Most architectural and construction projects that use BIM (Building Information Modelling) methodology do not usually go beyond the 3rd or 4th dimension. However, the true potential of this methodology is achieved by following the entire roadmap, which leads to the 10th dimension.
In effect, each stage in the development of a building — or, from the point of view of our sector, an asset in the form of a water park, theme park, hotel or resort, shopping centre, amongst others — corresponds to a dimension that incorporates an additional layer of control and optimisation. We can understand this journey as a value ladder.
The first steps form the essential foundation: idea or dimension 1, which includes research, conceptualisation, regulatory compliance and consideration of the initial conditions of the building or asset’s location. This is followed by plan or dimension 2, which consists of its representation in a classic vector drawing, with all two-dimensional graphic documentation. The next step is the three-dimensional or 3D model, focused on geometry and spatial visualisation. It is precisely at this stage that a large part of architectural and construction projects is limited.
But there is more, a group of dimensions that opens up the space to the management and control of the work. The 4th dimension, or time, links the model to the project schedule, therefore enabling phase planning and construction simulation. The 5th dimension, or cost line, introduces real-time budget control, with financial estimates that adjust to the evolution of the project’s development.
A third block deals with long-term impact and sustainability. The sixth dimension is sustainability, known as Green BIM. This is dedicated to energy efficiency analysis and environmental simulations. The seventh dimension, on the other hand, corresponds to the maintenance and operation of the building or asset once it is completed and in use, until the end of its useful life, whether it is, as we say, a water or theme park, a hotel or resort, a shopping centre, a campsite, etc.
Finally, the most advanced dimensions are aimed at total optimisation and the future of the project. The eighth dimension, or safety, corresponds to occupational risk prevention and is developed by simulating hazardous scenarios before the start of construction. The ninth dimension involves pure optimisation through waste elimination and efficient resource management.
This brings us to the 10th dimension, which is achieved when industrialised construction is used, in other words, using prefabrication and/or modularity techniques to maximise the productivity of the entire process. This is the complete path to transforming the way we conceive, build and manage our projects.
By Raúl Soriano, senior modeller in the Architecture Department at Amusement Logic
Most architectural and construction projects that use BIM (Building Information Modelling) methodology do not usually go beyond the 3rd or 4th dimension. However, the true potential of this methodology is achieved by following the entire roadmap, which leads to the 10th dimension.
In effect, each stage in the development of a building — or, from the point of view of our sector, an asset in the form of a water park, theme park, hotel or resort, shopping centre, amongst others — corresponds to a dimension that incorporates an additional layer of control and optimisation. We can understand this journey as a value ladder.
The first steps form the essential foundation: idea or dimension 1, which includes research, conceptualisation, regulatory compliance and consideration of the initial conditions of the building or asset’s location. This is followed by plan or dimension 2, which consists of its representation in a classic vector drawing, with all two-dimensional graphic documentation. The next step is the three-dimensional or 3D model, focused on geometry and spatial visualisation. It is precisely at this stage that a large part of architectural and construction projects is limited.
But there is more, a group of dimensions that opens up the space to the management and control of the work. The 4th dimension, or time, links the model to the project schedule, therefore enabling phase planning and construction simulation. The 5th dimension, or cost line, introduces real-time budget control, with financial estimates that adjust to the evolution of the project’s development.
A third block deals with long-term impact and sustainability. The sixth dimension is sustainability, known as Green BIM. This is dedicated to energy efficiency analysis and environmental simulations. The seventh dimension, on the other hand, corresponds to the maintenance and operation of the building or asset once it is completed and in use, until the end of its useful life, whether it is, as we say, a water or theme park, a hotel or resort, a shopping centre, a campsite, etc.
Finally, the most advanced dimensions are aimed at total optimisation and the future of the project. The eighth dimension, or safety, corresponds to occupational risk prevention and is developed by simulating hazardous scenarios before the start of construction. The ninth dimension involves pure optimisation through waste elimination and efficient resource management.
This brings us to the 10th dimension, which is achieved when industrialised construction is used, in other words, using prefabrication and/or modularity techniques to maximise the productivity of the entire process. This is the complete path to transforming the way we conceive, build and manage our projects.
By Raúl Soriano, senior modeller in the Architecture Department at Amusement Logic
