MR D. TAIL'S BLOG
A little creature who is discovering the technical and poetry side of architecture... and more.
#048 - BIM MATURITY LEVELS
This post just wants to illustrate the different levels, from 0 to 3, that broadly define the progressive BIM (Building Information Model) process. There is a certain level of uncertainty surrounding BIM and its meaning but we believe we made the point down here:
Level 0
No coordination across disciplines. Only 2D CAD tools are used to produce documentation.
Level 1
There is still no collaboration between different disciplines. 3D CAD tools used for concept works and 2D CAD tools for production. Standards data structure throughout the project is adopted. Common data environment created to share information electronically.
Level 2
All disciplines are coordinated, design information is shared through a common environment. Each discipline is working on its own 3D CAD project model, information is exchange between different parties in a combined model. Common file format is used (basically same software).
Level 3
There is full collaboration between all disciplines. A unique shared project model is used and all parties can access and modify it. There are advantages because it removes the risk for conflicting information, on the other hand this level of coordination requires a huge efforts from all disciplines that unwillingly have to disclose too many information at earlier stages.
But it is not finish yet, we also have these still vague levels that worth to mention:
Level 4
Analyse time
Level 5
Cost management
Level 6
Facilities management
For the post we have been inspired by “
The Bew-Richards BIM Maturity Model
”, instead Mr D. Tail has had his controversial view, as usual.
Also more info about BIM in our previous
#047 - BIM – BUILDING INFORMATION MODELLING
BIM is an acronym describing digital design, construction and facilities management in the construction industry. "B" stands for building of course, "I" for information and "M" is not clear yet but it may be interpreted as Modelling or Management depending if you are designing or managing the project.
However the National Institute of Building Sciences in the United States put some light on this subject stating that BIM is:
“A digital representation of physical and functional characteristics of a facility… and a shared knowledge resource for information about a facility forming a reliable basis for decisions during its life-cycle; defined as existing from earliest conception to demolition.”
As the above definition didn't help us at all, we decided to look through some RIBA publications. That was even more confusioning, we found out that anybody can say what they want about BIM.
On our side we put a lot of effort in pursuing the perfect BIM definition and now we are pretty confident in saying that BIM is a multidisciplinary approach to the design, construction e management of a building (or infrastructure). Various disciplines are involved in the design of a building, such as architects, structural engineers, mechanical and electrical engineers. All of them are working on the same digital model. In this way everyone involved must work and collaborate together with the same standards. If one discipline fail to deliver his package the team fail in delivering the project to the client.
All seem pretty amazing but, as Mr D. Tail is trying to explain us, the theory may be different from the practice.
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