Reader Response (Edited)

In the article “3D building models help bring sustainability into construction”, Jenkins (2015) claims that Building Information Modelling (BIM) has adverse possibilities in replacing traditional 2D drawings. BIM creates a three-dimensional (3D) model of the actual building and runs computer stimulation that is capable of countering imminent errors and calculations before the construction of a building, which minimizes construction defects and reduces building cost. This is supported by Sutton (as cited from Jenkins,2015), who mentioned that the innovation of BIM has brought the building industry to a new height due to the innovative approach of calculating design data before the building is physically built. This process significantly shortens the time of construction as well as reducing building materials. BIM has become an essential design tool due to the demand of more complex building and the emphasis of reducing building’s environmental impact by improving energy efficiency and reducing waste.  However, despite BIM being identified globally as a cost-efficient and co-ordinated way of enhancing building construction, it is still not globally used due to several reasons.

One reason is due to the cost of implementation. In the article, "Traditional design versus BIM based design,” Czmoch (2014) claims that the primary problem of replacing traditional design to BIM is due to the high-priced software and hardware. Integration of BIM in a company requires a huge amount of capital, a single workstation can cost up to a few thousand dollars (USD) and can be easily summed up to hundreds of thousands (USD) just for a single design team. In addition, Czmoch (2014) also claims that designer’s ignorance to the designing tool will result in a great loss in productivity. With the advance technology of BIM, it is capable to increase the productivity to meet the increasing demand of more complex designs in modern buildings. However, to increase the proficiency of the design team, it is essential for the employers to invest in regular BMI classes conducted by professionals, which could result in additional cost in implementation. Despite BIM’s capability of providing a cost-efficient way of building construction, a substantial amount of capital is required. Hence many small-scale companies refused to improvise BIM into their companies.

Another reason why BIM is still not globally used is due to the preference for a traditional work approach. In the article,” A construction revolution,” Chew (2013) states that BIM adopts an integrated design approach, which brings the team of professionals and stakeholders together in the initial phase of the project and connects the team through the 3D modelling design with stimulation of the design to identify issues and propose improvements. However, BIM projects have difficulties in bringing the team together due to the lack of collaboration within parties and the preference of traditional work concepts over BIM’s collaborative approach. Traditional work concepts resemble a linear workflow, where an individual passes their work down the line with minimal coordination amongst each other. In contrast, BIM adopts integrated design approach, which ensures all parties work together from the start of the project. which can be more efficient and most importantly reduce the need for changes in the later stage. Despite BIM’s capabilities of providing a coordinated way of building construction, man y experienced parties prefer traditional work concepts over integrated design approach, due to the unwillingness of sharing important data.   

BIM has the possibility of replacing traditional 2D drawings with its technology and capabilities. However, for BIM to be used globally, the cost of the software must be adjusted to suit the capabilities small-scale companies. The biggest challenge lies on the preference of traditional work approach for construction which may be solved through conducting simulation workshop to help industry professionals to understand the capability of BIM better. Hopefully BIM will be able to replace the traditional 2D drawings soon, bringing the technology to a greater height.

 References:
Allison, P.R. (2015). How building information modelling is changing the construction industry. Computer Weekly. Retrieved September 26, 2017, from
http://www.computerweekly.com/feature/How-building-information-modelling-is-changing-the-construction-industry

Chew, A. (2013). Building Information Modeling (BIM): A construction revolution. Corrs Chambers Westgarth. Retrieved September 26, 2017, from
http://www.corrs.com.au/thinking/insights/building-information-modelling-bim-a-construction-revolution/

Czmoch, I. (2014). Traditional design versus BIM based design. Procedia Engineer,
ScienceDirect. Retrieved September 26, 2017, from
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877705814030665

Jenkins, M. (2015). 3D building models help bring sustainability into construction.
The Guardian. Retrieved September 26, 2017, from
https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2015/apr/13/bim-technology-design-business-sustainability-construction

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