In today’s tech-driven AEC workplace environment, the only constant, it seems, is change. Firms are scrambling to keep up with the latest BIM/VDC-related tools and are searching for ways to more effectively implement and manage those tools on their projects. There’s a thirst for knowledge of all things BIM.
The following collection of feature stories, case studies, and Web-exclusive content is based on the number of BDCnetwork.com readers who clicked on the article during the past 11 months. For more BIM/VDC articles from BD+C, visit www.BDCnetwork.com/BIMit.
1. “5 tech trends transforming BIM/VDC”
By Jeff Yoders, Contributing Editor, BD+C
As BIM/VDC continues to evolve the work processes of AEC firms, promising technologies are being applied to take 3D coordination to the next level. This report covers five breakthrough ideas: energy modeling on the fly, laser scanning, prefabrication of building systems, advanced data management, and computer-aided manufacturing. www.BDCnetwork.com/BIMtechtrends
2. “Hyper-speed rendering: How Gensler turns BIM models into beauty shots in seconds”
By David Barista, Editor-in-Chief, BD+C
The rise of BIM and 3D rendering technology has raised client expectations and placed additional pressure on Building Teams to produce visually striking artwork that accurately depicts the very latest iteration of a project’s design. Turnaround time on artwork has to be in hours, not days or weeks. In search of a fast rendering solution, Gensler looked to the gaming and moviemaking industries for the next breakthrough tool: Octane Render. www.BDCnetwork.com/Octane
3. “7 ways to cut waste in BIM implementation”
By David Barista, BD+C
More than two decades into the building information modeling movement, AEC firms are still discovering ways to utilize BIM/VDC tools more effectively. One major current area of focus is how to cut waste in the BIM implementation process. In this report, several BIM/VDC power users offer their top tips for eliminating waste in BIM/VDC workflows. www.BDCnetwork.com/BIMworkflow
4. “Firms enhance BIM/VDC with advanced collaboration tools”
By David Barista, BD+C
A special to the BD+C Giants 300 report, this article highlights BIM/VDC innovations by the nation’s largest AEC firms, including SOM, Stantec, and Thornton Tomasetti. Among the breakthrough ideas featured: cloud-based data sharing, rapid iterative design, and cross-discipline collaboration. www.BDCnetwork.com/BIMGiants2014
5. “Super BIM: 7 award-winning BIM/VDC-driven projects”
By AIA Technology in Architectural Practice Knowledge Community
Thom Mayne’s Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas and the Anaheim (Calif.) Regional Transportation Intermodal Center were among the seven projects named 2014 AIA TAP BIM Award winners by the AIA’s Technology in Architectural Practice (TAP) Knowledge Community. This slideshow recaps the winning projects. www.BDCnetwork.com/SuperBIM
6. “Perfecting prefab: 8 tips for healthcare construction projects”
By David Barista, BD+C
Healthcare projects across the U.S. are being built in record time, thanks, in part, to the implementation of advanced multi-trade prefabrication techniques. By assembling components like MEP infrastructure, headwalls, and bathrooms offsite in a controlled environment, Building Teams are able to compress project schedules by performing multiple construction activities in parallel. This report offers helpful advice for using BIM to pull off prefabrication. www.BDCnetwork.com/BIMprefab
7. “Total immersion: Has virtual reality’s time finally come?”
By David Barista, BD+C
Virtual reality technology is a natural fit for the AEC industry. Many firms are already building highly detailed BIM/VDC models of their most complex projects, so VR looks like the logical next step. But, as our experts reveal, pulling off VR is not so simple. www.BDCnetwork.com/VR2014
8. “5 ways virtual modeling can improve facilities management”
By Jennifer Macks, Vice President, Skanska USA
BIM has become standard practice for design and construction, but often little attention is paid to what happens to model data post-construction. This blog post details practical applications for BIM/VDC tools for the operation and maintenance of buildings, including space management, maintenance scheduling, and retrofit planning. www.BDCnetwork.com/BIMom
9. “How architects at NBBJ are using computational design to calculate the best views on projects”
By Andrew Heumann, Computational Design Specialist, NBBJ
In an ideal world, every employee would have a beautiful view from his or her desk. Using computational design, architects like NBBJ can help building owners, developers, and tenants maximize views from every angle and position within a tower. In this video, NBBJ’s Andrew Heumann demonstrates a custom computational design tool the firm is using to improve views on a Seattle high-rise project. www.BDCnetwork.com/BIMviews
Related Stories
Cultural Facilities | Aug 21, 2024
Baltimore’s National Aquarium opens 10,000-sf floating wetland that mimics the harbor’s original tidal marsh habitat
The National Aquarium in Baltimore has opened the National Aquarium Harbor Wetland, a 10,000-sf floating wetland that mimics the Inner Harbor’s original Chesapeake Bay tidal marsh habitat. Located between Piers 3 and 4 on Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, the $14 million project features more than 32,000 native shrubs and marsh grasses.
Mixed-Use | Aug 21, 2024
Adaptive reuse of a Sears store becomes luxury mixed-use housing
6 Corners Lofts at 4714 W Irving Park Road, Chicago, Ill., opened in March of 2024 as a 394,000-sf adaptive reuse project born out of a former Sears store.
Building Materials | Aug 19, 2024
Federal 'buy clean' construction materials label program unveiled
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced a plan for implementing a new label program to boost American production of more climate-friendly construction materials and products. The label program will prioritize steel, glass, asphalt and concrete.
Museums | Aug 19, 2024
The Tampa Museum of Art will soon undergo a $110 million expansion
In Tampa, Fla., the Tampa Museum of Art will soon undergo a 77,904-sf Centennial Expansion project. The museum plans to reach its $110 million fundraising goal by late 2024 or early 2025 and then break ground. Designed by Weiss/Manfredi, and with construction manager The Beck Group, the expansion will redefine the museum’s surrounding site.
AEC Tech | Aug 19, 2024
Harnessing AI to revolutionize architectural design and creativity
Architects are wondering if AI will replace us. For Vessel, the gains offset the fear. We believe there is wisdom in the unattributed quote, “You won’t lose your job to AI. You will lose your job to someone using AI.”
Reconstruction & Renovation | Aug 19, 2024
Movement to protect historic buildings raises sharp criticism
While the movement to preserve historic buildings has widespread support, it also has some sharp critics with well-funded opposition groups springing up in recent years. Some opponents are linked to the Stand Together Foundation, founded and bankrolled by the Koch family’s conservative philanthropic organization, according to a column in Governing magazine.
Government Buildings | Aug 19, 2024
GSA posts new RFI for enabling energy efficiency, decarbonization in commercial buildings
The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy, recently released a new Request For Information (RFI) focused on enabling energy efficiency and decarbonization in commercial buildings. GSA wants to test innovative technologies through GSA’s Center for Emerging Building Technologies.
MFPRO+ New Projects | Aug 16, 2024
At 60 stories, the Paramount multifamily development will stand as Nashville’s tallest high rise
When complete, the 60-story Paramount building, at 750 feet high, will be the tallest high rise tower in Nashville, Tenn., surpassing the city’s current record holder, the 617-foot AT&T Building. The $390 million Paramount project recently launched condo sales after securing more than $230 million in construction financing.
Urban Planning | Aug 15, 2024
New York City begins first large-scale porous pavement installation
New York City is installing its first large-scale porous pavement installation along seven miles of roadway in Brooklyn. The project will keep 35 million gallons of stormwater out of the combined sewer system each year, according to a news release.
Urban Planning | Aug 15, 2024
The magic of L.A.’s Melrose Mile
Great streets are generally not initially curated or willed into being. Rather, they emerge organically from unintentional synergies of commercial, business, cultural and economic drivers. L.A.’s Melrose Avenue is a prime example.
