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Green BIM: Sustainable Design with Building Information Modeling

Matthew Brewster — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 21:22:50 +0000

Sustainable, or green design, are buzzwords of contemporary architecture. For reasons that vary from meeting energy codes, managing increasing fuel costs, reducing waste, expression of personal values, or the desire for self-sufficiency, more people are thinking green. How can Building Information Modeling (BIM) help to design better “green buildings”?

Challenges in the Pacific Northwest

The regions of western Oregon and Washington State have unique challenges when it comes to green design. For a good part of our winter months we receive little direct sunlight when we could use it the most. Raw materials are also becoming more expensive and construction waste is at an all time high. Even in parts of the country with these challenges, BIM can be used to optimize solar and energy efficient design and minimize waste.

Green Design with BIM

The thoughtful designer can use BIM models to save resources AND money for project owners by incorporating analytical studies into the early design phase.

Analytical sun studies

Conducting a sun study helps the designer to evaluate and refine his project to effectively use daylight sources.

Continuous control of usage of resources

Quantities and detailed data about building components can be generated, providing the architect and the owner with valuable information about the materials used.

What-if scenarios for design optimization

The ability to run different scenarios supports the green design process.

Computer energy simulations

Computer energy simulation is used throughout the design process to assess the building’s energy conservation value and construction costs.

Architects and engineers can collaborate to generate many alternative concepts for building form, envelope, and landscaping. This allows focus on minimizing peak energy loads, demand, and consumption.

Typically, heating and cooling load reductions from shading devices, better glazing, insulation, efficient lighting, daylighting, and active and passive solar systems allow for smaller and less expensive HVAC equipment which, when well designed, can result in little or no increase in construction cost compared to conventional designs. Simulations are used to refine designs and ensure that energy-conservation and capital cost goals are met and to demonstrate compliance with regulatory requirements.

01 - David Vandervort Architects -- Located in Issaquah, Washington, zHome is the first multifamily, production, zero-energy, carbon neutral community in the United States. In addition to presentation images and construction documentations, BIM was used to create sun studies which helped shape the roofs. URL: http://www.vandervort.com

BIM as Collaborative Foundation

Effective green designs use the BIM model as a basis for measuring the various performance analyses. The BIM approach provides an optimal collaborative environment for specialized applications.

Developers of BIM applications have become one of the leading forces behind interoperability standards such as the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC), which allows sharing and exchange of the 3D model’s information for generating building simulations across multiple applications.

As a result of this interoperability, the BIM model functions as a fulcrum around which everything else pivots – from structural engineering applications to collision detection, building performance and energy analysis regardless of the software manufacturer.

Data Sharing

Using the BIM model as the data backbone for the process, energy analysis software such as IES, ECOTECT and EnergyPlus in North America or VIP and RIUSKA in Europe can contribute valuable data to a project. Primarily used by engineers, this software can be used to optimize systems such as solar, thermal, lighting and HVAC. EnergyPlus and RIUSKA users can take advantage of IFC compatibility for a smooth collaboration with the BIM application. Green Building XML (gbXML) is used for connections with Green Building Studio, ECOTECT, and IES Virtual Environment.

02 - b9 Architects -- Currently in design, this 4-unit development in Seattle, Washington, seeks to achieve zero energy usage and/or the PassivHaus Institute certification. Throughout the process BIM and energy modeling has been utilized as a way of evaluating the design. Strategically oriented site planning, roof slopes for solar photovoltaics and clerestories, glazing percentages, building envelope and wall thickness have been carefully examined in BIM. URL: http://www.b9architects.com

So what tools are available for architects who want to quickly evaluate design options right at the initial design stage?

Energy Analysis within a BIM Model

Energy consumption is one of the main contributors to a building’s air pollution and maintenance cost. Graphisoft has developed the tools that work within a BIM model to generate energy reports early in the design phase when the architect has the greatest opportunity to influence the efficiency of a project.

EcoDesigner is a new plug-in for Graphisoft’s BIM application, ArchiCAD. As soon as a design takes shape, comparative energy reports can be generated with a click. The resulting reports give feedback about the buildings energy usage, yearly utility costs, and carbon footprint. (ed. note: see Architosh’s interview article: “AIA: Talking to Viktor Varkonyi about EcoDesigner,”

This changes the essence of energy analysis from a formal checking stage at the end of the design process when it is often too late to be an effective design tool. Ideally, energy analysis should be integrated from the start of a project.

Final Thoughts

At a time when economical use of resources is critical, to the survival of the building trades and, potentially, to the survival of human and biotic communities, it makes sense to take a new look at how we create efficient buildings. The technology is available today to help architects find the best solution. And as the demand for “more green” increases, developers will expand these analytical tools to take advantage of the power of BIM.

One more thing. While you are designing the greenest buildings, why not do it on one of the world’s greenest computers? In addition to their power and ease of use, Apple’s lineup of notebooks are energy efficient and built with the environment in mind.

To learn more about BIM and Green Design contact Matthew W. Brewster, founder of BIMiDEAS at: http://www.bimideas.biz/

About Viewpoint Articles: Viewpoint articles are features contributed by industry professionals across the entire range of disciplines covered by Architosh. They are aimed at being “instructional” or “position papers” directed at advantages of technologies, configurations, services, or solutions. They are authored by industry professionals who are directors, providers, experts, teachers and thought-leaders within their industry. To inquire about contributing a Viewpoint article please email us at: info@architosh.com

A Case for 2D CAD in a 3D BIM World

Tom Lazear — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 01:58:35 +0000

If you read the blogs and CAD newsletters, you know that 3D, BIM and other advanced topics fill the air. There is no doubt that these newer technologies will and have already helped improve the productivity of design, However, there is a case to be made that there is still a very strong role for plain old 2D drafting.

First, there are many applications that cannot benefit from 3D, for example, schematics. Secondly, there is a basic tradeoff to be made before jumping into 3D. What types of work does the user do? What are the benefits of 3D for that type of work? And what are the costs to get there and to perform the work in 3D? Let’s look at a few examples:

Store or distribution center layout comes to mind. The store is built and the walls are up. Now it is time for the merchandisers to decide where to put which department, where to locate the display devices, how traffic will flow and the like. This has always been done in 2D for good reason. It is quicker, easier, more suited to the type of people who do the work, and it works! While it might be interesting to be able to “walk through” a 3D model of the store, does that benefit outweigh the cost? Usually not. It is way more important to have a great, accurate library of symbols to be quickly grabbed and placed precisely on the 2D layout.

01 - Tom Lazear would argue that in many cases such as working drawing level documentation for landscape design, there is little value in 3D over 2D CAD.

How about sports complexes? Sagamore Publishers’ classic book, “Facilities Planning for Health, Fitness and Sports,” edited by Thomas Sawyer, is a good example. They include a copy of VersaCAD 2D with each book knowing that 2D is all that is required to layout a new badminton court. Mechanical part and assembly design was one of the earliest applications to go to 3D. And with software like Solid Edge or SolidWorks, 3D is good. However, there are still simpler applications where 2D can do the job just fine, such as parts that are manufactured by 2.5D including flat parts with holes, flat parts with cutouts and more.

Civil always works in what looks like 2D, but is actually backed by 3D models. Architecture has been a favorite target for 3D or BIM software. It just seems logical that a building which is naturally a 3D object should be designed in 3D. And, of course, all buildings are and always have been designed in 3D. The question is whether the design should continue to be in the mind of the architect or on the computer. The next question is how to display the design in a fashion that is easily understood, economically prepared and satisfactory for building from.

02 - A sample VersaCAD produced architectural elevation at working drawing level.

There is an argument that , for simpler buildings, experienced architects can move more quickly using their collection of information such as standard details, previous projects, catalogs and the like, than they can putting all of that information into a computer. Here again, there are complex, multi-designer projects where the overhead work of dealing with the computer can pay off large benefits when everyone works off a common 3D model. But that argument does not apply for a number of simpler, smaller architectural projects. Certainly, if industry standards are enforced which requires all buildings must be done in 3D, then the architect has no choice but to adapt or run the risk of not being awarded projects.

So the bottom line is the user needs to make a business decision based on facts and not marketing hype. Here is a short outline on how that analysis might be performed:

Investment Necessary

Software – from $500 to $5000

Training – $500 to $3000

Setup – better plan on a couple of months

Retraining for turnover – plan for it

Computer hardware – need bigger

People – takes different skills than 2D

Benefits to be Derived

If GSA (or other dictated) – have to do it
If multi-designer – better coordination
If owner accepts idea – fewer change-orders
Earlier – more accurate estimates
If done right – maybe more satisfied customers

What is above is just an outline. Your own analysis will add detail and other bullet points. When you look closely at what is the true return-on-investment for moving from 2D CAD to 3D CAD/BIM you may be surprised. The point is, to do an honest analysis with no preconceived notions of where you want to arrive. If the rate of return is high, then by all means make the investment to move to a 3D BIM model. If on the other hand the return on investment is not there, then continue to stick with 2D CAD. The benefits of that strategy are typically–again an outline:

Easier to find capable employees
Less costly hardware necessary for 2D CAD
Much less costly 2D CAD software
Less costly employees
Think about the project and less about the complex computer software

The bottom line is: there is a case for 2D CAD in a 3D BIM world. While the industry is currently in transition, this means that part of the world benefits more from 2D and part of it benefits more from 3D. You have to evaluate yourself and your business and learn what side best still serves you.

If you do stick with 2D CAD, there are several excellent choices on the Mac (and Windows). If you do stick wtih 2D CAD, VersaCAD for Mac is an excellent choice!

Constructing BIM Education in the 21st Century

Frank P. Gennaccaro — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 15:08:02 +0000

There appears to be an inverse relationship between the economy and education. When the economy is performing well, people feel less inclined and have less time to become better educated. But during times of economic turmoil and recessions, history shows us that the pursuit of higher learning just might be the best way to escape from problems spawned from a sour economy–such as unemployment.

Architecture and construction are only two of many industries being hit hard by the current economic downturn. A recent report from the Commerce Department pointed out that in December new-home construction was at its lowest level since such record keeping began in 1959. And to make matters worse, economists predict that this struggle will continue into the coming months.

As we continue to be bombarded by more bleak forecasts and with no idea of when we’ll hit bottom, one of the best ways to compete in today’s marketplace is to learn more. A building information modeling (BIM) expert and the founder of ARCHVISTA, Inc. and LearnVirtual™, Thomas Simmons, says that “after spending more than two decades in the business, it’s become clear to me that people tend to brush up on their skills during periods of stunted economic growth. This is when people find it necessary to become more competitive via increased knowledge and proficiency.”

A Paradigm Shift

After the onset of the information age, a paradigm shift occurred when people started to figure out how best to harness the power of computers and the Internet in order to do things faster and better. And in 1982, as many new technologies were being introduced to the public at a feverish pace, the discipline of Architecture also benefited significantly when a premier architectural design tool, ArchiCAD, began to be developed. Shortly thereafter, people began to move away from traditional 2D design and closer towards 3D CAD/BIM. Then in 2006 LearnVirtual entered into the pioneering space of “virtual classrooms” and began offering a different type of BIM education at precisely the moment when BIM usage was exploding.

A paradigm shift in BIM education is now underway.

LearnVirtual's user interface is clear. Class title, class level and description are fully described for the participant.

With instruction focused on ArchiCAD, Artlantis, Photoshop, Google and other BIM and design technologies, LearnVirtual not only uniquely satisfied a need that had been present in the virtual building industry for quite some time but also reversed the commonly held belief that training for BIM is an expensive prospect.

LearnVirtual's interactive video-driven interface.

Gone are the days when you must take expensive classes that take you away from the office to learn about BIM technologies. Now you can learn right from your desk when it is most convenient for you. This approach mirrors other virtual events happening across the Internet as companies respond to leaner times and shrinking budgets. Moreover, virtual events are greener enabling participants from around the United States and every corner of the world to meet and learn all in cyberspace.

Flexibility for Challenging Times

A key feature of LearnVirtual membership is access to the eClass archives. This is where the flexibility of the program becomes obvious as you can learn at your own pace via over 100 archived classes available 24 hours a day seven days a week for members. LearnVirtual student Maroon Tabbal of SynCAD Architects in Santa Monica, California and Kinvara, Galway, Ireland states that “the instructions are searchable, precise and very timely. To be able to participate live, or playback at your own convenience a specific segment on a tool or a technique is of great benefit.” So if you’re up at 3:00 AM and you can’t sleep because you don’t understand Geometric Description Language (GDL), don’t worry, LearnVirtual has it covered for you.

LearnVirtual - Image 1.

LearnVirtual - Image 2.

With obvious cost and schedule flexibility benefits inherent in this new shift in education, and with difficult times facing us all, the number of totally “online schools” continues to rise. Within this context LearnVirtual is a key leader in virtual BIM education focused on Graphisoft’s ArchiCAD solution. If you want to make the most out of your BIM technology and gain a leg up on your competition, or just seek refuge as you ride out the economic storm, consider investing in yourself through learning and updating yourself with a top-flight BIM education. It will be a lifeline to winning new business and enabling your success.

To learn more about LearnVirtual, please visit: www.learnvirtual.com

Frank Paul Gennaccaro is an Associate at ARCHVISTA, Inc. To read his full bio visit our About page.