Building Information Modelling, otherwise known as BIM, is the latest technology to turn the construction world on its head. BIM can model a building’s entire life cycle, from construction all the way through to demolition; the process digitally generates a realistic, accurate model of a facility, and removes the need for the constant re-entering of data. BIM creates a resource that can be used throughout the design and construction stages of a building to help engineers and designers to make key decisions about the building’s construction.

Building Information Modelling software has essentially revolutionised the way we design buildings; the software allows designers to input data about the building into the software – materials, structure, cooling, etc. – and to see in real time what kind of effects the environment, and the effects of time, will have on this hypothetical building. Essentially, BIM should eventually eradicate any nasty future surprises that engineers might experience when bridges collapse from wear-and-tear, or adverse weather conditions cause buildings to crumble. (Of course, BIM won’t protect us from extreme natural disasters, though it might help us to design buildings that cope with the stresses of earthquakes and tornadoes much more efficiently.)

Of course, BIM software is valuable for more than just its practical benefits; BIM is beautiful. Building Information Models are more than just simple 3D models of buildings; they’re 3D models that can interact with their own lifelike environments in a realistic manner, providing data on a facility’s life, longevity and durability. In the 21st Century, we’re obsessed with making data more approachable and usable; BIM does this, but it also makes data beautiful.

Viaduct Construction

This video shows the BIM process at work; not only is the finished product a fine work of design, but you can see the benefits of BIM throughout the video; the software accurately demonstrates the process of constructing the viaduct, a balletic process in its own way, through to the final construction of the bridge.

Mount Orgueil Castle

BIM can be used to make accurate surveys of existing buildings as well, as this video demonstrates.

Here a 3D laser scan of a Castle in Jersey has been made and then turned into an accurate model of the building and surroundings using BIM software. This not only allows conservationist to work from extremely accurate models when restoring and maintaining heritage sites rather than relying on 2D blueprints and photographs, but it also creates a breath-taking 3D visual with ghostly flythroughs.

Hospital Mechanical Room

This video shows the process of construction clearly, demonstrating how a difficult industrial installation in a tight space would be carried out over time. Brightly coloured mechanical equipment, structures and duct work not only help indicate materials clearly during the process but also give what would otherwise be a very clinical and boring installation a colourful interpretation.

Watching these examples of BIM at work isn’t just a sight for engineers and designers – it’s not difficult for even the most casual viewer to see the beauty of the construction process in BIM videos.

Building Information Modelling is the construction software of the future; it combines traditional CAD functionality with data to re-imagine a more accurate image of exactly what a building will look like once constructed, how long it will take to construct, and how hard the finished building will be to maintain. Watching these videos in action, it’s clear just how complex and dynamic the construction of a building is, how many variables have to be accounted for, and how every facility must be perfectly planned and coordinated in order to reach completion. BIM doesn’t just show us that construction is complicated; it shows us that construction is beautiful.

About eBIM

eBIM are a specialist in Building Information Modeling with offices in London and Newcastle. They specialise in creating Building Information Models for existing buildings using 3D laser scanning to capture the current bilding and then using that information to create models for renovations, upgrades, remodeling and building management.