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May/June 2008
The Wright Stuff
BIM Experience tutors contractors in 3D modeling basics
By Debra Wood
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| The BIM Experience Kit walks users through the design process of a Frank Lloyd Wright house. |
uilding information modeling provides three-dimensional architectural designs that often can pick up conflicts before projects get into the field and facilitate the exchange of information. The BIM Experience Kit from Graphisoft U.S., Newton, Mass., offers to give everyone involved a basic understanding of modeling and its latest capabilities.
“The BIM Experience Kit is a teaching tool for people coming to the CAD world,” says Akos Pfemeter, director of global marketing for Graphisoft. “This helps them understand the model-based design concept much faster. It’s useful for anyone in the BIM business.”
Rick Schlangen, a principal with Parametrik FX, a building design firm in Boise, has used Graphisoft products in the past but wanted to try out new features. “It’s fantastic,” says Schlangen about the product. “It made me upgrade.”
The kit provides a two-hour tutorial based on Frank Lloyd Wright’s Massaro House on Lake Mahopac’s Petre Island in upstate New York. The interactive teaching tool contains 10 voice-led exercises in ArchiCAD 11, Graphisoft’s architectural design software program.
A video gives background information and walks the user through step-by-step instructions to build the home Wright designed in 1950. When finished, the user has generated floor plans, elevations, interiors and renderings.
“It gives a conceptual understanding of what the approach is,” Pfemeter says. “If you are working with an architect using BIM, it will [help you] understand the whole story. You will be able to communicate with the designer much easier and quicker.”
Pfenter recommends the kit for contractors working with a design firm using BIM because he says it will enhance communication. He also suggests contractors learn to use BIM. “If they can see the building they would like to build beforehand on the computer in 3D, they will probably spot a lot of constructibility problems in advance,” Pfemeter says.
Pfemeter notes that many contractors use the software to receive documents from architects but also to design small projects on their own. Fabrication plans can be developed using BIM, bringing subcontractors in on the process.
The kit, available in Windows and Macintosh platforms, includes a 30-day limited, but fully functional, free-trial version of ArchiCAD 11 and an online assessment to determine someone’s general understanding of BIM. Those taking the 15-minute test are eligible for a monthly drawing for a free ArchiCAD 11 license. A commercial license for ArchiCAD costs less than $4,000 per user.
In February, the BIM Experience Kit was named a finalist in the 23rd Annual CODiE Award competition for “Best Workforce Training Solution,” based on its unique approach in helping architectural users of 2D CAD become familiar with working in 3D BIM. The CODiE Awards, sponsored by the Software & Information Industry Association, honor achievement and vision in software, education and technology. The winner was announced on May 20, after press time for this issue.
Meanwhile, users such as Schlangen are not waiting to give it a try and have discovered how BIM can help their business. “ArchiCAD 11 and the BIM Experience Kit are top notch,” Schlangen says. “It teaches you to explore options available with this technology.”
Graphisoft U.S.
One Gateway Center, Suite 302
Newton, MA 02458-2802
617-485-4203
www.graphisoft.com
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