Building Information Modeling
Leadership in the design discipline often relies on incorporating advanced technologies. The future of the building industry lies in the application and use of Building Information Modeling (BIM) to coordinate all aspects of the design and construction of the built environment.
EOP is currently using BIM on 100% of our projects. We have completed numerous major projects with our project team using the BIM method. As a revolutionary design and modeling platform, this technology provides a number of benefits to our clients:
- Enhanced collaboration/coordination between owner, consultants and contractors;
- Greater opportunity to explore design alternatives/options;
- Improved scheduling and workflow;
- Realistic 3D visualization tools;
- Reduced on-site construction material waste.
Where CADD simply digitized the centuries old process of producing drawings, BIM introduces a real revolution in the process of designing and constructing buildings. A Building Information Model is a three-dimensional database of the entire project and all its components. By increasing the collaboration between designers, owners, and contractors, conflicts can be resolved and solutions discovered in the earliest phases of a project where they cost the least to implement and offer the maximum number of available options for resolution. Bringing together the work of architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing disciplines into one 3D form gives all parties a better understanding of their roles in the project.
Building Information Modeling improves collaboration between the designers and constructors by bringing a new level of visualization to the process. Where traditional drawings were symbolic representations of a building a Building Information Model represents the actual building within a virtual environment. The client and the design team can see the effects of the choices they make instantaneously and identify any issues that may result from those choices.
The 3D model offers the ability to extract detailed and accurate material quantities, check clearances for building elements and ensure that each component is built right the first time. Imagine the ability to quantify structural steel amounts before you send the job out to bid. Imagine watching how daylight interacts with the building over the course of a day. Imagine a job site with 30% less waste because the contractor can pre-fabricate materials before going onsite. Imagine fewer change orders because owners can see what the building looks like and how it functions before the first shovel of dirt is removed.