BIM workflows don’t have to be overwhelming. We talked to SketchUp’s construction software workflow expert, Stephane Desmulie, to walk through an approachable BIM workflow powered by connected technologies.
What is BIM?
BIM has been getting a lot of buzz in the AEC (architecture, engineering, and construction) industry for good reason: it’s an information-rich, error-minimizing, and highly collaborative construction workflow powered by existing and emerging technologies. BIM stands for Building Information Modeling (also sometimes known as Building Information Management). BIM can encompass everything from models to documents to estimating to sequencing. BIM is not just a single tool; it’s a project lifecycle from design to done — and beyond.
Why designers should be thinking BIM
If you’re an architect or designer, do you really need to be thinking about BIM? Short answer: yes. You have to keep up with the workflows that construction and engineering firms favor. A person who is easy to work with and has the right technology and workflows in their repertoire is a person who wins more bids. BIM is the future of the AEC industry, and for good reason. With BIM, you can see project improvements like:
- Higher productivity. 70% of people who implement BIM workflows say they have made them more productive.
- Increased speed of execution. Constructible BIM models increase efficiency, precision and profitability. According to the How We Build Now Report, 13% of total project spend can be saved by capturing and standardizing data more efficiently.
- More connectivity. The number of BIM-connected users is growing. Over 50% of construction firms are using BIM workflows or will in the next 12 months, according to the same report.
- Better project precision. Connecting hardware and software makes for precise, real-time data.
- More BIM-ready models, less time wasted. With 20M+ shared models, Trimble makes it easier for you to stop reinventing the wheel and start innovating in your design.
Check out this proposed BIM workflow for architects and designers to make your next project your smoothest one yet.
BIM workflow phase one: conceptual design
The first part of a BIM workflow is one you’re probably already familiar with: the conceptual design phase. When creating a conceptual design for a BIM workflow, remember that the more information-rich your model, the more successful the resulting workflow will be. Add the relevant information each step of the way so your model evolves with your knowledge.
Creating context for your design
Map of a project site.
Use Add Location in SketchUp to situate your site in the real world. The PlaceMaker SketchUp extension allows you to import buildings, roads, paths, trees, bodies of water and high-resolution aerials to get your project started with rich context and detail.
Aerial view of site context and model.
Scanning your site and importing the data will help you get a head start on your model by giving you a quick and accurate foundation to work from. For a scanning experience that directly integrates with Trimble technologies, your firm or build partners could try the Trimble X7 scanner, which is controlled from a tablet on site. If you can access 3D scanners, take advantage of them by importing a point cloud into SketchUp using Trimble Scan Essentials, included in a Studio subscription.
To create a sustainable design, you can use Sefaira to input real-world climate information, which it infers based on your project’s location. It then generates energy, daylighting, and performance reports based on your building. Sefaira also includes information like glazing, insulation values, and climate data for that location to help you design higher-performance building solutions.
3D conceptual modeling workflow
Once you’ve added context to ensure you’re creating the right building for the space, it’s time for the fun part — creating your conceptual model!
If you scanned your site or an existing building for an addition or renovation, you can create your model directly over the point cloud in SketchUp. After completing the detailed context in SketchUp for Desktop, you can use Trimble Connect to open your project in SketchUp for iPad to do rough sketching around the site for what you hope to create there.
Point cloud of existing building imported into SketchUp.
If you didn’t scan, don’t worry — you’re still not starting from scratch. Let your site context inspire your modeling moves. Quickly incorporate considerations like daylighting, wind, and other environmental factors with PreDesign to make fast iterations of rough modeling ideas and begin to build from your best high-performance option.