[From CCC]

Another piece of tenuous journalism has recently been making a buzz in the industry, attempting to discredit the remarkable progress of IPD. A buzz, however, is all that this lackluster movement can muster against the force that is transforming the industry in positive directions not seen in decades. If you have not yet read the piece, you can find the link below as well as John Tocci’s response.

A Cautionary Digital Tale

John’s response:

Nadine, Nadine, why do you do the things you do? This is yet another article with a scary title but vacuous text which fails to support the title’s chilling claim and sends the unknowing screaming down the road like an Edvard Munch painting . We know at heart you are not an enemy of professional progress and collaboration (quite to the contrary) but it’s hard to see this from the steady diet of fear-filled articles such as last May’s “IPD…Flashing Red Lights” (complete with a toxic IPD cover page) and webinars like “Goodbye IPD, Hello ID”. Citing unspecified IPD risks and fears, the webinar promised a fairy world of IPD benefits while maintaining conventional (defective) contracts. Not.

Back to this article, one has to ask, why would any author rely on a ‘fact set’ from a single, non-expert source such as the PL carrier, especially this one? The other commentators (who responded to the web posting) rightly observe the true facts; this case (at least as presented here) has little or nothing to do with BIM and everything to do with disciplines continuing to act in silos of isolation, blame and self-interest. Moreover, we fully agree with the commentator who laments the article’s probable effect on liability insurers and others (“…running scared from BIM”).

The devil needs no additional advocates. Unfounded fear abounds in the oceans of ignorance. And the status quo needs no defense. What we do need is solid journalism with validated facts to help us restore a once noble profession and join our industry’s efforts to emerge from litigation and dismal performance– not another horror title. Help us will ya?

• Point-Cab (Plugin for SketchUp)
• Rapid Form

People will automatically get nervous for fear of becoming antiquated when a new technology or a new way of working presents itself, especially in a field like construction where the same working principles have been in place since the Romans were building.
First, people need to understand that BIM and IPD are two very different things, and are not mutually exclusive. IPD is a project delivery method, and as effective as it has been found to be, was not a subject matter of this article and can be debated fully at a later date.
BIM, however is a virtual representation of an actual deliverable, as opposed to the historical methodology of delivering a 2D abstraction of a design intent. This virtual representation allows architects to better interact with what they are producing, and can allow for more control over the final product, as it allows a 3D experience as yet unavailable in 2D documentation. This also allows Architects to actually control design intent through virtual manipulation, which in the long run is much less costly to the project than controlling design intent trough actual manipulation in the field, which is unfortunately the norm. This practice of creating "virtual mock-ups" or details, can greatly reduce change orders and rfi's and focus the team on actual conditions rather than abstract notions.
Second, there are also plenty of directions BIM can be taken where it is still in it's naissance, as Mr. Barrett points out. Whoever is contractually responsible for coordination (also not a subject matter of this article) BIM is a tool that has and will continue to revolutionize the industry in many more ways than just that. The idea that an Architect/Engineer/Contractor can work with a virtual model to refine design and systems prior to actual execution can lead to not only updated coordination methodology, but also off-site prefabrication, as well as other, information based operations that can lead to better, more efficient buildings that are built in a better, more efficient way.
The idea isn’t to make anyone obsolete, but rather to use the technology that has been around in other industries for a number of years to make this industry better.

Tocci Building Corporation has been implementing Virtual Design & Construction (VDC) since 2006; we’ve moved past the BIM basics (clash detection, quantity extraction and logistics) and are well on our way to total transformation of the way our company executes work. We are expanding our team to support current projects, pave the way for new utilizations of BIMs (like field layout, code checking, prefabrication, and 3D printing) and define new project relationships under IPD contracts.

Job Title: VDC Technology Manager

Department: VDC

The VDC department creates building models (BIMs) to be used in preconstruction and construction, as well as supports the use of those models. Although we’re receiving Revit models from design team members on most projects, model clean-up is usually required to actually use models for construction. Most model clean-ups or 2D conversions are done in a team, comprised of internal team members or design team members. Models are created with actual construction use in mind: quantity extraction, coordination, additional documentation and direct-from-model execution.

Position Description: The VDC Technical Manager is a key position in Tocci’s VDC Department, responsible for the management of Tocci’s VDC software and technical standards.

The department current uses Revit Architecture/MEP, Bentley Navigator, Bentley Projectwise, Solibri, Navisworks, Manage, AutoCAD MEP, and other VDC software programs. The VDC Technical Manager is a user of all of these software programs, so that each can be supported and optimized. Because new VDC software comes out every day, a key part of the VDC Technical Manager position is testing new software programs and functionality to make sure we are using the best out there.

The VDC Technical Manager’s time is split approximately 50/50, spending half-time on standards, software testing and management and the other half-time on project work.

The position requires a self motivated, detail-oriented, open-minded and dedicated individual that has an intuitive sense of the constraints and opportunities relating to VDC. Successful candidates will be prepared to emotionally engage with Tocci and its projects. The position is based in Woburn, MA, but travel to jobsites and partner offices for co-location throughout the country (mostly in the Northeast) is required as needed. The position reports to the VDC Manager.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

§ Maintain Revit templates, standards and libraries

§ Develop and maintain Bentley workspaces and DGN libraries

§ Maintain graphic standards manual and perform QAQC on department/project deliverables

§ Create training materials and conduct training sessions

§ Test and implement new software tools and technologies

§ Develop internal capabilities for 3D printing, CNC equipment, RFID tracking and tagging holographic printing and other emerging technologies

§ Stay up to date on software features; train team on new features and how to appropriately use

§ Work on projects, performing tasks including:

§ Work on teams developing & coordinating BIMs, collaborate with design professionals to co-create models and perform quality assurance/quality control checks on BIMs

§ Work with cost engineering staff to develop accurate and easy-to-use quantity takeoffs

§ Work with project managers to optimize schedules through visual scheduling

§ Develop supplemental field documents for superintendents

§ Develop photorealistic renderings and walk-throughs directly from building models

§ Work with project managers and superintendents to update models to reflect as-built conditions

§ Understand and promote Tocci’s VDC process through internal and external training and presentations

§ Perform other tasks related to Virtual Construction implementation

§ Participate in general office “chores”, including emptying the dishwasher, moving boxes, decorating the Christmas tree or re-stocking soda in the fridge. Tocci is very much a family, so we all pitch in.

Qualifications:

§ Minimum Bachelors degree in architecture or construction related field or equivalent work experience

§ 3+ years in building or design industry required; work experience with VDC or BIM using Revit desirable

§ Preference will be given to candidates who are Registered Architects or Registered Engineers.

§ Exposure to and experience with Building Information Model (BIM) systems (i.e. Autodesk Revit , Bentley BIM, ArchiCAD) required

§ Individuals with experience using non-Revit software programs will be prepared to transition to Revit

§ Must be organized and slightly OCD

§ Excellent technical skills, including using computers, the internet and file sharing required

§ Strong personal management skills, dedication, organization and open-minded required

§ Creative thinker with ability to work in a close knit environment with like minded personalities

§ LEED AP preferred, but not required

Please submit resume, references, and salary history to:

Laura Handler, Director of Virtual Design and Construction

lhandler@tocci.com

About Tocci: Tocci Building Companies is a progressive construction services firm providing construction management, design/build, real estate development and preconstruction services. Tocci is housed in a restored 19^th century mill building that blends old-world charm and contemporary design. Tocci staff members are dedicated professionals who work hard but relax together at weekly breakfasts, monthly lunches and occasional cocktail parties. Tocci provides a supportive business environment, competitive salary, and excellent benefits package. Equal Opportunity Employer

ImageModeler 9 (IM) is a powerful tool for generating photorealistic, image-mapped 3D models from 2D photography. It reproduces 3D space by calibrating corresponding 2D points between multiple photographs, a process called “photogrammetry.” Once the 3D space is defined, you can “trace” 2D objects within the photos using 3D modeling tools.

We got the idea that IM might also be used to accurately document built and existing conditions for construction. If so, such a tool would be an inexpensive, in-house alternative to laser scanning. However, after two weeks of tinkering, tutorials (Autodesk and third party) and field tests, we found that despite our best efforts this is simply not one of IM’s current capabilities. To be clear this article is about our attempt to leverage IM for a purpose it was not designed for and not a criticism of the product itself.

The crux of the problem is that BIM ready field documentation needs to have a certain level of reliable accuracy. IM was designed for visualization and, as such, produces minimally accurate geometry. As we field tested the limits of IM were apparent at every step, but we kept developing workarounds in the hope that we could bend IM to our will. IM, to its credit, stood strong.

First, simply capturing the right photos (photos that show complete edges of the building, from roughly the same distance and with minimal occlusions from surrounding elements) is a real challenge in the large scale world of buildings. Even if you manage to capture every edge of the building with the minimum of photos (calibration starts to become unmanageable after 12 photos) you will be unlikely to model detail elements from the same set of photos used for overall massing. (The work-around for this is to model details in separate files and combine them in another software; unfortunately, this effectively multiplies discrepancies of scale and alignment). Whatever quality the photos, calibration and modeling are ultimately limited to a screen resolution of 4096px X 72dpi that does not improve as one zooms in.

Modeling itself is another challenge. Objects are generated from manipulating subdivisions of primary solids – for those familiar with 3DSMax, this probably sounds fine. Unlike 3DSMax though, these tools are very basic and have limited snapping capability. Modeling of complex shapes is difficult and tedious. Modeling with reliable accuracy is practically impossible.

For field documentation, the model should be accurate to at least ¼”. IM can produce a model with accuracy down to maybe ½”. For larger the objects (say the 220’ long building I work in) the accuracy is more like 2”– 3”. Simply not good enough for construction.

The final limitation is exporting the model. IM models export as scale-less DWG’s with no origin. Thus, separate IM models must be aligned and scaled manually. IM to DWG geometry is NEVER orthogonal, though, which means Revit will not like the walls generated from an IM mass. Finally, even if you made it this far, geometry loss during import is common and difficult to prevent.

Generating accurate real world documentation is not IM was designed to do. If you have watched the marketing videos, what it does do is actually pretty awesome. If Autodesk is interested in taking this software in the field documentation direction, they will run into competition with PhotoModeler, which incorporates more sophisticated camera calibration and utilizes coded field targets. For visualization I am sure most find IM’s stripped down workflow perfectly adequate; especially for something that came free with your Autodesk subscription.

Not so long ago many of us would have considered the use of BIM in a project of this magnitude and complexity as quite irrational and in some cases impossible. Today, for the exact same reasons, it is hard to imagine executing a project delivery without it.

Cooperation is not the same thing as collaboration. Cooperation is just that thing "which allows you not to get in the other's way," says Nelson. Collaboration means amplification. ... I think of collaboration as being like 2+2=5 (or 137, etc.).

I also love how they talk about hiring criteria. Since we've been actively hiring for two VDC positions, we've gotten so many resumes from people who know Revit, and probably know it quite well, which is exciting. However, we aren't just looking at "depth" of knowledge in Revit because most of the work that a new hire will do is undefined, because we are constantly pushing the envelope. As it is put in the Presentation Zen post:

...how do you hire someone for something that has never been done before? ... past success alone is not enough

Pixar looks for experience with "failure and recovery", along with an entire host of qualities. I like to think that we are doing similar things. It's about problem solving, working in a team, culture fit, negotiating and a sense of exploration.

I'd be interested in what other people look for when they hire, whether for a BIM-related position or something else.

Since I have gotten worse at frequently posting, a few people have offered to help keep (bim)x a little more alive by writing posts when they are inspired. Here is one, from on VDC Manager who has decided to post by a pseudonym: VirDC. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!

Laura Handler has graciously offered to open-up her blog for an occasional, anonymous blog post, just to keep her readers on their toes. Thank you Laura, for giving me such a prestigious podium! The past few years have been a mad scramble for many of us getting a foothold in the AEC industry and I've found great comfort in the priceless contributions that you and your fellow Toccisti have made to our industry my developing career.

I hate to start my piece as just one more take on where BIM is taking the AEC industry, but I may as well get it out of the way in my debut post with some really cool links. Anyway, it's been bugging me that some people have analogized the adoption of BIM with the transition from hand drawing to CAD. Though I love history and I believe there are always lessons yet to be learned from the past, there has really never been a true paradigm shift like we are experiencing. If you aren't seeing it, you may want to figure-out why you aren't seeing it before it's done and position yourself accordingly.

For the past few years, everything's been a bit wild in the AEC industry and not just due to the economy... While the industry finally hit full stride with the Green movement, there's been a much more tumultuous undercurrent welling-up that is changing the way the entire industry is structured and it's only amplified by the poor economy. As anyone who follows this blog knows, information and technology is what is transforming the industry by way of relational, object-oriented programming that simply allows us to relate various information, relate that information, and produce information that has additional value. Call it BIM, PLM, or even ERP if you want, but is finally transforming the way we use computational power to assist us. Yes, I say finally because not only has it taken a long time for it to get from this guy's head to your fingertips, but it is essentially the limitless transformation sought by creative minds for millennia: a way to turn pure creativity, knowledge and resources into an informed reality.

The more we harness information, the more potential uses for the derivative information there become. We have only just begun to conceive of the ways information can be used in the real world to influence design, construction and results, but there is literally limitless potential. We're just not likely to be able to identify many advanced uses from the outset: clash detection, code compliance, takeoff quantities, costs, etc are only the very early beginning. Frankly, it's a little bit scary to consider some implications. For instance: if we tie quantities to costs and tie those costs to an online marketplace, are we really just commoditizing the industry and extracting the "Hu element?" Would a commodity market dynamically tied to a design really take material costs off of the list of variables forever? I doubt it, but I can't say what would happen if nearly every designer/planner had that level of information at every step. Predicting the usefulness of information just one or two steps out with any degree of certainty gets pretty nebulous like predicting the weather, the economy, or the climate for that matter. But, what I do know is that we will continue to push ahead and the use and application of derivative information will not grow linearly.

Today, we struggle with data workflows to leverage basic information, interoperability of data, detection, isolation and correction of bad or flawed data, and the human interfaces to that data. But, the seeds of a different growth pattern have already taken root. Before long, we will have worked-out a defined modularity for new, extensible data, thus resolving interoperability and making workflow objective rather than subjective. We will have a slew of intuitive and fully-customizable interfaces to capture our every inspiration and truly dynamic, proactive and predictive feedback on design and logistics. Possibilities will mean something else entirely... just look at what Wolfram Alpha is doing with relational data. It's just the beginning.