Building information modeling tools are great, but if you can't run efficient, productive coordination meetings, the Building Team will never realize the benefits of true BIM coordination. Here are some helpful tips for making the most of BIM coordination meetings based on my experience working on BIM/VDC-driven projects:
1. Practice and prepare. Yes, practice for a meeting. The more you do it the more productive your meetings can be. It takes some skill to be able to navigate the model and have the correct models loaded and visibility settings. Spending 15 minutes before loading models and opening views for the areas of focus will save you a lot of waiting and down time during the meeting.
2. Assign a "designated driver.” This person needs to be familiar with the model and savvy with the software platform. Models can be quite cumbersome, and it can slow down the meeting when a group of people have to watch someone poorly navigating the model. That will quickly kill your productivity.
SEE JARED KRIEGER AT THE 2013 AIA NATIONAL CONVENTION
Jared Krieger, Project Architect in Gensler’s Washington, D.C., office, will speak on “Maximizing BIM: How to Successfully Execute a Fully Integrated BIM Project,” at the AIA National Convention in Denver on Friday, June 21, 6:00-7:00 p.m. More information: http://convention.aia.org.
3. Use your team’s time wisely. You don’t always have to have the full team in the room at the same time. Consider splitting the meeting into structured trades. For example, meet with the structural engineer for the first portion of the meeting to review structural specific coordination. Then have some overlap time with MEP and structural for common coordination. Finish the meeting with MEP-specific coordination.
4. Use meeting notes to stay focused. Open action items and homework from the previous meeting should be the basis for discussion in your current meeting. Use this structure to keep yourself on track, and resolve open coordination issues before moving on to new items.
5. Talk about this process early in the project. For most people, using a collaboratively focused process leveraging technology will be a new process. It may sound like a large time commitment, but if done correctly it will save you time in the long run. Educate the team early on and set/manage expectations.
Jared Krieger, AIA, LEED AP, is a Project Architect and BIM/VDC expert based in Gensler's Washington, D.C., office. He can be reached at jared_krieger@gensler.com.
Related Stories
| Jun 7, 2012
Waterline exhibition displays visions for re-thinking the Chicago River
The designs of Waterline showcase why the Chicago River should once again be considered the city’s most important asset and sets the stage for increased awareness, education and reinvention of the River.
| Jun 7, 2012
WDMA and FMA to affiliate and integrate operations
Over the coming months both organizations will begin the process of formalizing the details of the agreement for final approval by both organizations, with the formal change expected to take effect in January 2015.
| Jun 7, 2012
Craig joins Cannon Design as associate principal
Craig will work closely with the firm's Corporate/Commercial Interiors leadership to help facilitate initiatives that strengthen awareness around workplace innovation and offer counsel on strategic workplace decisions.
| Jun 7, 2012
Stantec publishes 2011 corporate Sustainability Report
Stantec's fifth annual Sustainability Report was prepared in accordance with the internationally recognized G3.1 Sustainability Reporting Guidelines, developed by the Global Reporting Initiative.
| Jun 6, 2012
KPF designs tower for Yongsan IBD
The master plan, created by Studio Daniel Libeskind, is a dynamic urban environment containing contributions from 19 different architects practicing in diverse locations around the globe.
| Jun 6, 2012
SOM urges Chicago tenants to partner with landlords to cut energy use
Tenants can exceed building energy challenge targets recently announced by Mayor Emanuel.
| Jun 6, 2012
KLMK Group awarded contract with Parkland Health & Hospital System in Texas
KLMK will also provide planning guidance in all aspects of the project related to facility activation.
| Jun 5, 2012
Cannon Design joins forces with Peter Ellis New Cities
Peter Ellis will now lead Cannon Design's urban planning and city design practice in collaboration with the firm's executive leadership.
| Jun 5, 2012
Walker Parking opens office in Abu Dhabi
Walker has been in Abu Dhabi since May 2011 but in a temporary office suite.
| Jun 5, 2012
Glumac hires Drit Shoemaker as new director of business development
Shoemaker will research, connect, and forge new client relationships with architects, developers, owners and brokers while strengthening relationships with current clients.
