Our Blog

13 Jun

Push or Pull BIM?

By Mark Baldwin BIM Implementation 4

There is still we have lot to learn about BIM. And there are some old ways of working that we have to ‘unlearn’. We need to retrain ourselves to adapt our business processes to benefit from the opportunities that digitalisation offers us. A case in point is the delivery of information. We know that information is at the core of our BIM processes, however, the way in which this information is delivered has to be

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04 Feb

The BIM Collaboration Format (BCF)

By Mark Baldwin BIM Software 7

The BIM Collaboration Format, or BCF, is one of the most simple and useful standards in the buildingSMART toolkit. BCF exists to track issues as they are identified, reported on and resolved in the course of the BIM process. We spoke in a previous video about the two realms of BIM. On the one side there is a native modelling environment and on the other there is the collaborative environment. Most major issues are identified

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04 Feb

Working with IFC and Model View Definitions

By Mark Baldwin BIM Wiki 5

One of the big fears surrounding BIM is that there is a loss of control. “How can we all possibly work on a single model?” “How do we control who does what, when?” These fears are based on a lot of misunderstandings. BIM is actually a very structured way of working. It’s not just about collaboration and sharing. It’s about defining specific protocols and workflows. openBIM standards, in particular, give us very strict controls for

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04 Feb

The buildingSMART Data Dictionary

By Mark Baldwin BIM Object Data 5

BIM supports collaboration and communication through shared information. It’s easy to recognise the value of a shared 3D model to visualise and resolve complex design issues. But BIM is not just about geometry. When we start to get into the heart of the matter, that is the information behind the geometry, things can get a little more complicated. To start with, we need to be very specific about how we name and identify objects and

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04 Feb

What is IFC?

By Mark Baldwin BIM Software 7

IFC, or industry Foundation Classes, is a standard, some would say the primary standard, for openBIM data exchange. IFC is commonly referred to as an exchange format. This is not entirely correct. Firstly, IFC is a schema, not a format. But that is probably a discussion for another time. Let’s focus on the exchange part. The current IFC workflow doesn’t support data exchange to the extent that I can start modelling in one software, make

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15 Jan

BIM in Switzerland

By Mark Baldwin BIM in Switzerland 5

In an interview with Swiss national newspaper, Tagesanzeiger, Mark Baldwin explains how the swiss construction industry is changing. (Source: Smart Media, Tages Anzeiger, 15th January 2018. Text: Matthias Mehl) PDF download for print here Building Information Modeling (BIM) is sustainably transforming the construction industry. In this, experts agree. But what concrete effects this process will have and how Switzerland can assert itself in the digital revolution raises many questions. That’s why we talked to BIM

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21 Dec

Five BIM concepts in 2 minutes: BIM, openBIM, IFC, LOD, LOI

By Mark Baldwin BIM Wiki 3

1 BIM BIM, building information modeling, refers to the use of digital models to support the design, construction and operation of buildings. 2 openBIM openBIM describes a method of BIM based on open exchange standards. These support communication between project teams using different software tools. For example, to transfer a model from Autodesk Revit to Allplan. 3 IFC IFC is an exchange format that is at the heart of openBIM. If an architect wants to

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20 Dec

What is BIM? Building Information Modeling Explained

By Mark Baldwin BIM Wiki 3

We know that BIM is a digital method for planning, construction and operation. But what really sets it apart from 2D or even 3D? 2D planning in CAD is simply a digital version of drawing on a drawing board. We may be able to erase elements more quickly or copy them several times, but the processes are the same. 3D models add volume and surfaces to 2D plans, however, ultimately this is still a drafting

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19 Dec

5 Myths about BIM

By Mark Baldwin BIM Wiki 3

At the moment it seems there is nothing BIM can not do! It can be hard to distinguish the facts from the myths. In this video we address some of the most common BIM claims.   BIM is only for big projects No, that is not correct. Of course, the bigger the project, the more involved you are; the coordination of trades becomes more complex and production of plans is more time intensive. However, this

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18 Dec

BIM in Switzerland – recent facts

By Mark Baldwin BIM in Switzerland 3

Where does Switzerland stand on the subject of BIM? Did you know that the Federal government launched a digital strategy in April 2016? The aim of the “Digital Switzerland” strategy is to position Switzerland as an innovative and future-oriented economic and research location in the digital age. A digital scorecard has been developed assesses the Switzerlands readiness for digitalization in different sectors. We are already very well positioned in the Infrastructure and International Competitiveness sectors,

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