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When offered the opportunity to host a BIM Panel by Computers Unlimited, the distributors of Vectorworks, we jumped at the opportunity, as it gave us the chance to discuss some practical views on BIM, examine how BIM is being addressed in the industry, and to put forward some interesting points for discussion about the rollout of the Government’s Strategy.

The BIM Panel, held in the Tower Hotel on 25th March, was opened by David Philp, Head of BIM at Mace Group and, of course, Head of the BIM Task Group. The BIM Task Group is charged with delivering COBie, the proposed format for data delivery to building operators once construction is completed. COBie is also expected to bring the same sort of savings to Facilities Management that BIM is expected to deliver to the construction sector.

Following David's presentation, which was the perfect way to kick off and put in perspective any discussion on BIM, we began by asking each of the participants how their company became involved in BIM, where they were using it, and what their first impressions were. We then moved on to BIM within larger organisations, working solely within the public sector on infrastructure projects. We had some interesting input from the Structural Steel industry and a steadying hand from experts who normally work within consultancy, advisory and training roles on behalf of BIM adopters.

This, the first of two articles, takes the same approach, looking at how two Vectorworks users adopted BIM processes, and how it was used to improve the way in which they work with their clients, principally within the public sector.

BIM ADOPTION
First to present his company's viewpoint was Neil Marshall of the Design Buro. Neil explained how the Design Buro has predominantly worked in the public sector over the last 10 years with the NHS as their main client, and where they worked for Tier 1 contractors using the P21 framework. It was through their connections with the Tier 1 supply chain that they first became aware of BIM - and it continued to be a mere talking point until they became familiar with the government's construction strategy. Neil and his partners quickly realised that it was something they needed to align with and they took a "leap of faith" early on.

Neil explained that they always looked ahead at future developments within the industry, as they wanted to both lead and educate their clients. The decision to get involved with BIM was accelerated by a project they had taken on that had all of the ingredients and willing parties for them to try it out, with an option to pull back to 2D if the attempt didn't come off. They soon realised, however, that the advantages of fully coordinated 3D CAD offered enough savings to make the investment an easy decision, and provided a "single source of truth" for schedules and other aspects of the project.

Neil added that they are currently involved in a number of other projects that allow them to champion BIM, including NHS pathology departments and the ICU (Integrated Care Unit) at the Manor Hospital in Walsall.

Paul Beaty-Pownall of BPR Architects in Fulham followed up by recounting his company's introduction to and utilisation of BIM. BPR Architects is a medium-sized company working in University, Rail and Regeneration sectors, with much of its work publicly funded.

The company decided to take the plunge and move to the 3D environment when it had to downsize due to the recession - a decision that coincided with the publication of the government strategy and then, later, the release of Vectorworks 2012.

EMBRACING CHANGE
Paul realised that, with most of their work being in the public sector, future projects would require BIM compliancy. Purchasing Vectorworks 2012 as soon as it was released, Paul tested the software and established that it had the ability to provide a full set of plans, sections and details via a 3D model, with the same quality of drawings that they were able to produce in a 2D environment. Paul was sufficiently satisfied with the results and decided that the practice could rely on the process for all projects.

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