To Architects, Building Information Modeling is Still Primarily a Visualization Tool

7/10/2006 By Joann Gonchar

Almost three quarters of U.S. architecture firms are using 3D or building information modeling (BIM) for at least one phase of their work. The statistic comes from a survey conducted by a joint committee of the American Institute of Architects and the Associated General Contractors of America.

The results of the questionnaire, completed online in December and January by 1,266 AIA members, along with those of a similar survey of construction firms to be administered later this year, will be used to inform the initiatives of the joint committee and the individual organizations.

Of the respondents to the survey of architects, 36 percent are in firms with fewer than seven employees. In the last completed fiscal year, 33 percent had gross billings of $500,000 to $5 million, and 58 percent spent less than 5 percent of their operating budget on 3D modeling/BIM technology.

Of the 74 percent of participants that reported using 3D or BIM, 98 percent use the tools for renderings and presentation graphics related to conceptual design.

Of this group, many are using the technology for simple geometric massing and for adding material elements and details to drawings.

Just over one third of respondents using 3D/BIM reported using it as a construction resource, for tasks like conflict identification. However, most firms using the technology for this phase still produce 2D drawings for permitting, shop drawings, record drawings and client reviews.

About 34 percent are using it for “intelligent modeling,” or for generating information like cost or quantity data. Nearly all using the technology for this purpose included structural systems in the model. Twelve percent are using it for post-occupancy facility management.

CAD software developers say the results are encouraging, even though most firms are using 3D/BIM primarily as a visualization tool, and are not yet taking full advantage of its capabilities. “Thirty-four percent of firms using BIM ‘intelligently’ is great, [even if it’s] a self-selected respondent base. It’s still early,” says Phil Bernstein, FAIA, a member of the joint committee and vice president of Autodesk’s Building Solutions Division. More widespread adoption of BIM depends on “creating a closer relationship between the activities of design, engineering, construction, and building operation.”

The National Institute of Building Sciences hopes to facilitate this integration and sharing of information through the creation of a national BIM standard. The goal of the project is to “improve performance of facilities over their full life cycle by fostering a common, standard, and integrated life-cycle information model for the architecture, engineering, construction, and facilities management industry,” according to NIBS.

The organization hopes to release the first module by year end, and is now testing the link between CAD and a geographical information system. Such an interface could assist in locating nearby police stations, for example, and would be useful to first responders, insurers, and property owners, says Earle Kennett, NIBS vice president.