Sunday 28 October 2012

BIM in Australia

My colleague Casey forwarded this article and I felt it was relevant enough to share as it touches on the ideas and thoughts I had regarding BIM implementation in Australia. I think what was odd for me moving to London almost 7 years ago was why technology was slow over here (or felt that way) and why in Australia we were advanced in regard to the software we used and how we used it. I graduated from a Bachelor in Architecture at the end of  2001 and I remember vividly that back then the few of us who grasped digital ideas in Architecture were the few who would excel and be sought after in the work place. This was clear to me even at such a young age and point in my career. I felt it relevant to understand how to theorise in design, but also utilise the tools out there to explore ways to do this.

I believe Revit's first adoption in many firms in Australia (mainly the eastern states) was probably around this time or a few years into its first release via Autodesk. I remember thinking and hearing about it from friends but I had strong 3d AutoCAD skills, Studio Max and Viz and was training in ADT (Architectural Desktop). I did not quite see the beginnings here as I was desperately trying to make my mark in the firm I worked for.

Quite funny to have moved over to the UK and not have used the software. Most Aussie's now come over as power users, very advanced in how they think and develop their ideas in 3d and ways to make the use and implementation of Revit stronger in practice. The issue was not the use of software but rather the knowledge of BIM and the data associated and how to manage the models that was lacking. In some ways I felt that I was still at the forefront in this way - having understood what BIM means to Architecture and design but still strong using the software we had at our disposal.

I think Australia has time to play catch up because once BIM is fully integrated into the construction industry, with our strong software and implementation skills it will not be difficult to reach similar levels as the States and even the UK.

http://www.brw.com.au/p/sections/professions/in_construction_the_standard_way_s1gSkpQLJnud06w0avoylM

Tuesday 9 October 2012

BIM 2050 Young Industry Professionals



As part of my BIM networking across the UK one of our close allies is Mr David Philp.

David works as the Head of BIM Implementation for the Cabinet office in London and currently creates groups of BIM focused individuals to try to change the current culture within the building industry and allow for a more unified approach.

I was selected to be a part of the BIM 2050 group which David collaborated with 15 young industry professionals across theUK to change culture and influence the future generation of the construction industry.

The second meeting took place on Monday the 8th of October which involved in depth discussions relating to BIM, Technology and ways to explore the changed approach with BIM as a focus. I look forward to attending more meetings in the coming months as well as learn how others are dealing with the changes that affect the construction industry currently and how Architects are affected in the future.