News
Promoting IDC Architects' 3D Design Expertise at Pittsburgh AIA Conference
By: Ted Johnson
Source: IDC Architects
PORTLAND, 20 June 2007 — Architect Michael Warren of IDC Architects was recently a featured presenter at the American Institute of Architects AIA Build Pittsburgh conference on 12 April 2007. His presentation was titled "Building Information Modeling—Changing the Paradigm—The Basics to Understanding and Using Building Information Modeling (BIM)."
Michael's presentation attracted representatives from major manufacturers, small and large design firms, and academic types. The standing-room-only audience of more than 100 indicates the high level of interest in BIM, which is poised to have a revolutionary impact on building design technology. An interview of Michael speaking about BIM is being published in the AIA Pittsburgh Columns Magazine.
IDC Architects has become a leader in the application of BIM. We recently used it to design a 125,000-square-foot corporate headquarters building in Western Pennsylvania for medical devices manufacturer Medrad. We are also applying BIM methods on high-performance data center projects. In late March, IDC Architects President Tim Meier and Architect Scott Barton-Smith made a presentation to AFCOM's Data Center World conference in Las Vegas titled "The Digital Architect" on the use of BIM in data center design.
BIM is getting a lot of attention because it's carrying traditional design approaches into the realm of "digital architecture," a data-rich environment that delivers virtual 3D simulation of a building's structure and systems.
During pre-design, BIM's powerful simulation modeling allows "rapid prototyping" and testing of multiple solutions simultaneously. This enhances a design team's ability to reduce project cost and risks. BIM's sustainability advantages include its capacity to simulate a building's energy use, forecast building life cycle costs, evaluate sustainable design options, and "right-size" equipment selections to optimize energy usage.
During the design process, BIM delivers unprecedented integration among architects, engineers, and constructors. All team members can access a project's BIM database not just for drawings, but for a rich range of data at every stage of a project, from conception to facility operation.
During construction, BIM serves as a "smart" data repository that can be leveraged for material take-offs, construction phasing, and subcontractor coordination.
BIM continues to bring value to owners even after a building's complete. It integrates a building's controls and monitoring software. It links the BIM model to actual building and system-related events so that it can be used as a tool for long-term remote monitoring of building systems.
BIM is an example of how the talents of IDC Architects can meld with our engineers to meet the meet the increasing expectations of such high-tech arenas as the expanding data center market.