Building Information Modeling
Progress in computer technology has revolutionized the very core of how we do business. Building Information Modeling (BIM) is simply defined as "a model-based technology linked with a database of project information". While the definition sounds simple, the technology is a powerful tool for our building industry.
BIM represents a quantum leap from the current/traditional method of producing construction drawings using 2-D CADD. No longer are you dependent on a set of "what-you-see-is-what-you-get" 2-D drawings and specs to buy and construct your project. Thirty years ago, most A/Es were still drawing as they had for some centuries. With the advent of drafting software, they learned to do the same tasks faster with computers; however the design process hasn't really changed. While many other firms are building partial 3-D architectural models of buildings, our design team is also modeling structural systems, mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems, even underground drainage systems and utilities.
PS&S is a leading Design Firm and our highly trained architects and engineers are on the forefront of this evolving technology. Using BIM, PS&S is able to integrate information from the entire building team to create a "virtual replica" of the desired building. Our digital models are born in the design phase and live thru the construction process and into the operation of your building.
For the first time in history, we can now provide you with a complete 3-D digital model of your building/site that can be used in an infinite number of ways. We have the ability to exhibit a virtual 3-D model containing the geometry, spatial relationships, geographic information, site elements, building systems and their corresponding quantities, properties and relevant equipment that will be physically used in the actual building. The owners are then able to fully "experience" their virtually developed buildings very early in the project cycle and make the desired modifications resulting from allowing them a "virtual walk-through" of their building. But this is only one of many aspects of what this powerful tool can accomplish.
Through information provided by the entire building team, the PS&S built virtual model can also be used by construction managers of your choice to accurately predict major building costs derived from its geometry, systems and finishes. We can perform energy and day-lighting calculations on the model, optimizing the design to get energy credits and LEED points for sustainable design. All changes made during the early design stage are accurately and swiftly translated into their visual, cost and schedule impacts on the project. This allows the owner to make any desired changes knowing their correspondence impact well in advance of committing any significant construction related dollars.
By allowing the project team to add their relevant information to the building model created by PS&S, the less than perfect coordination associated with handling construction documents generated by a traditional 2-D CADD model from the A/E, to the construction team and later to building owner/operator is vastly improved. Having the entire construction team involved with the model before the actual construction starts will reduce the usually costly delays that occur during the field phase while conflicts are resolved.
In addition to all of the benefits sighted earlier, "Clash Detection" is another powerful tool utilized by using BIM. It allows PS&S on behalf of the building team to check for errors and list conflicts between the numerous building systems competing for the same space. Record drawings can catalog every part of the building, with manufacturer's model numbers, in a searchable data-base that you can use for the maintenance of your project in perpetuity. It can live on during the occupancy of the project in other ways, keeping track of occupants/tenants, furniture, even operating lights, security systems and HVAC system from remote locations, etc.
With this rapidly evolving technology, PS&S is a nationally recognized leader in the use of Building Information Modeling.