It is always great to get away from the coal face once in a
while and look at some new software developments. I would never claim to be a
true techie but I am keen to see the potential of new platforms. I remember seeing
the first version of revit over 10 years and being totally blown away by the
potential of the parametric capabilities of the software. This changed how we
approached projects forever.
Last week we looked at the recently acquired Autodesk Glue. Whenever we at space/BIM
technologies review software we are always considering how it will fit into our
BIG BIM approach. We have moved beyond just looking at design solutions and BIG
BIM encourages us to see the big picture considering complete project lifecycle
to get maximum benefit.
As we work on projects on a daily basis we are aware of the
challenges within the construction industry and the productivity challenges it
faces in some areas.
Where Glue fits for me is in the area of design development.
Currently models are developed in isolation and updated on a weekly or
fortnightly basis to a central BIM. Clashes are identified, reported and
resolved. What glue achieves very well in the cloud is real time model
coordination. It uses you tube type links to share information making the process
quick and reliable.
All communication is recorded allowing the team to watch
development real time. During stages C, D and E I see this being very valuable
to the design team. As a project moves to F and G the trade can get involved
and benefit from real time coordination.
Beyond design Autodesk have also launched Field which will
allow ongoing changes and reviews during construction in the cloud. I haven’t
seen this yet but as it has been developed following the acquisition of Vela I am
looking forward to seeing how it fits with the BIM360 suite.
Whilst I could see the benefit of the Glue approach the
challenge as ever are people and they changing their entrenched thought processes.
During the session there were other delegates who were trying to see how cloud
software could respond to their current projects. As we all know BIM is far
more than a new software solution for the industry and is more about process change
and collaboration.
It was obvious there was some traditions construction
thinking with a mentality of recording all actions formally as a Blame audit!
In the future would it not be easier just to get it right in the first place.
Our industry currently suffers from the design element of a
project being pushed later and later in the programme. This means large parts
of the design become the responsibility of the trade well beyond contract. Designers
end up using performance specification transferring risk onto the sub
contractor and main contractor.
For BIM to achieve maximum benefits we need to design the
building as early as possible and the design team need to take the responsibly
they are paid to embrace. Products such as glue are excellent tools to help in
the effective coordination of complex building and systems therefore reducing
early risk.
In realty in the UK we have a preferred procurement method
with minor differences. Designs are invariably developed to stage E by the
design team and we then engage the trade to assist in the development of the
detail. The project then moves to site.
Contracts can vary from stage D or stage E. What needs to
change is that the designers complete their obligations at stage D and E to ensure
the building is well coordinated, reducing risk for the contractor and client.
With BIM and Glue there is no excuse not to deliver this
level of sophistication. For Glue succeed the software does not only have to
perform well we need to find teams who can change their approach and think
differently to achieve much improved results.
Glue is the first tool I have seen which will allow true
Level three BIM.
_space architecture and BIM technologies will be trialling
Glue on a few projects over the next month and hope to use it on a number of
live projects where we will be able to maximise benefit.
We will report back with our findings. I’m confident any
issues will not be down to the software but more likely the people!
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