Building Information Modelling, known within the industry as BIM, has recast the way the construction world plans and oversees projects. At Optima, we have embraced this huge technological advancement. Our diverse portfolio of glass partitioning systems data is now readily available within the BIM libraries and for download in IFC and RVT formats via a number of different platforms. This demonstrates our ongoing commitment to modernising and streamlining the construction industry through improved collaboration at the design stage. BIM – Clear Benefits for the Construction Industry In 2011, the Cabinet published a Government Construction Strategy which proclaimed all future projects over £5 million pounds must use a collaborative 3D BIM model to streamline design and building processes. The hope was that more coherent plans would eliminate unnecessary waste and costs incurred during a construction’s lifespan. Now, well into 2018, the industry is acclimatising itself to the remarkable benefits BIM has to offer, despite some initial scepticism from all sides of the industry. BIM assimilates a thorough picture of a project by collating data from the entire supply chain within a federated 3D model. As a result, all parties are able to work collaboratively and are kept updated and informed. This level of transparency is a huge asset to the construction industry. For us, it means that product data and information relating to our glass partitioning systems can be shared across a project’s workforce and lifespan. From a design perspective, BIM has huge benefits for architects and designers. Once all of the data on a COBie spreadsheet is exported as a BIM model, specifiers can present a stunning virtual image of their project. Our glass partitions are brought to life, integrating seamlessly into the overall scheme. Not only is the BIM model technically robust, it is also a unique strategy for showcasing an impressive project to eager clients. This potent modern design process enables clients to make speedy decisions on what features they prefer, purely because the project is right before them. The transparency of the BIM project process ensures a more efficient, interoperable collaboration between various organisations. Everyone gets to see the bigger picture; everyone is kept informed. This results in a quality project, uncompromised by miscommunication. Improved visualisation, along with better collaboration and planning, ensures that potential clashes are detected earlier in the design process. These issues can be digitally resolved by reviewing a 3D combine model in Navisworks®, thereby eliminating problems before the materials reach site. Optima Goes Live on New BIM Library As part of our continued journey to support a digital future for the design world, our BIM objects are now accessible via the NBS National BIM Library. Here, all objects are certified to an internationally-recognised BIM Object Standard. 3D models for our products are also available on NBS Plus. This is a site which allows designers and architects to upload products to a specification to ensure complete efficiency throughout a project. For the first time, our BIM objects are accessible as downloads via both online BIM libraries, in addition to the Member’s Area of our www.optimausa.web02.indzine.net website. By creating our partitioning systems in 3D form using Autodesk® Revit®, architects and designers can view our systems as 3D objects with asset data attached. This gives them more information about the acoustic performance and specification of the products and provides an understanding of the build-up of materials, along with a visualisation of the specified systems. Gerard Milliken, Design Manager at Optima, said: ‘BIM is bringing the construction industry into the digital age. Optima is now a key part of this technological advancement into making building projects more consistent and organised. The inclusion of our data rich BIM objects in the NBS BIM Library and NBS Plus enables architects and the wider construction industry to make informed decisions. This move exemplifies Optima’s innovative approach to interior design. It demonstrates our ongoing commitment to providing clients with the most efficient solutions when managing highly complex projects.’ BIM provides an unambiguous project process for the entire supply chain and promotes a revolutionary, collaborative environment in which to work. If companies such as Optima continue to embrace this innovative tool for change, the construction industry can look forward to an exciting digital future.
