Issue link: https://construction.trimble.com/en/resources/i/1522180
Design for life BIM & Design: From Architects to Subcontractors – Who does what? We're often told how BIM will revolutionize the design and build process and that collaboration is key. We're also frequently reminded that BIM is less about technology than it is about people and processes. What isn't always immediately clear, though, is where each of us as people sit in the BIM process. One of the most valuable additions BIM offers the AEC industry is an opportunity to work together more closely and concurrently than ever before. Historically, there has – all too often – been a perceived divide between architects and contractors, engineers and subcontractors. BIM can play a significant role in promoting collaboration between all project stakeholders, improving efficiency and profitability for all concerned – including clients. However, not every contractor and subcontractor feels yet inclined to assume the responsibility for promoting and championing BIM. Instead, there's a degree of buck-passing among major stakeholders with each tending to view BIM implementation as the responsibility of someone else in the supply chain. Here we outline where each key stakeholder sits within the BIM design and build process, what impact BIM will have on the way they work and how everyone, at every stage, can benefit from working in a BIM environment. Importantly, we also ask: who has responsibility for promoting BIM to other parties involved in the process? Imagine if you will: Funding for a project is firmly in place and, during the pre-design process, it was decided that BIM will play a significant role at every stage of design and construction. Now, the architect begins working on their model. When complete, the architectural model is then presented to the owner. They undertake a walkthrough of the model, during which the owner suggests a number of changes and offers their thoughts on the architect's vision of the finished project. Equipped with the owner's feedback the architect can begin the design phase in earnest. As explained in BIM a definition: 4D BIM involves time-related data, such as information about scheduling (including lead times, installation and build phases) being added to the model and 5D BIM is, principally, about the inclusion of information that helps facilitate accurate cost estimates. In short, 4D BIM ensures that the building can be built on time while 5D, and its intrinsic requirement for including estimating data, means the cost of the project can always be tracked.