Intelligent building modeling makes inroads into real-world practice

CADalyst, Jan, 2005 by Michael Bordenaro

Though intelligent building modeling software is gaining fans, legal barriers prevent many AEC firms from implementing it. The Fabrication Conference, cosponsored by ACADIA (Association for Computer-Aided Design in Architecture) and AIA (American Institute of Architects) from November 8-14, 2004, highlighted existing projects as well as efforts underway to revise AIA contract documents.

This confluence of leading technology developers and advanced users illustrates the explosion of intelligent building modeling also referred to as BIM (building information modeling) in architecture, engineering and construction.

From Front's dizzying array of facade consultation projects to Mark Bury's use of computer design to help complete Gaudi's Familia Sagrada in Barcelona to William Massie's transformational look at computer tools to Gehry Technologies' description of how it helps other architects resolve complex design issues, there was no shortage of case studies demonstrating the impact of technology in design and construction.

Examples of intelligent modeling software include Graphisoft ArchiCAD, Autodesk Revit and Bentley Generative Components (see p. 52 for more details on what characterizes these applications).

The need to teach new and practicing architects how to take advantage of intelligent modeling tools was addressed by speakers such as Charles Eastman and Branko Kolarevic.

Legal Issues

Despite the prolific and generous transfer of knowledge about the use of advanced tools, the most significant talk at the event proposed that a legal transformation is more important to the adoption of intelligent modeling than are software developments. Phil Bernstein, vice-president of Autodesk's Building Solutions Division and a professor focusing on architectural practice at Yale University's School of Architecture, spoke about his upcoming two-year mission as chair of the AIA Documents committee.

Bernstein postulated that software tools are actually outstripping architects' ability to fully use them. He said that the true barrier to the fullest and most widespread use of BIM tools are the legal documents that govern collaboration.

As chair of the committee that is redrafting AIA documents, the most pervasive legal agreements in United States design and construction, Bernstein pledged his efforts to foster a revolutionary approach to legal arrangements that will allow designers, contractors and building owners to share information in a way that allows maximum use of the intelligent modeling tools.

Bernstein pointed out that if architects don't restructure their practice and use the AIA document's respected role in the industry to promote the use of intelligent modeling tools, their role in the building industry will be diminished.

Using a clear road map and examples of nontraditional contractual arrangements that have helped with the completion of substantial projects, Bernstein charted the steps he wants to take to reform documents to reflect the new way buildings can be designed and built.

Though Bernstein's evangelical attitude was widely appreciated by the audience, his position at Autodesk may raise fears that the fox will be in the hen house during the next two years, when the AIA documents are scheduled to be redrafted. Bernstein's commitment to advancing the profession of architecture and the built environment appears truly sincere, but there will still need to be close, public observation of this revision process.

Software News

The Fabrication conference was also used to promote new software advances and upcoming release plans. Robert Aish, developer of the Generative Components parametric modeling tool that will sit on top of Bentley Architecture, said that a beta version of the program will be available to all interested parties in January 2005. He expressed a desire to have a general release available in the summer. But more significantly, it appears that Bentley plans to make Generative Components available at no extra cost as part of the full Architecture package. Architecture is the version of MicroStation formerly known as Triforma.

Graphisoft promoted its ArchiCAD V9 with 4D modeling for contractors and intends to equip V10, planned for release in 2005, with extensive MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) and Space Planning modules.

A beta version of the MEP package has been used by SOM and Davis Brody Bond to assist with complex energy calculations for World Trade Center designs. Also, Graphisoft will establish a certification program early in 2005 to help its users better establish their value to the industry.

Gehry Technologies demonstrated how it plans to use its vast experience to help other architects and designers realize the increasingly complex geometric vision created at more and more firms.

A joint presentation by Siamak Hariri, principal with Toronto-based Hariri Pontarini Architects, and Cristiano Ceccato, a director at Gehry Technologies, outlined how the firms are working together to realize Hariri Pontarini's design for the Baha'i Temple temple of light in Santiago, Chile.