Design
Detailed drawings for a project that
used to take weeks to produce using
traditional drafting or computer
aided design techniques, can now be
produced within hours or days. In
addition, the information inherent
in a building information can be
manipulated in many different ways.
For instance, it is possible to ob-
tain sections and different views of a
building model in as many locations
as necessary at the click of a but-
ton, whereas using traditional tech-
niques, drawing different sections
and obtaining different views across
a building would generally involve
hours if not days of drafting.
Conclusion
The development of tools for build-
ing information modelling would
building infor-
mation mod-
elling remains
a tool and
its effective
use is very
much de-
pendent on
the human
input
DESIGN&BUILD
not have been possible without the
development of highly efficient
computing power and data storage.
It would be expected that as com-
puting power continues to improve,
better and more efficient tools for
building information modelling
will be developed. Given that build-
ing information modelling is a tool
and its efficient and effective use re-
quires skill, continuous profession-
al development forms an integral
part of using such systems.
The key participants in the design
and construction process (or
members of their teams) who
chose to use Building Information
Modelling as a tool for their projects
should endeavour to remain fully
informed of new developments
in the field. Several exhibitions
and conferences about building
Information modelling are in fact
held on a yearly basis and these
provide an excellent opportunity
for learning about developments
of new tools for providing a better
service to the construction industry
in general.
It is the opinion of the author
of this article that Building
Information Modelling represents
the way forward for achieving better
coordination between different
professionals and trades in a more
efficient manner. It is our role as
practicing professionals to promote
the use of modern tools with the
intent of providing a better service
to the construction industry. The
ultimate objective is to create better
environments and spaces which is
one of our key roles in society.
About the author
Dr Pierre Farrugia is an architect & civil engineer
by profession, and holds a PhD in structural
engineering. He is Director at Engineering
Building Design (EBD) Solutions, and has
been implementing structural engineering
solutions for over 22 years.
He may be contacted at [email protected]
Q 2 , 2017
53