There’s long been a sizable void in the pre-construction and conceptual design process. Traditionally, early architectural concepts and designs have been little more than sketches, loose floor plans, and area discussions — an owner and architect discussing aesthetics, facility needs and the vision for a new facility, or changes to an existing facility.
While early conversations are vital to a project’s success, owners were not able to truly evaluate a conceptual design, let alone assess a project’s budget and schedule. Likewise, builders couldn’t weigh in on phasing and constructability.
Today, 5D Macro-BIM is helping to fill that void in a timely fashion.
What is 5D BIM?
5D BIM, or five dimensional building information modeling, is the real-time extraction or development of fully valued parametric building components within a virtual model. It allows experienced users to create models that demonstrate how changes to materials, layouts, square footage and other design elements not only affect the appearance of a facility, but also the cost and schedule of construction. It’s a type of Macro BIM, which is a technology that allows estimators to model facilities at the earliest stages of design.
Filling the pre-construction and early design void with 5D BIM
The goal of traditional pre-construction and early design conceptualization has been to create a “frozen design.” Instead of an evolving design, the idea is to create architectural drawings that aren’t subject to change. They’re the drawings contractors ultimately build. But because early-stage drawings have been so imprecise, it’s been difficult to get to an accurate “frozen design” stage and fully ascertain all details of design intent — i.e. how facilities will work, how they’ll be built and what they’ll cost. As a result, the process can cause unplanned, costly, time-consuming design changes during the construction stage of many projects.
Pre-construction and early-stage design is a crucial time period that requires consensus on the scope of work — based on the owner’s needs and expectations — and accurate cost estimations for project deliverables. Today, using 5D BIM, owners, architects, builders and engineers can sit down together at the earliest stages of design to discuss not only their current design, but also how design revisions or alternatives will affect their project from its earliest stages to completion. From appearance and price to schedule and constructability, all elements can be seen and evaluated.
5D Macro BIM tools are used in conjunction with Micro BIM tools, such as Revit, that model latter stages of design. Combined with senior estimation knowledge and a database of construction and materials costs, using a 5D approach enables all stakeholders to create a set design and a clear, precise project scope.
Benefits of 5D Macro-BIM
5D Macro BIM allows every element from square footages to pricing, timing, layouts and more to be conceptualized. With the guidance of a full project team and estimation experts, owners can make truly informed decisions and be confident in getting the right facility. Using BIM in a 5D approach allows a strong vision to crystalize early in the process so each element and detail of a build aligns with big picture goals.
The specific points of value 5D Macro-BIM offers include:
- Visual and data modeling capabilities provide a major breakthrough in predictability, translating into a more efficient definition of project scope. Parametrically developed formulas drive costs on each building system based on the specific design, materials, site conditions, phasing, and other parameters that produce accurate information within the owner’s timeline.
- The entire project team develops a clear understanding of the proposed design, assumptions and cost drivers. The team will have a concise and accurate description of scope, cost, and schedule, which eliminates surprises — this is valuable information for owners, as it directly impacts funding decisions.
- Data is provided in real time as the model is developed or changed. Alternative concepts can be easily explored, while owner and project team can see the cost and other data update in real time. The design and estimation cycle time is significantly shorter than traditional processes. Reliable, accurate updates in real time positively impact a project’s efficiency and its budget.
- The Korte Company uses a tailored database that allows us to leverage not only historical data, but also industry experience. Extracting meaningful and reliable data from past experience, namely specialized sectors — such as healthcare or distribution center construction — is a significant advantage to owners who place a high value on proven success.
- All major project stakeholders can visualize the end product and understand exactly what’s included in the budget. For owners, transparency is crucial. No surprises.
- Updating the model automatically changes the construction costs in real-time. “What-if’s” become productive and engaging solution missions for the entire team, especially the owner.
5D BIM is a natural fit in the Design-Build process
Using 5D Marco-BIM is a natural fit for the Design-Build delivery method. In Design-Build, one entity is contractually responsible for delivering all aspects of a build, from architectural design and engineering to construction and specialty construction. An integrated Design-Builder may hire subcontractors and subcontract design to specialty architects. But the crux of Design-Build is that everyone is on the same team, working together from the very beginning of a project. In traditional models of construction, design is completed by an architect before a contractor can weigh in on cost, schedule and constructability. In Design-Build, the entire project team can provide ideas to save cost and time.
5D modeling efficiently enables construction professionals to present how ideas look and how costs will be affected. By combining the Design-Build method with 5D Macro-BIM technology, owners receive the absolute best-value solutions for design, cost, schedule and constructability.
The Korte Company has adopted 5D BIM
At The Korte Company, we’ve built our company by finding innovative ways to deliver value for owners. 5D Macro-BIM technology is a critical part of our design and construction process. The early creation of a budget that has cost certainty for a project’s duration is a critical necessity of project success and something for which Korte is renowned. Moreover, we institute an innovative virtual construction planning process that identifies the specific efficiencies Building Information Modeling (BIM) can bring to each project.
This advanced software allows us to make faster and smarter decisions, offer a wider range of cost options and use fewer personnel during the early business assessment and design stages. And it translates to a direct benefit for our clients.
The Korte Company has the added benefit of having our own in-house Director of Virtual Construction, Craig Mulliniks. Craig is skilled in using 5D Macro-BIM technology to help us deliver best-value construction. He brings 20 years of experience in healthcare construction estimation to The Korte Company.
5D BIM is one of a long list of innovations to which we subscribe and employ dedicated resources. In 1963, we paved the way for the Design-Build method, 20 years before it was recognized by the industry. Later, we were one of the first adopters of CAD technology, and we’ve been early leader in several construction techniques that have become industry standard. No matter what we build, we build it smart.
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