The following was written for IGP by Finith E. Jernigan, AIA of Design Atlantic Ltd. and author of BIG BIM little bim - The practical approach to building information modeling - Integrated practice done the right way!  To learn more about Finith and his practice go to this LINK.  One of IGP's Members is architect Kimon Onuma, FAIA, Hon. FIGP and he is one of the leading proponents of BIM - see his work and more information on BIM at this LINK.  

Please comment on Finith's intro to this important topic for all professionals in sustainable development - we all need to be involved in the BIM process.

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Introduction to BIM

The acronym BIM (Building Information Modeling) was coined in early 2002 to describe virtual design, construction, and facilities management. BIM processes revolve around virtual models that make it possible to share information throughout the entire building industry. These virtual models are embedded with data which, when shared among design team members, greatly reduces errors and improves facilities. BIM offers owners the ability to become more efficient and effective by linking their business processes with their facilities. The federal government has predicted savings of over $15.8 billion annually from integrated processes. Projects today save 5-12% when BIM is properly used.

Reprinted with permission from: BIG BIM little bim-The Practical Approach to Building Information Modeling, 2^nd Edition, Finith Jernigan, ISBN 978-0-9795699-2-0, pg. 24

Benefits from Embracing BIM

Have you ever dreamed about a time when you could call up the details for a new project—in real time? Have you ever dreamed about a time when you could open a file and have all the as-built and as-operated details for your project? Have you ever wished that you could really understand how your company works, without doing weeks of diagnostics and fact-finding? Have you ever wished for a sure way to become more efficient and sustainable? Have you ever wished that you could really understand your project, before you risk your money? Well, now you can.

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is, as a concept, so universal and so wide reaching that it can (and probably does) include nearly anything that you can think of. If it touches on the built environment or involves information, BIM processes can make it better and more efficient.

The advantage of BIM is that all built environment data accumulates in interconnected repositories throughout the facility's life cycle. From this data, you can accurately simulate the built environment in its present or proposed future state—in context. Using this data, you start with better, more current data about a facility. Using this data, you eliminate most of the manual entry process and the mistakes that invariably accompany manual input. You make better decisions that are more informed.

Fewer people are required to maintain a higher level of quality. Because you derive most of the necessary building information from this data—you can automatically handle a much larger portfolio. You are no longer required to sort out multiple versions of the same information, eliminating much of the confusion and potential for error from inaccurate information.

At your fingertips, you have information that is so clear that you can understand the effects of a design decision as it cascades through the environment. Designers, owners and building users of tomorrow will be able to access rich sets of real-time facilities data and will use rules-based systems to eliminate most of the repetitive work. Systems that link business decision-making directly to the design process will be the norm.

Repurposed with permission from: BIG BIM little bim-The Practical Approach to Building Information Modeling, 2^nd Edition, Finith Jernigan, ISBN 978-0-9795699-2-0, pg. 35/67/96