The Advantage of BIM

As it relates to Prefabrication & Modular Construction

JL Architects has had the opportunity to work on a few modular building designs.  Our most recent project is the Ridgedale Condominiums in Madison, NJ.  In 2011, we were hired by Weston Solutions, Inc. to produce the design of the Wyalusing Hotel Annex.  We have experienced some of the many benefits of BIM, and learned when it is most advantageous.

 As more advanced technology develops within the AEC industry, it is important to keep current with the trends and look for ways in which these technologies can be utilized throughout the design and construction process.  After recently attending  BIM Forum, a conference held in Denver that attracted construction and design professionals nationwide, I was exposed to the benefits of utilizing Building Information Modeling (BIM) as it relates to prefabrication and modular construction.

Prefabrication and modular construction is rapidly gaining momentum for several key reasons. Typically, projects that have been designed with a modular approach and have components assembled offsite; see various benefits such as coordinated design, streamlined schedule, cost savings, consistent quality, and job site safety.

Having the ability to digitally model building components in a BIM software (Revit) prior to construction enables all project stakeholders to become familiar with the ‘kit-of-parts’ and determine potential clashes within the trades, thus saving time and money. In addition to this key benefit, the parts modeled within the software can then be exported to rapid protyping machines or CNC milling machines for fabrication.

The technology built into Revit differs drastically from the program most people are familiar with, AutoCAD. Instead of generating separate floor plans, sections, elevations and perspectives manually, Revit will generate these views automatically and they update in ‘real-time’ as changes are made to the model.

Whether your next project requires a modular design approach or you would like to visualize your building in 3D before it’s built, you can count on JL Architects. 

- Tim Markwardt