Beyond 3D Rendering and BIM for Architects and Construction Companies

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is an intelligent design process that uses computer-generated models to simulate the planning, design, construction scheduling, and operations of a building. Over the years, 2D CAD has dominated the market, generating flat, lifeless views, such as plans and elevations. 3D BIM carries intelligent information that communicates building characteristics, the project life cycle, geographical information, cost estimates through quantifying, and scheduling.

3D rendering of these 2D plans has been a growing industry, presenting numerous advantages in the building community. Today, we’re talking about pushing those boundaries.

Next level visualization includes hyper-realistic virtual reality (VR) experiences based off of 3D BIM plans. While maintaining legacy deliverables like still renderings and video, VR experiences allow developers and owners to walk through their planned space and make smart decisions, saving time and money. For architects and builders, welcome to a better way of managing projects, streamlining communication, and expressing clarity.

The beauty of BIM and virtual reality leaves nothing to the imagination, and while as unsexy as that sounds, customers aren’t looking for surprises when investing their money. VR works to expose any potential pitfalls prior to breaking ground.

In working with architects and builders, SPACIALISTS relies on BIM as the foundation for VR. If you’ve already developed your plans in Revit or ArchiCAD, you’re one step ahead.

For those still using 2D CAD or even hand drawn plans, BIM development can be included in scope for VR projects, but there are many reasons to move your internal processes into more advanced software:

1. Generate construction documents – with BIM it has never been easier to generate drawings, produce plans, elevations sections, and details. Once the plans are drawn, elevations automatically appear, thus saving time and minimizing errors.
2. Building cost estimation – BIM software has built-in scheduling and estimating. Appliances, materials and equipment can be quantified and calculated.
3. Better building and design – due to the speed the work can be produced and visualized, communication is more streamlined and specific, minimizing repeat work.
4. Better customer appreciation and service –-customers are now able to visualize spaces in 3D and make early critical changes. You’ll end up with a more streamlined process and a more satisfied customer!
5. 3D Visualization and Marketing – Preliminary images can be generated in-house for discussion purposes to convey solutions or ideas. Sometimes realistic images can be generated for marketing the designs or illustrating ideas to the client or investor, although this is where VR really shines.
   
   

Take a look at the KindBody Project in Austin, TX

Learn more about Virtual Reality, how it can transform your current projects, and attract your ideal customers.