Digital Built Britain v BIM - Revision history

Editor at 12:28, 15 January 2021

2021-01-15T12:28:31Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:28, 15 January 2021
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	* PAS 1192-2:2013.		* PAS 1192-2:2013.
	* PAS 1192-3:2014.		* PAS 1192-3:2014.
		+	* Remote working and cloud-based BIM.
	* UK Digital Strategy.		* UK Digital Strategy.

	[[Category:DCN_Commentary]] [[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:Organisations]] [[Category:Publications_/_reports]] [[Category:Theory]] [[Category:BIM]]		[[Category:DCN_Commentary]] [[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:Organisations]] [[Category:Publications_/_reports]] [[Category:Theory]] [[Category:BIM]]

Editor at 18:01, 13 January 2021

2021-01-13T18:01:33Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:01, 13 January 2021
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	[[BSRIA\|See other articles by BSRIA here.]]		[[BSRIA\|See other articles by BSRIA here.]]

−	~~= [http://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Find_out_more Find out more] =~~	+	= Related articles on [http://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Designing_Buildings_Wiki Designing Buildings Wiki] =
−		+
−	=== Related articles on [http://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Designing_Buildings_Wiki Designing Buildings Wiki] ===	+

	* Asset information model.		* Asset information model.
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	* Building information modelling.		* Building information modelling.
	* Building management systems.		* Building management systems.
		+	* Centrally procured public projects.
	* Computer aided facilities management.		* Computer aided facilities management.
	* Digital Built Britain.		* Digital Built Britain.

Designing Buildings at 08:31, 31 December 2020

2020-12-31T08:31:26Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:31, 31 December 2020
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	* UK Digital Strategy.		* UK Digital Strategy.

−	[[Category:~~Organisations~~]] [[Category:~~DCN_Organisation~~]] [[Category:Publications_/_reports]] [[Category:Theory]] [[Category:BIM]]	+	[[Category:DCN_Commentary]] [[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:Organisations]] [[Category:Publications_/_reports]] [[Category:Theory]] [[Category:BIM]]

Designing Buildings at 14:31, 1 March 2017

2017-03-01T14:31:40Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:31, 1 March 2017
Line 47:		Line 47:
	* PAS 1192-2:2013.		* PAS 1192-2:2013.
	* PAS 1192-3:2014.		* PAS 1192-3:2014.
		+	* UK Digital Strategy.

−	[[Category:Organisations]] [[Category:Publications_/_reports]] [[Category:Theory]] [[Category:BIM]]	+	[[Category:Organisations]] [[Category:DCN_Organisation]] [[Category:Publications_/_reports]] [[Category:Theory]] [[Category:BIM]]

Designing Buildings at 16:01, 8 July 2016

2016-07-08T16:01:03Z

Designing Buildings at 15:16, 15 March 2016

2016-03-15T15:16:22Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:16, 15 March 2016
Line 1:		Line 1:
−	When BIM first reached the masses in about 2010 it was exciting: finally the construction industry ~~wakes~~ up to the 21st century and ~~embraces~~ the ability of computers to take on our more mundane tasks and improve communication! A data-centric approach to managing projects meant that appointments would be clearer, design computation could yield instant feedback, models would feed directly into fabrication robots and building operators could simply and efficiently access all the information about their assets at the click of a button.	+	When BIM first reached the masses in about 2010 it was exciting: finally the construction industry woke up to the 21st century and embraced the ability of computers to take on our more mundane tasks and improve communication.

−	~~However, in 2016 there seems~~ to be ~~a wide spread consensus that BIM is just an expensive~~, ~~less flexible way of delivering projects~~, and ~~sadly~~ the ~~acronym is often a sure fire way~~ of ~~clearing~~ a ~~room~~.	+	A data-centric approach to managing projects meant that appointments would be clearer, design computation could yield instant feedback, models would feed directly into fabrication robots and building operators could simply and efficiently access all the information about their assets at the click of a button.

−	~~So beyond the UK government’s level 2 BIM deadline~~ in ~~April~~ 2016 there is no “level 3 BIM”; instead it is “digital built Britain”. And the industry is following suit; let’s remove this acronym with too much baggage and stigma and get down to what it really means: sensible data management, ~~better quality communication~~ of ~~design intent~~, ~~easier~~ and ~~more effective collaboration, and many opportunities to do things more quickly and accurately~~.	+	However, in 2016 there seems to be a widespread consensus that BIM is just an expensive, less flexible way of delivering projects, and sadly the acronym is often a sure fire way of clearing a room.

−	~~When thinking about “digital” rather than “BIM”~~, ~~we find ourselves asking a~~ more ~~straight forward question: what can computers~~ and ~~data~~ do ~~for us?~~	+	Beyond the UK government’s level 2 BIM deadline in April 2016 there is no level 3 BIM; instead it is 'digital built Britain'. And the industry is following suit; let’s remove this acronym with too much baggage and stigma and get down to what it really means: sensible data management, better quality communication of design intent, easier and more effective collaboration, and many opportunities to do things more quickly and accurately.

−	Firstly, computers are capable of recording vast amounts of data and processing it very quickly, but to date they’re not so good at the more creative stuff; that’s what people are for. So it follows that we can ~~“outsource”~~ a lot of our thinking time to a processor by offloading the more mundane, repetitive tasks, leaving our creative minds to focus on the more interesting things. Good technology should allow people to spend less time alone staring at a computer!	+	When thinking about 'digital' rather than 'BIM, we find ourselves asking a more straight forward question: what can computers and data do for us?
		+
		+	Firstly, computers are capable of recording vast amounts of data and processing it very quickly, but to date they’re not so good at the more creative stuff; that’s what people are for. So it follows that we can outsource a lot of our thinking time to a processor by offloading the more mundane, repetitive tasks, leaving our creative minds to focus on the more interesting things. Good technology should allow people to spend less time alone staring at a computer.

	As an example, BREEAM is a way of addressing a very important aspect of our building design (environmental impact) but is often seen as a time-consuming form filling exercise. This is a terribly boring thing for a human to do, but provides essential information in a usable common structure. This is exactly what computers are good at, so let’s automate this important but boring compliance process so that humans can get on with doing the interesting important tasks.		As an example, BREEAM is a way of addressing a very important aspect of our building design (environmental impact) but is often seen as a time-consuming form filling exercise. This is a terribly boring thing for a human to do, but provides essential information in a usable common structure. This is exactly what computers are good at, so let’s automate this important but boring compliance process so that humans can get on with doing the interesting important tasks.

−	We are now also capable of doing things that were previously impossible or impractical. Virtual reality and augmented reality are ~~now~~ becoming cheaper and easier; anyone with a smartphone has a choice of free apps to upload your 3D models, and if oculus rift is outside your budget, try google cardboard for just £6! The MX3D Amsterdam bridge project is proving that 3D printing is not just for small objects; perhaps entire pipework systems could be printed on site too? Many other emerging technologies are presenting completely new options: reality capture, the internet of things, cloud computing, wearable technology and visual scripting are just a few examples.	+	We are now also capable of doing things that were previously impossible or impractical. Virtual reality and augmented reality are becoming cheaper and easier; anyone with a smartphone has a choice of free apps to upload your 3D models, and if oculus rift is outside your budget, try google cardboard for just £6. The MX3D Amsterdam bridge project is proving that 3D printing is not just for small objects; perhaps entire pipework systems could be printed on site too? Many other emerging technologies are presenting completely new options: reality capture, the internet of things, cloud computing, wearable technology and visual scripting are just a few examples.

	Secondly, data can be very informative if you know what to do with it. Buildings can potentially generate enormous amounts of data, and in the right hands that can quickly be used to assess energy performance, make comparisons of different technologies, or identify faults in building systems, for example. Raw data is daunting, but visualisation of that data is easy and provides a more immediate form of interpretation. As 2 examples, graphs and infographics are clear methods of showing key statistics and are easily generated in Excel, and 3D models give an intuitive interface to accessing associated data at various stages in a project lifecycle.		Secondly, data can be very informative if you know what to do with it. Buildings can potentially generate enormous amounts of data, and in the right hands that can quickly be used to assess energy performance, make comparisons of different technologies, or identify faults in building systems, for example. Raw data is daunting, but visualisation of that data is easy and provides a more immediate form of interpretation. As 2 examples, graphs and infographics are clear methods of showing key statistics and are easily generated in Excel, and 3D models give an intuitive interface to accessing associated data at various stages in a project lifecycle.

−	Finally, you don’t have to be a computer scientist to use a computer these days ~~- my grandad is 95 years old and controls his heating remotely using his iPad~~. Much of the software available for design, construction and operation of buildings is going this way too. Virtual reality is a good starting point for the technologically averse, but there are plenty of other technologies that offer simple solutions for anyone.	+	Finally, you don’t have to be a computer scientist to use a computer these days. Much of the software available for design, construction and operation of buildings is going this way too. Virtual reality is a good starting point for the technologically averse, but there are plenty of other technologies that offer simple solutions for anyone.

−	So ~~I encourage you all~~, ~~upon~~ hearing the acronym ~~“BIM”~~, ~~not to~~ run for the hills ~~but to~~ simply consider what computers and data can do to help you.	+	So, on hearing the acronym 'BIM', don't run for the hills, simply consider what computers and data can do to help you.

		+	-----
	--[[User:BSRIA\|BSRIA]]		--[[User:BSRIA\|BSRIA]]

−	This article originally appeared in the BSRIA News March 2016. It was written by Ben Roberts, Associate and BIM Delivery Leader at Hoare Lea.	+	This article originally appeared as [https://www.bsria.co.uk/news/article/goodbye-bim-hello-digital/ Goodbye BIM - Hello Digital] in the BSRIA News in March 2016. It was written by Ben Roberts, Associate and BIM Delivery Leader at Hoare Lea.

	[[BSRIA\|See other articles by BSRIA here.]]		[[BSRIA\|See other articles by BSRIA here.]]

Editor at 11:35, 15 March 2016

2016-03-15T11:35:13Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:35, 15 March 2016
Line 9:		Line 9:
	Firstly, computers are capable of recording vast amounts of data and processing it very quickly, but to date they’re not so good at the more creative stuff; that’s what people are for. So it follows that we can “outsource” a lot of our thinking time to a processor by offloading the more mundane, repetitive tasks, leaving our creative minds to focus on the more interesting things. Good technology should allow people to spend less time alone staring at a computer!		Firstly, computers are capable of recording vast amounts of data and processing it very quickly, but to date they’re not so good at the more creative stuff; that’s what people are for. So it follows that we can “outsource” a lot of our thinking time to a processor by offloading the more mundane, repetitive tasks, leaving our creative minds to focus on the more interesting things. Good technology should allow people to spend less time alone staring at a computer!

−	As an example, BREEAM is a way of addressing a very important aspect of our building design (environmental impact) but is often seen as a time-consuming form filling exercise. This is a terribly boring thing for a human to do, but provides essential information in a usable common structure. This is exactly what computers are good at, so let’s automate this important but boring compliance process so that humans can get on with doing	+	As an example, BREEAM is a way of addressing a very important aspect of our building design (environmental impact) but is often seen as a time-consuming form filling exercise. This is a terribly boring thing for a human to do, but provides essential information in a usable common structure. This is exactly what computers are good at, so let’s automate this important but boring compliance process so that humans can get on with doing the interesting important tasks.
−		+
−	the interesting important tasks.	+

	We are now also capable of doing things that were previously impossible or impractical. Virtual reality and augmented reality are now becoming cheaper and easier; anyone with a smartphone has a choice of free apps to upload your 3D models, and if oculus rift is outside your budget, try google cardboard for just £6! The MX3D Amsterdam bridge project is proving that 3D printing is not just for small objects; perhaps entire pipework systems could be printed on site too? Many other emerging technologies are presenting completely new options: reality capture, the internet of things, cloud computing, wearable technology and visual scripting are just a few examples.		We are now also capable of doing things that were previously impossible or impractical. Virtual reality and augmented reality are now becoming cheaper and easier; anyone with a smartphone has a choice of free apps to upload your 3D models, and if oculus rift is outside your budget, try google cardboard for just £6! The MX3D Amsterdam bridge project is proving that 3D printing is not just for small objects; perhaps entire pipework systems could be printed on site too? Many other emerging technologies are presenting completely new options: reality capture, the internet of things, cloud computing, wearable technology and visual scripting are just a few examples.

Editor at 11:34, 15 March 2016

2016-03-15T11:34:56Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:34, 15 March 2016
Line 9:		Line 9:
	Firstly, computers are capable of recording vast amounts of data and processing it very quickly, but to date they’re not so good at the more creative stuff; that’s what people are for. So it follows that we can “outsource” a lot of our thinking time to a processor by offloading the more mundane, repetitive tasks, leaving our creative minds to focus on the more interesting things. Good technology should allow people to spend less time alone staring at a computer!		Firstly, computers are capable of recording vast amounts of data and processing it very quickly, but to date they’re not so good at the more creative stuff; that’s what people are for. So it follows that we can “outsource” a lot of our thinking time to a processor by offloading the more mundane, repetitive tasks, leaving our creative minds to focus on the more interesting things. Good technology should allow people to spend less time alone staring at a computer!

−	As an example, BREEAM is a way of addressing a very important aspect of our building design (environmental impact) but is often seen as a time-consuming form filling exercise. This is a terribly boring thing for a human to do, but provides essential information in a usable common structure. This is exactly what computers are good at, so let’s automate this important but boring compliance process so that humans can get on with doing~~<br />~~	+	As an example, BREEAM is a way of addressing a very important aspect of our building design (environmental impact) but is often seen as a time-consuming form filling exercise. This is a terribly boring thing for a human to do, but provides essential information in a usable common structure. This is exactly what computers are good at, so let’s automate this important but boring compliance process so that humans can get on with doing
−	the interesting important tasks.	+
		+	the interesting important tasks.

	We are now also capable of doing things that were previously impossible or impractical. Virtual reality and augmented reality are now becoming cheaper and easier; anyone with a smartphone has a choice of free apps to upload your 3D models, and if oculus rift is outside your budget, try google cardboard for just £6! The MX3D Amsterdam bridge project is proving that 3D printing is not just for small objects; perhaps entire pipework systems could be printed on site too? Many other emerging technologies are presenting completely new options: reality capture, the internet of things, cloud computing, wearable technology and visual scripting are just a few examples.		We are now also capable of doing things that were previously impossible or impractical. Virtual reality and augmented reality are now becoming cheaper and easier; anyone with a smartphone has a choice of free apps to upload your 3D models, and if oculus rift is outside your budget, try google cardboard for just £6! The MX3D Amsterdam bridge project is proving that 3D printing is not just for small objects; perhaps entire pipework systems could be printed on site too? Many other emerging technologies are presenting completely new options: reality capture, the internet of things, cloud computing, wearable technology and visual scripting are just a few examples.
Line 23:		Line 24:

	This article originally appeared in the BSRIA News March 2016. It was written by Ben Roberts, Associate and BIM Delivery Leader at Hoare Lea.		This article originally appeared in the BSRIA News March 2016. It was written by Ben Roberts, Associate and BIM Delivery Leader at Hoare Lea.
		+
		+	[[BSRIA\|See other articles by BSRIA here.]]

	= [http://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Find_out_more Find out more] =		= [http://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Find_out_more Find out more] =
Line 28:		Line 31:
	=== Related articles on [http://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Designing_Buildings_Wiki Designing Buildings Wiki] ===		=== Related articles on [http://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Designing_Buildings_Wiki Designing Buildings Wiki] ===

−	* ~~[http://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Asset_information_model~~ Asset information model].	+	* Asset information model.
−	* ~~[http://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Asset_information_requirements~~ Asset information requirements].	+	* Asset information requirements.
−	* ~~[http://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/BIM_articles~~ BIM articles].	+	* BIM articles.
−	* ~~[http://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/BIM_for_Dummies_-_an_interview~~ BIM for dummies - an interview].	+	* BIM for dummies - an interview.
−	* ~~[http://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/BIM_glossary_of_terms~~ BIM glossary of terms].	+	* BIM glossary of terms.
−	* ~~[http://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/BIM_resources~~ BIM resources].	+	* BIM resources.
−	* ~~[http://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Building_Information_Modelling~~ Building information modelling].	+	* Building information modelling.
−	* ~~[http://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Building_management_systems~~ Building management systems].	+	* Building management systems.
−	* ~~[http://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Computer_aided_facilities_management~~ Computer aided facilities management].	+	* Computer aided facilities management.
−	* ~~[[Digital_Built_Britain\|~~Digital Built Britain.]]	+	* Digital Built Britain.
−	* ~~[http://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Facilities_management~~ Facilities management].	+	* Facilities management.
−	* ~~[http://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Geographic_information_system~~ Geographic information systems].	+	* Geographic information systems.
−	* ~~[http://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Government_soft_landings~~ Government soft landings].	+	* Government soft landings.
−	* ~~[http://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/PAS_1192-2:2013~~ PAS 1192-2:2013].	+	* PAS 1192-2:2013.
−	* ~~[http://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/PAS_1192-3:2014~~ PAS 1192-3:2014].	+	* PAS 1192-3:2014.

	[[Category:Organisations]] [[Category:Publications_/_reports]] [[Category:Theory]]		[[Category:Organisations]] [[Category:Publications_/_reports]] [[Category:Theory]]

Editor: Created page with "When BIM first reached the masses in about 2010 it was exciting: finally the construction industry wakes up to the 21st century and embraces the ability of computers to take on o..."

2016-03-15T11:33:47Z

Created page with "When BIM first reached the masses in about 2010 it was exciting: finally the construction industry wakes up to the 21st century and embraces the ability of computers to take on o..."

New page

When BIM first reached the masses in about 2010 it was exciting: finally the construction industry wakes up to the 21st century and embraces the ability of computers to take on our more mundane tasks and improve communication! A data-centric approach to managing projects meant that appointments would be clearer, design computation could yield instant feedback, models would feed directly into fabrication robots and building operators could simply and efficiently access all the information about their assets at the click of a button.

However, in 2016 there seems to be a wide spread consensus that BIM is just an expensive, less flexible way of delivering projects, and sadly the acronym is often a sure fire way of clearing a room.

So beyond the UK government’s level 2 BIM deadline in April 2016 there is no “level 3 BIM”; instead it is “digital built Britain”. And the industry is following suit; let’s remove this acronym with too much baggage and stigma and get down to what it really means: sensible data management, better quality communication of design intent, easier and more effective collaboration, and many opportunities to do things more quickly and accurately.

When thinking about “digital” rather than “BIM”, we find ourselves asking a more straight forward question: what can computers and data do for us?

Firstly, computers are capable of recording vast amounts of data and processing it very quickly, but to date they’re not so good at the more creative stuff; that’s what people are for. So it follows that we can “outsource” a lot of our thinking time to a processor by offloading the more mundane, repetitive tasks, leaving our creative minds to focus on the more interesting things. Good technology should allow people to spend less time alone staring at a computer!

As an example, BREEAM is a way of addressing a very important aspect of our building design (environmental impact) but is often seen as a time-consuming form filling exercise. This is a terribly boring thing for a human to do, but provides essential information in a usable common structure. This is exactly what computers are good at, so let’s automate this important but boring compliance process so that humans can get on with doing<br />
the interesting important tasks.

We are now also capable of doing things that were previously impossible or impractical. Virtual reality and augmented reality are now becoming cheaper and easier; anyone with a smartphone has a choice of free apps to upload your 3D models, and if oculus rift is outside your budget, try google cardboard for just £6! The MX3D Amsterdam bridge project is proving that 3D printing is not just for small objects; perhaps entire pipework systems could be printed on site too? Many other emerging technologies are presenting completely new options: reality capture, the internet of things, cloud computing, wearable technology and visual scripting are just a few examples.

Secondly, data can be very informative if you know what to do with it. Buildings can potentially generate enormous amounts of data, and in the right hands that can quickly be used to assess energy performance, make comparisons of different technologies, or identify faults in building systems, for example. Raw data is daunting, but visualisation of that data is easy and provides a more immediate form of interpretation. As 2 examples, graphs and infographics are clear methods of showing key statistics and are easily generated in Excel, and 3D models give an intuitive interface to accessing associated data at various stages in a project lifecycle.

Finally, you don’t have to be a computer scientist to use a computer these days - my grandad is 95 years old and controls his heating remotely using his iPad. Much of the software available for design, construction and operation of buildings is going this way too. Virtual reality is a good starting point for the technologically averse, but there are plenty of other technologies that offer simple solutions for anyone.

So I encourage you all, upon hearing the acronym “BIM”, not to run for the hills but to simply consider what computers and data can do to help you.

--[[User:BSRIA|BSRIA]]

This article originally appeared in the BSRIA News March 2016. It was written by Ben Roberts, Associate and BIM Delivery Leader at Hoare Lea.

= [http://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Find_out_more Find out more] =

=== Related articles on [http://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Designing_Buildings_Wiki Designing Buildings Wiki] ===

* [http://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Asset_information_model Asset information model].
* [http://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Asset_information_requirements Asset information requirements].
* [http://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/BIM_articles BIM articles].
* [http://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/BIM_for_Dummies_-_an_interview BIM for dummies - an interview].
* [http://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/BIM_glossary_of_terms BIM glossary of terms].
* [http://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/BIM_resources BIM resources].
* [http://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Building_Information_Modelling Building information modelling].
* [http://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Building_management_systems Building management systems].
* [http://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Computer_aided_facilities_management Computer aided facilities management].
* [[Digital_Built_Britain|Digital Built Britain.]]
* [http://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Facilities_management Facilities management].
* [http://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Geographic_information_system Geographic information systems].
* [http://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Government_soft_landings Government soft landings].
* [http://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/PAS_1192-2:2013 PAS 1192-2:2013].
* [http://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/PAS_1192-3:2014 PAS 1192-3:2014].

[[Category:Organisations]] [[Category:Publications_/_reports]] [[Category:Theory]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:01, 8 July 2016
Line 5:		Line 5:
	However, in 2016 there seems to be a widespread consensus that BIM is just an expensive, less flexible way of delivering projects, and sadly the acronym is often a sure fire way of clearing a room.		However, in 2016 there seems to be a widespread consensus that BIM is just an expensive, less flexible way of delivering projects, and sadly the acronym is often a sure fire way of clearing a room.

−	Beyond the UK ~~government’s~~ level 2 BIM deadline in April 2016 there is no level 3 BIM; instead it is 'digital built Britain'. And the industry is following suit; ~~let’s~~ remove this acronym with too much baggage and stigma and get down to what it really means: sensible data management, better quality communication of design intent, easier and more effective collaboration, and many opportunities to do things more quickly and accurately.	+	Beyond the UK government's level 2 BIM deadline in April 2016 there is no level 3 BIM; instead it is 'digital built Britain'. And the industry is following suit; let's remove this acronym with too much baggage and stigma and get down to what it really means: sensible data management, better quality communication of design intent, easier and more effective collaboration, and many opportunities to do things more quickly and accurately.

	When thinking about 'digital' rather than 'BIM, we find ourselves asking a more straight forward question: what can computers and data do for us?		When thinking about 'digital' rather than 'BIM, we find ourselves asking a more straight forward question: what can computers and data do for us?

−	Firstly, computers are capable of recording vast amounts of data and processing it very quickly, but to date ~~they’re~~ not so good at the more creative stuff; ~~that’s~~ what people are for. So it follows that we can outsource a lot of our thinking time to a processor by offloading the more mundane, repetitive tasks, leaving our creative minds to focus on the more interesting things. Good technology should allow people to spend less time alone staring at a computer.	+	Firstly, computers are capable of recording vast amounts of data and processing it very quickly, but to date they're not so good at the more creative stuff; that's what people are for. So it follows that we can outsource a lot of our thinking time to a processor by offloading the more mundane, repetitive tasks, leaving our creative minds to focus on the more interesting things. Good technology should allow people to spend less time alone staring at a computer.

−	As an example, BREEAM is a way of addressing a very important aspect of our building design (environmental impact) but is often seen as a time-consuming form filling exercise. This is a terribly boring thing for a human to do, but provides essential information in a usable common structure. This is exactly what computers are good at, so ~~let’s~~ automate this important but boring compliance process so that humans can get on with doing the interesting important tasks.	+	As an example, BREEAM is a way of addressing a very important aspect of our building design (environmental impact) but is often seen as a time-consuming form filling exercise. This is a terribly boring thing for a human to do, but provides essential information in a usable common structure. This is exactly what computers are good at, so let's automate this important but boring compliance process so that humans can get on with doing the interesting important tasks.

	We are now also capable of doing things that were previously impossible or impractical. Virtual reality and augmented reality are becoming cheaper and easier; anyone with a smartphone has a choice of free apps to upload your 3D models, and if oculus rift is outside your budget, try google cardboard for just £6. The MX3D Amsterdam bridge project is proving that 3D printing is not just for small objects; perhaps entire pipework systems could be printed on site too? Many other emerging technologies are presenting completely new options: reality capture, the internet of things, cloud computing, wearable technology and visual scripting are just a few examples.		We are now also capable of doing things that were previously impossible or impractical. Virtual reality and augmented reality are becoming cheaper and easier; anyone with a smartphone has a choice of free apps to upload your 3D models, and if oculus rift is outside your budget, try google cardboard for just £6. The MX3D Amsterdam bridge project is proving that 3D printing is not just for small objects; perhaps entire pipework systems could be printed on site too? Many other emerging technologies are presenting completely new options: reality capture, the internet of things, cloud computing, wearable technology and visual scripting are just a few examples.
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	Secondly, data can be very informative if you know what to do with it. Buildings can potentially generate enormous amounts of data, and in the right hands that can quickly be used to assess energy performance, make comparisons of different technologies, or identify faults in building systems, for example. Raw data is daunting, but visualisation of that data is easy and provides a more immediate form of interpretation. As 2 examples, graphs and infographics are clear methods of showing key statistics and are easily generated in Excel, and 3D models give an intuitive interface to accessing associated data at various stages in a project lifecycle.		Secondly, data can be very informative if you know what to do with it. Buildings can potentially generate enormous amounts of data, and in the right hands that can quickly be used to assess energy performance, make comparisons of different technologies, or identify faults in building systems, for example. Raw data is daunting, but visualisation of that data is easy and provides a more immediate form of interpretation. As 2 examples, graphs and infographics are clear methods of showing key statistics and are easily generated in Excel, and 3D models give an intuitive interface to accessing associated data at various stages in a project lifecycle.

−	Finally, you ~~don’t~~ have to be a computer scientist to use a computer these days. Much of the software available for design, construction and operation of buildings is going this way too. Virtual reality is a good starting point for the technologically averse, but there are plenty of other technologies that offer simple solutions for anyone.	+	Finally, you don't have to be a computer scientist to use a computer these days. Much of the software available for design, construction and operation of buildings is going this way too. Virtual reality is a good starting point for the technologically averse, but there are plenty of other technologies that offer simple solutions for anyone.

	So, on hearing the acronym 'BIM', don't run for the hills, simply consider what computers and data can do to help you.		So, on hearing the acronym 'BIM', don't run for the hills, simply consider what computers and data can do to help you.
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	* PAS 1192-3:2014.		* PAS 1192-3:2014.

−	[[Category:Organisations]] [[Category:Publications_/_reports]] [[Category:Theory]]	+	[[Category:Organisations]] [[Category:Publications_/_reports]] [[Category:Theory]] [[Category:BIM]]