Landscape & Irrigation

October 2016

Landscape and Irrigation is read by decision makers throughout the landscape and irrigation markets — including contractors, landscape architects, professional grounds managers, and irrigation and water mgmt companies and reaches the entire spetrum.

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18 October 2016 Landscape and Irrigation www.landscapeirrigation.com LANDSCAPE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION Building Information Modeling Do what we have always done… just do it better ■ BY MIKE SHILTON There is a belief that Building Information Modeling (BIM) is only relevant to large projects and large practices. However, individual landscape and irrigation consultants may often work on large projects, and large companies may work on many small projects. The implication is that while BIM may not be something that affects you now, it may be worth thinking about so you are prepared for the time it might. As a landscape architect that has been working with BIM- related objects for more than 15 years (yes, BIM is not a new concept) there are great possibilities to apply some of the techniques, and processes even, to the smallest of operations. BIM is relevant for all projects where spatial coordination is required, and you need to consider alternative solutions. It can help you identify and avoid potential clashes with other elements in the landscape and can provide quantity takeoff for more accurate costings. It can also help you resolve changes in site levels and understand the 3D form. BIM excels where there is a need for greater collaboration and sharing of information that will enable better, informed decision making to take place. Effectively, everything you have been doing as a landscape professional for years. What is BIM, and why do it? There are many definitions of BIM, but I see it as doing what we have always done, but doing it better. How often do you work on projects, where: ■ The client's requirements are either unknown or not clearly defined? ■ The quality of data you receive is inadequate, inconsistent or in a format that is not easy to share? ■ You have to maintain project data in several drawings or different applications? ■ There is little project coordination? ■ 3D would help you and others understand, test and explain your proposals? If you would benefit from a process that improves any or all of the above, then BIM may be for you. When you consider other design industries, you see how prototyping and simulation has vastly improved the quality and reduced the cost of project delivery. A car manufacturer Edit an object and quantities, labels and schedules update automatically.

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