shift their work mode on BIM. Globally, the U.S and France have been some top countries to assess the potential of BIM and adapt to it. Some great examples of BIM services in New York are showcased in the Hudson Yards and Laguardia Airport projects.
In the Hudson yard platform, MEP BIM Services by Agon Coordination in the form of Diesel Heat Zones, Lighting, & Underground Ductwork was worked out. The towers and retail center were further facilitated with electrical pre-coordination, voltage coordination, and fire alarm. The yard was even assisted with feature stair lighting details and hence the conceptualization of this bustling cultural center and neighborhood was perceived.
The LaGuardia Airport project was also supported by BIM services in its quest of becoming the most advanced airport in the world. This involved work in areas like power distribution and branch, telecom backbone, lighting, and low voltage systems across its terminals. Some other examples of BIM Services in New York can be studied by the World Trade Center, Columbia University, and One Vanderbilt.
What’s in Store For BIM?
BIM is no longer an alien to the AEC industry. Its potential has been widely recognized and adopted. With the kind of sustainable and tech-savvy building design already executed at the hands of BIM, returning to old-school tools isn’t a promising case. It’s only a matter of time before the smallest offices will be developing their projects with this technology and a strong supporting fact of this is the pace at which academic courses are advocating it and ed-tech platforms are propagating it. There’s nothing like what’s in store for BIM. Building Information modeling is the future and now you can take part in it!
