The Architect and BIM (Building Information Modeling)

What is BIM? Is it an attempt to annihilate or an electroshock to awaken consciences? Faced with this scourge, the architect is distraught, confused, looking for a lifeline. Could BIM be the final blow, or the lifeline that will restore his influence as "conductor of the orchestra"?

This article deals with the survival of the Architect's role in the act of building, as defined in the French Architecture Act of January 3, 1977, in the face of this phenomenon known by the acronym BIM.

BIM stands for "Building Information Modeling". It's a working and collaboration process that's disrupting today's construction world.

BIM is a process and a working philosophy that needs to be put in place within architectural agencies, which are still very (too) cautious. The aim is to meet the future demands of project owners and, above all, the French government, which, in the course of 2017, will require public competition projects to be rendered in digital mock-ups. It's a safe bet that private project owners will follow suit.

This article begins with a brief overview of the architectural profession and the current structure of architectural agencies. It shows that BIM can be the lifeline of a profession in the throes of change.

Emphasis is then placed on the process for designing and building the architectural part of the structures, not forgetting the compilation of all data from all disciplines. It outlines the skills required or to be acquired, and the changing role of the architect in relation to the techniques of the various trades and all the contributors to the project under study.

The practical side is also developed, with the various solutions for adopting the BIM process, by type or size of structure, so as to derive only the recommended benefits:

• reducing study inconsistencies ;

• cost reductions on construction sites and, above all, a complete product for delivery to the client (the DOE digital mock-up).

The article also highlights the pillars of the BIM process for making a smooth transition from traditional to new methods, supported by new technologies.

Three concrete application examples then illustrate the use of BIM in the different phases of a project, taking into account the software solutions involved and the exchange formats imposed.

The software solution and BIM working method developed by RARE architecture in collaboration with Gestobat, construction economist and BIM partner, were then presented.

In conclusion, the article stresses the need for a truly open mind to take...