When you think of building design, the image that most comes to mind is that of an architect at their designing board, using pencils, protractors, and rulers on huge rolled up blueprints. But this is the twenty-first century, and just like so many other industries and professions, architecture is benefitting from tech advances, in this case Building Information Modeling.

Building Information Modeling, or BIM for short, is a new approach in the design, construction, and maintenance of building projects. It’s the process of generating and managing the digital form of physical and functional information, which can be easily shared between individuals and agencies that are involved in all stages of the building project, from first inception to its continued operation.

Cloud-based BIM gives designers and builders the full picture, from inception to post-construction operations

A Closer Look At BIM

Is it a virtual model? Is it software? Or is it just a process? The answer is “yes”. Unlike traditional blueprints or CAD, BIM models and manages information on the building, in addition to the usual design graphics. You just don’t get the building rendered in three dimensions; you get information on things like geographic information, light analysis, building materials and systems, and utilities. In other words, BIM gives you the full picture.

And as if BIM by itself isn’t an amazing enough design tool, it is getting even stronger thanks to the advent of the cloud.

The Cloud’s Role Regarding Building Design and BIM

If you stop and think about it, designing a building is the result of a massive collaboration. Consider all of the different variables, the many components, involved in the design and construction of a building. In order to design the best possible structure, it takes a team effort.

BIM’s biggest strength is that brings all of this data together in an organized structure, for the purposes of making sure that all of the team members have access to it and can use it to make the best possible decisions. After all, informed decisions are the ones that stand the best chance of success.

Now let’s add the cloud to the equation. Cloud data storage has a big advantage in that it provides a central storage area for vast amounts of information, and grants easy access to the correct parties. A cloud-based platform adds to the versatility and scope of BIM, a point driven home by this piece that announces the launch of a connected BIM product by a cloud collaboration platform called Aconex.

Practical Application Of Cloud-Based BIM

By pairing BIM with a cloud-based platform, it becomes possible for a building design project team to maintain close contact with the clients, making sure that last-minute changes can be seamlessly implemented.

Better communication and collaboration between all of the teams and designers also means fewer mistakes, which in turn results in faster construction time and less likelihood of having to waste time correcting flaws that weren’t discovered until after the building opened.

With all of the building’s information available in one centralized location, buildings can be designed smarter and more efficiently, with all variables taken into consideration before any actual construction begins. This results in lowered costs, easier operations, and greater durability of all of the building’s assets, including the actual structure itself.

At the end of the day, it becomes clear that the cloud facilitates and enhances collaboration for everything from architecture to zoology. Check out the article Collaboration Station for information about Google collaboration apps.