What is Building Information Modeling?

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For 20 years now, our firm has used ArchiCad 3D modeling software to design buildings.  It has evolved during that time into a 3D Building Information Modeling (BIM) software which allows us to model a virtual building in the computer.  When we “draw a plan” we’re actually creating a virtual three-dimensional model of the building in the computer.  Once we model the building, we have the capability to generate 2D and 3D views of anything, including floor plans, sections, interior and exterior perspectives, photorealistic renderings, etc.  We also use the BIM to create construction documentation for the building project that can be used to submit for building permits and for constructing the project.

This evolution of capabilities in the software now allows us to take advantage of modern technology and communications to offer our services in new and exciting ways.  In addition to static images, from the BIM we can create a virtual reality 3D BIMx version of the model that can be accessed online.  We create the BIMx model and provide a link to access it via the internet.  Via the BIMx app on your phone or tablet, you or any prospective tenant can visit the link online and view the building, spin it around, walk through it, etc.  This will allow prospective tenants to preview and experience the property without having to come to the physical site.  You can visit https://bimx.graphisoft.com to view sample BIM models that can illustrate the concept.  The models are more easily navigated with a tablet or smart phone with touch screen capability, but may also be viewed on a desktop and navigated with the keyboard.

The Building Information Model is a 3D virtual reality representation of the property.  It can be continually updated to represent the actual current conditions of the property.  The BIM can contain ANY information that you want, which can assist the management company in documenting the existing conditions, changes to the building, and even assist in determining when routine maintenance is scheduled.  For example, we can include information about all of the HVAC units, their manufacturers, m

odel numbers, capacities, year of manufacture, etc., down to the type of filter required and when it has to be serviced.   A property manager would be able to click on an HVAC unit in the virtual model, and all of the information would be available for that unit.  Maintenance schedules can be developed, and information about when the unit was last serviced and what was done could be tracked and extracted from the mode.  Estimated equipment replacement schedules and costs can be linked to the model and tracked and managed more easily as well.

 

Benefits

Marketing

  • Generate accurate, up-to-date plans of any tenant space
  • Generate rendered interior and exterior images
  • Images may be saved in virtually any format for online or print marketing materials
  • Generate a BIMx 3D virtual reality model of any property that can be accessed via the internet that can allow prospective tenants to take a virtual tour of the property

Facilities Management

  • The BIM is a virtual representation of the property
    • Documents existing conditions
    • Track changes to the individual tenant spaces and buildings
    • The model is updated at least every time a change is made that requires a building permit
  • Maintaining Building Systems
    • Provide information about systems that KLNB is required to maintain
      • HVAC systems
      • Plumbing systems
      • Electrical Systems
      • Lighting Systems
      • Fire Sprinkler Systems
      • Structural Systems
      • Roofing Systems
      • Exterior Finish Systems
      • Doors and windows and associated hardware
    • Create maintenance schedules
    • Track replacement of equipment
    • Facilities manager has instant access to all aspects of the property

Permitting and Construction

  • Generate accurate, up-to-date plans of any tenant space from the BIM
  • Offer design services to prospective tenants
    • KLNB can offer design and permitting services for less money than outside firms because they already have the building modeled
    • Save prospective tenants time and money
    • Get tenants moved in faster to reduce vacancy time and loss of revenue
    • The updated design is already incorporated into the BIM
  • Offer base plans to prospective tenants for use by their design teams
  • Generate construction documents from the BIM to submit for building permits
  • The tenant modifications are automatically integrated into the BIM.
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