Virtual Building and why it’s the New Paradigm
As a building designer, I typically introduce myself as a Virtual Builder. Modern-day engineering and architecture involve the use of sophisticated drawing and design software. These software applications enable designers to create highly detailed drawings, as well as photorealistic architectural renderings of construction projects. Virtual Building entails using this technology in a refreshing way, one that uses project information to design, construct and operate a built asset (completed building, facility, or infrastructure). Virtual Building is made possible through BIM – Building Information Modelling. BIM, instead of 2D design and drawing is the new paradigm, fostering new co-operation, innovation and building lifecycle savings.
Building Information Modelling in Kenya + Africa
What is BIM you ask? BIM is the utilisation of digital 3D models – linked with intelligent data – for the Design, Construction and Management of built assets. BIM could not have come at a better time for us living in Africa. Africa’s increasing population has given rise to a demand for new housing and infrastructure. Both governments and private sectors are trying to meet this demand. The high cost of housing, driven by the high cost of building materials among other things, is a limiting factor in the quest to meet the demand for housing in Kenya, and Africa at large. Furthermore, the unavailability of quality construction products creates the problem of the structurally unstable buildings being put up, which lead to unnecessary loss of life and property due to building collapses. Another contributing factor to building collapses witnessed on the continent is the lack of proper supervision and inspection of ongoing construction projects. In addition, misinterpretation of construction drawings, and lack of crucial information in construction documents contribute to these collapses witnessed in various African countries.
The use of BIM in construction projects has numerous advantages, including great savings gained through waste reduction. It is estimated that 1 in every 3 dollars spent during construction is lost due to waste. A study by McGraw Hill Constructions reveals that project cost savings of about 10% to 25% is realised for projects that have implemented BIM in their workflow. BIM use also affords Building Designers, Owners, and Project Managers, advantages in design efficiency and quality control. By using BIM and affordable quality construction materials, the cost of housing reduces significantly, while at the same time ensuring the safety of the built assets.
“You can use an eraser on the drafting table or a sledgehammer on the construction site.”
– Frank Lloyd Wright
Why Incorporate BIM in African Construction Projects
- Successfully implemented BIM offers higher quality design and construction projects, and standardised information for more informed decision making.
- Information is more coordinated, reliable and reusable; allowing for higher productivity from the Design Team, and sustainable cost-effective construction projects.
- Design Visualisation – Stakeholders are able to gain a better understanding of the project before it is built and therefore make more informed design and purchase decisions.
- Simulation and Analysis – Virtual testing – such as Structural Analysis, Energy Usage Analysis, and Clash Detection – is conducted to identify and resolve issues cost-effectively in the model instead of on-site.
- Material Take-off and Costing – Automated quantity take-offs and cost estimating can be achieved, allowing for greater accuracy in procurement and budgeting for construction projects.
- Construction Simulation – Construction simulation is carried out to allow for proactive planning of construction logistics and time scheduling for efficient implementation of the Design.
- Facility Management – BIM supports the transfer of project data into the project and asset management software for use by the building operators. The use of BIM objects from manufacturers in the operational phase of a project allows Facility Managers to make more informed decisions in planning and maintenance.
- Design Coordination – BIM provides the opportunity for building designers to detect issues with building systems in the earlier stages of the project through the collaborative working of disciplines. Costly errors that may have presented themselves during construction are detected through clash detection analysis and are rectified beforehand amounting to tremendous savings.
- Manufacturer Model Product Objects – BIM objects contain full equipment data in digital form, and can be readily accessed by designers during design stages. This realises efficiencies in time-saving, the accuracy of drawing details and costing.
Additional Information
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