Shared Knowledge, Ultimate Collaboration

Fostering a BIM Modeling Team

The saying, “two heads are better than one” comes to mind when you think of the collaboration that’s attained with Building Information Modeling (BIM). The only exception is there are many heads involved. When using BIM, the entire project team has access to equivalent design, cost and scheduling information in real time. Different pieces of the model can be worked on and viewed by different members of the project team. All of the project team members can combine their knowledge from diverse disciplines into one model. As long as there is available connection, the model can be viewed in the interconnected database by any member of the project team.

One of the main reasons architects and engineers have difficulty communicating with their clients is because they use field-specific language that often goes misunderstood. When a designer uses BIM, the client does not have to look at lines on a piece of paper. They can actually see what the designer is talking about in an interactive form.

Managing a BIM Modeling Team

A fully integrated and high-quality BIM model requires an environment that brings all stakeholders together early to share information and working practices.

The best way to make sure the project team is on the same page from the get-go is to execute a well-thought out and negotiated BIM Execution Plan. This step by step plan should reduce the amount of “assumptions” regarding the model and the information that is included. Not only is this necessary to make sure everyone is on the same page, but a BIM model can have an extensively fluctuating level of information and detail if you do not clarify what is in the model and what it can be used for. Moreover, if this information is not clarified, severe liability issues can arise and cause additional complications.

It is beneficial to implement someone as a BIM Champion to lead the BIM Execution Plan and manage the workflow from multiple sources. The best person to execute this role is someone who has strong technical skills, knowledge and motivational finesse to guide the team in executing the plan through all project phases.

This article is the first chapter of the Executive Guide: BIM Adoption - The Thought Behind the Design.

To read more, please see below to view or download JPT Architect's full version of the Executive Guide: BIM Adoption - The Thought Behind the Design.

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