BIM is the acronym for Building Information Modeling. However, from our perspective, this working methodology is much more than just modeling for building execution. Through the use of this method, we aim to integrate all branches involved in the design process, such as architecture, engineering, construction, promotion, facility management, among others, to make the work more efficient and organized. Under this guideline, we establish the scope of each participant and define the work parameters, which will generate a virtual model containing information related to the building throughout its life cycle: from its implementation and initial approximations, through subsequent changes during construction and its entire lifespan, to its demolition.

All this collected and entered information into the model, coming from different types of software such as modeling programs (REVIT / ArchiCAD), MEP (Installations), structural calculation, measurement for budgeting, energy behavior analysis, etc., is concentrated and recorded in a collaborative file accessible to everyone. For this reason, it is essential that when working with this type of methodology, all parties involved understand the BIM method and how its tools work. This ensures a constant, secure workflow with foresight and solution margins for any problems that may arise.

In particular, at AHEAD Barcelona Healthcare Architecture, we make the most of this three-dimensional file filled with data because it is useless to have an inefficient model that solves only specific changes, completely ignoring the impact on the initial budget, cost control, and/or the animated update of the construction planning, among other things.

Also, by implementing this way of working, we seek to promote a culture of collaboration where the phrase “I already have the plans and my BIM model, but I will give the 2D CAD to the quantity surveyor to make the budget” no longer has a place. We constantly aim to avoid information gaps between parties, thus minimizing problems.

Our focus is on creating and obtaining a file that is a valuable tool in the eyes of future collaborations, where everything is completely recorded with an as-built BIM model (our modified “executive project” BIM model), capturing the inherent changes that any construction entails so that the property can subsequently use it without depending on our expert team.

If you would like more information on how we work at AHEAD on this topic, we invite you to click on the following link to access the detailed article: BIM_Beyond Inefficient Modeling