Façade BIM Modeling: The Next Big Thing in the AEC Industry
Recent wave of technological developments has introduced modern concepts for the AEC industry like BIM (Building Information Modeling), VDC (Virtual Design and Construction), GIS (Geographic information System), etc. and software applications enabling their implementation. These innovations have tremendously aided in enhancing outputs in a short time, allowing companies under the industry to flourish. This has given rise to a cut throat competition in the market.
Designing and constructing one structure that can come to be recognized as an architectural marvel earns far better competitive edge for a firm than erecting 10 clichéd cubical buildings that get lost in the sea of similar structures. So stand out and gain superiority over competition, construction companies need to push their designing limits by experimenting with physics, patterns and geometry to derive unconventional, impressive and unique designs.
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This is where façade BIM modeling comes in. By making use of it allows users to plan, design and build stunning structures that leave onlookers in awe.
What is Façade in Construction?
Façade refers to a side, usually the front, of the building as perceived by a viewer from the outside. The term originates from an Italian word ‘facciata’ which means a building’s exterior face. The front face of the building that comprises of the main entrance is the façade of the structure. The back façade constitutes of the building’s back outer wall while the side facades are the building’s exterior walls on either of its sides.
With BIM Support, façade designing, modeling and construction have become increasingly simplified. Proper BIM integration allows designers to take on more façade designing and modeling projects, making them artistically unique as well as precise and detailed without the setbacks of complex calculations and reworks due to error of manual work.
How is BIM transforming Façade Design?
Integrating BIM with façade designing and modeling revolutionizes the façade designing modules in several ways which are:
Parametric Designing
In parametric modeling, components of the model get modified automatically according to the changes made in the model. This is because of the corresponding relation between the parameters and controlled sizes of the model. BIM allows the geometric model of façade fabrication to be changed according to building components with attributes such as material, dimensions, thermal performance, etc. When parameters of the geometric digital model gets altered, the attributed of the façade components get updated accordingly.
Digital Design Visualization
3D BIM model aids in seamless and efficient communication between AEC professionals which helps eliminate mistake leading to costly reworks. Comprehensive Architectural BIM Services provides 3D visualization that aids in façade designs of structures including edge, hole, junction, trim, etc. of structural panels.
Virtual Assembly of Centralized Façade Panels
BIM supports the virtual assembly of centralized façade panels, also known as unitized façade fabrication. Since this fabrication is done in environment controlled workshops, on-site builders and contractors require knowledge of façade panels for their right positioning.
Façade components like unit panels, keel frames and irregular profiles are given unique codes according to data planning after a detailed BIM façade design gets developed. Following this, the façade model of the entire building is assembled and developed using the material list which assigns a unique number to each component that gets extracted from the BIM model.
BIM helps in the virtual assembly of the facade panel, resulting in multi-operational construction planning, installation sequencing, and improving its quality. This is done by creating information about fabrication, transportation, installation direction, and sequence in the facade panel.
Conclusion
BIM technology has revolutionized the way façade designers work, enabling them to deliver exceptional and detailed results. It has made the process of façade designing increasingly collaborative and simple through use of technology that bridges the limitations of complex calculations for intricate designs. Façade BIM modeling and 3D visualization of designs and structural details aids with accurate information sharing, reduced reworks and errors, enhanced project delivery time and understanding the details of construction work process.
To be able to deliver unique and inspiring projects in quick turnaround time, firms should adopt integration of BIM workflows with façade modeling. This not only provides them with the much needed competitive edge but also boosts their standards and reputation in a highly competitive market.