BIM Corner Cast Project
model. This helps solve the problem of
Due to the size of data involved and
misunderstandings in the design process
restrictions of mobile devices, such as their
and underpins better collaboration
memory, viewing large models remotely has
during construction between architects,
made collaboration difficult.
contractors or clients.
In the same way that increased bandwidth in the home enables faster downloads of
traditional realm. By eliminating barriers to
Future developments
Netflix or effortless streaming, so 4G is
sharing 3D models, they become a valuable
A major new development on the horizon is
now enabling BIM streaming. But 5G will
asset, not a liability. Users now view BIM
the roll-out of 5G, which will be the catalyst
accelerate the adoption of streaming of
as a long-term benefit and can easily take
for the next generation of construction
any size model from the cloud, direct to any
advantage of models for the entire lifecycle
software. Like 3G and 4G before it, the huge
device. This will introduce vastly improved
of a building, not just for the planning and
jump in bandwidth which 5G delivers will
collaboration methods for AEC professionals
construction phase, but also in facilities
make the largest BIM models, VR and other
and transform the working practices of
management, training and maintenance,
data-intensive applications run far more
architects, engineers and BIM managers, as
for example.
smoothly and faster than ever. Being able
they seamlessly interact with complex BIMs
to view any size or type of BIM model, on
from any location.
Widen your stakeholder audience
any device, will be a major milestone in the
These developments are helping to drive
streamlining of AEC workflows and it’s not
AEC technology developments – you
the use of BIM amongst new stakeholders
far off.
definitely don’t need to go into an office
too, so not just the core BIM cohort but
Over the last few years, the construction
Covid-19 has accelerated some significant
to view a 3D BIM model any more. And
non-technical groups – anyone who
industry has struggled with how to
with the increasing number of AEC design
could benefit from seeing a 3D model,
share complete models of large scale
and VR applications being available in the
including contractors and personnel on site,
developments such as airports, hospitals or
cloud, along with the emergence of 5G,
marketing, sales, IT, finance, contracts, etc.
shopping malls with everyone, anywhere,
BIM streaming will soon introduce yet more
Plus, externally, with stakeholders such as
without any technical or financial barriers.
revolutionary ways to communicate.
planners and government bodies. By making BIM models easily viewable online, new faster workflows are created which challenges the status quo. A workflow that reduces the time it takes architects to communicate internally or externally, with staff, clients, contractors or anyone else
Alexander Le Bell is the CEO of Tridify. Tridify has been developing VR solutions for over 30 years, focused on automating the delivery of 3D models to improve AEC workflows and introduce new ways of collaborating. Customers around the world include WSP, Skanska, DPA Architects and City of Helsinki. The company was also recently awarded an Epic MegaGrant to develop a BIM streaming tool for Unreal Engine. www.tridify.com
who benefits from seeing an interactive
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