By Tamera L. McCuen
The recent presentation by Jerry Laiserin for WPL Publishing's BIM Roadmap 2009 Series provided attendees with a pragmatic look at building information modeling, complemented by a unique approach to the identification of critical considerations needed to better understand BIM and the selection of BIM software. From the beginning, Laiserin emphasized that BIM is more than software. He clearly explained BIM as a methodology executed within "BIMware" for design and construction of the built environment. Laiserin coined the term BIMware to represent tools used to automate the building process through BIM in multiple dimensions. He discussed the problems existing in industry that stem from professionals who view BIM as software and neglect to focus on the methods and processes critical to BIM.
Laiserin presented his working definition of BIM as the following: "A method of representation using multi-dimensional, data-rich views for collaboration, communication, simulation and optimization, each of which sets the stage for thinking about BIM beyond software." Expanding on this definition, he discussed the areas of collaboration, communication, simulation and optimization as results attributable to the change in traditional methods and not simply "features" programmed into BIM software.
Of particular interest was Laiserin's discussion about BIM as a continuum with multiple dimensions that extend from paper-based 2D, through 3D and beyond for classifying BIMware. Beginning with legacy design and construction (LDC) as 2D at one end of the continuum and virtual design and construction (VDC) at the opposite end helps establish where an organization currently resides in BIM.
When deciding how to approach BIM and BIMware, Laiserin recommends that the organization first identify which aspects in its current methods for design and construction it wishes to improve, and then make its selections accordingly. He identified three considerations, which he named SP*3, regarding BIMware selections:
- Spectrum of Performance -- building accuracy, consistency, integration, coordination and synchronization
- Scale of Product
- Scope of Process
Laiserin emphasized that organizations should keep in mind the processes and methods selected for initial improvement and focus on accomplishing successful implementations.
Where should an organization begin BIM implementation? Laiserin answered that an organization should begin with the methods and processes most in need of improvement. Once an organization experiences the benefits of BIM, it can then expand its BIM capabilities to benefit other stakeholders in the process.
"Current Trends in BIM Software" was clear in its concepts and unique in its approach. Laiserin's presentation provided a way for attendees to better understand BIM software as tools for automating the traditional building design and construction process versus a tool of wonder veiled in the unknown about its spectrum of effects on an organization. Jerry Laiserin delivered a unique look at BIM with a useful approach to guide decisions about an organization's methods, processes and software for building design and construction.
Tamera McCuen is a faculty member in the Construction Science Division at the University of Oklahoma's College of Architecture. Her teaching emphasis includes cost estimating, life cycle cost analysis, sustainable construction, construction documents, project communications, interdisciplinary project teams, high performance teams, and the constructor's role in building information modeling. McCuen collaborated with an architecture faculty colleague to design and deliver an interdisciplinary class that received the AIA 2008 TAP BIM Award in the Academic Program/Curriculum Development category. She is a member of the National BIM Standard Project Team; is the Leader for the National BIM Standard Consensus Task Team; and is Communication Liaison for the National BIM Standard Testing Task Team. McCuen is also member of the BuildingSmart Alliance BIM speaker bureau.
