ering millions of points of data to share with designers in a fraction of the time versus traditional survey techniques. A Point Cloud Model can be used to create a 3D surface that would allow designers to develop renderings of a proposed facility in order to coordinate space, utilities, access, and aesthetics with the facility owners. So then what? We have created this very pretty (and very useful!) ‘picture’ that de-
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signers can use to make a clients’ vision a reality, but are we done? Not even close! BIM can be considered a process as well as a technology based idea. Information that promotes interaction among every team member should be the goal of a BIM project. We have all been accustomed to working in a 2D world and producing ink on paper. We now have the ability to build a multi-dimensional world to better depict our ideas.
What we should strive for is 4D (time), 5D (cost) and even 6D (as-built) dimensions to offer more information to everyone involved. This is what BIM gives us. Simply put, by utilizing BIM as the link between ideas, modeling, project management, schedule, cost, and ultimate project completion, we are becoming better engineers and stewards of our trade. Visualizing the client’s concept and linking all other components of a project will result in a more complete product for any stakeholder. Consultants will save time and money for their clients’, experience fewer design errors, improve efficiency, and provide a service that is unparalleled in the current market. BIM is gaining traction in the horizontal world and picking up speed. We will need to catch up to the vertical construction industry. Are you on-board? Or will you be left behind? v
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