BIM (Building Information Modelling)
Building Information Modelling (BIM) is the means by which everyone can understand a building through the use of a digital model.
As one of the leading BIM architects in Colchester, Essex, we work hard to deliver BIM throughout all our projects. Modelling an asset in digital form enables those who interact with the building to optimise their actions, resulting in a greater whole life value for the asset. Essentially, you build the building twice, once in virtual reality and once in real life, resulting in a ‘Digital Twin’. BIM creates value from the combined efforts of people, process and technology.
BIM is a way of working; it is information modelling and information management in a team environment, with all team members working to the same standards as one another. All parties use their own 3D CAD models, but they don’t necessarily work on a single, shared model. The collaboration comes in the form of how the information is exchanged between different parties.
Design information is shared through a common file format, which enables any organisation to be able to combine that data with their own in order to make a federated BIM model, and to carry out interrogative checks on it
Each party must be capable of exporting to one of the common file formats such as IFC (Industry Foundation Class) or COBie (Construction Operations Building Information Exchange). This method of working is defined as Level 2, which has been set as a minimum target by the UK government for all work on public-sector work, since 2016.
Inkpen Downie Architects have been attending CPD training seminars for the past 2 years when it was in its initial discussion stages in order to build up an understanding and knowledge base of what BIM is and how it will affect the construction industry as a whole. We have also invested in the latest Apple Mac hardware to run the current CAD software package VectorWorks 2022.
We have also subscribed to VectorWorks online CAD support and training service together with regular in-house training workshops with an approved CAD trainer to ensure we as a practice remain at the forefront of the BIM revolution.