In today’s tech-driven AEC workplace environment, the only constant, it seems, is change. Firms are scrambling to keep up with the latest BIM/VDC-related tools and are searching for ways to more effectively implement and manage those tools on their projects. There’s a thirst for knowledge of all things BIM.
The following collection of feature stories, case studies, and Web-exclusive content is based on the number of BDCnetwork.com readers who clicked on the article during the past 11 months. For more BIM/VDC articles from BD+C, visit www.BDCnetwork.com/BIMit.
1. “5 tech trends transforming BIM/VDC”
By Jeff Yoders, Contributing Editor, BD+C
As BIM/VDC continues to evolve the work processes of AEC firms, promising technologies are being applied to take 3D coordination to the next level. This report covers five breakthrough ideas: energy modeling on the fly, laser scanning, prefabrication of building systems, advanced data management, and computer-aided manufacturing. www.BDCnetwork.com/BIMtechtrends
2. “Hyper-speed rendering: How Gensler turns BIM models into beauty shots in seconds”
By David Barista, Editor-in-Chief, BD+C
The rise of BIM and 3D rendering technology has raised client expectations and placed additional pressure on Building Teams to produce visually striking artwork that accurately depicts the very latest iteration of a project’s design. Turnaround time on artwork has to be in hours, not days or weeks. In search of a fast rendering solution, Gensler looked to the gaming and moviemaking industries for the next breakthrough tool: Octane Render. www.BDCnetwork.com/Octane
3. “7 ways to cut waste in BIM implementation”
By David Barista, BD+C
More than two decades into the building information modeling movement, AEC firms are still discovering ways to utilize BIM/VDC tools more effectively. One major current area of focus is how to cut waste in the BIM implementation process. In this report, several BIM/VDC power users offer their top tips for eliminating waste in BIM/VDC workflows. www.BDCnetwork.com/BIMworkflow
4. “Firms enhance BIM/VDC with advanced collaboration tools”
By David Barista, BD+C
A special to the BD+C Giants 300 report, this article highlights BIM/VDC innovations by the nation’s largest AEC firms, including SOM, Stantec, and Thornton Tomasetti. Among the breakthrough ideas featured: cloud-based data sharing, rapid iterative design, and cross-discipline collaboration. www.BDCnetwork.com/BIMGiants2014
5. “Super BIM: 7 award-winning BIM/VDC-driven projects”
By AIA Technology in Architectural Practice Knowledge Community
Thom Mayne’s Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas and the Anaheim (Calif.) Regional Transportation Intermodal Center were among the seven projects named 2014 AIA TAP BIM Award winners by the AIA’s Technology in Architectural Practice (TAP) Knowledge Community. This slideshow recaps the winning projects. www.BDCnetwork.com/SuperBIM
6. “Perfecting prefab: 8 tips for healthcare construction projects”
By David Barista, BD+C
Healthcare projects across the U.S. are being built in record time, thanks, in part, to the implementation of advanced multi-trade prefabrication techniques. By assembling components like MEP infrastructure, headwalls, and bathrooms offsite in a controlled environment, Building Teams are able to compress project schedules by performing multiple construction activities in parallel. This report offers helpful advice for using BIM to pull off prefabrication. www.BDCnetwork.com/BIMprefab
7. “Total immersion: Has virtual reality’s time finally come?”
By David Barista, BD+C
Virtual reality technology is a natural fit for the AEC industry. Many firms are already building highly detailed BIM/VDC models of their most complex projects, so VR looks like the logical next step. But, as our experts reveal, pulling off VR is not so simple. www.BDCnetwork.com/VR2014
8. “5 ways virtual modeling can improve facilities management”
By Jennifer Macks, Vice President, Skanska USA
BIM has become standard practice for design and construction, but often little attention is paid to what happens to model data post-construction. This blog post details practical applications for BIM/VDC tools for the operation and maintenance of buildings, including space management, maintenance scheduling, and retrofit planning. www.BDCnetwork.com/BIMom
9. “How architects at NBBJ are using computational design to calculate the best views on projects”
By Andrew Heumann, Computational Design Specialist, NBBJ
In an ideal world, every employee would have a beautiful view from his or her desk. Using computational design, architects like NBBJ can help building owners, developers, and tenants maximize views from every angle and position within a tower. In this video, NBBJ’s Andrew Heumann demonstrates a custom computational design tool the firm is using to improve views on a Seattle high-rise project. www.BDCnetwork.com/BIMviews
Related Stories
| Jan 17, 2012
Capital Engineering joins AECOM
With 160 employees based in Taipei and Kaohsiung, CEC specializes in environmental, water, hydraulic and land development engineering consulting services for clients in Taiwan's public and private sectors.
| Jan 17, 2012
SOM launches Los Angeles design studio
Expert team to join the firm's West Coast practice, focusing on innovative urban and environmentally sustainable design in Southern California
| Jan 16, 2012
2012 40 Under 40 applications due Friday, Jan. 20
Building Design+Construction's 40 Under 40 is open to AEC professionals from around the world who are under 40 years old, as of January 1, 2012.
| Jan 16, 2012
Mid-Continent Tower wins 25 Year Award from AIA Eastern Oklahoma
Designed by Dewberry, iconic tower defines Tulsa’s skyline.
| Jan 16, 2012
Suffolk completes construction on progressive operating suite
5,700 square-foot operating suite to be test bed for next generation of imaged-guided operating techniques.
| Jan 15, 2012
Hollister Construction Services oversees interior office fit-out for Harding Loevner
The work includes constructing open space areas, new conference, trading and training rooms, along with multiple kitchenettes.
| Jan 15, 2012
Smith Consulting Architects designs Flower Hill Promenade expansion in Del Mar, Calif.
The $22 million expansion includes a 75,000-square-foot, two-story retail/office building and a 397-car parking structure, along with parking and circulation improvements and new landscaping throughout.
| Jan 15, 2012
535 Madison Avenue achieves LEED Gold certification
Class-A commercial building meets sustainability requirements of LEED Program.
| Jan 12, 2012
CSHQA receives AIA Northwest & Pacific Region Merit Award for Idaho State Capitol restoration
After a century of service, use, and countless modifications which eroded the historical character of the building and grounds, the restoration brought the 200,000-sf building back to its former grandeur by restoring historical elements, preserving existing materials, and rehabilitating spaces for contemporary uses.
| Jan 12, 2012
Stellar earns construction industry's most prestigious safety award
Now widely accepted as the construction industry's standard measure of safety performance, the STEP awards were established in 1989 to evaluate and improve safety practices and recognize outstanding safety efforts.