Jared’s Note: Shivang originally wrote this with his ArchiCAD students in India in mind. The issues are universal so I thought about shortening the title to just “Top 9 BIM Myths”, but I really like that the original title highlights that we’re all facing the same BIM implementation challenges all over the world. Whether Boston or Bangalore, we’re all fighting the same fight, trying to get everyone to see the advantages and realities of BIM. Enjoy the first official post of my Guest Blogger Month 2013!

Like all other things, the first step to learn BIM is to Unlearn what is not BIM.

# 9 — BIM is a name of some software.

Truth — The term BIM is all about the thought process of the building industry professionals and the way they use computers to create their primary product (which is a building – drawings are ‘just’ by-products). There are dozens of software available for BIM and there will be hundreds more, in the coming years.

# 8 — BIM is a recent technology and underdeveloped.

Truth — BIM as a technology has existed since 1984, the term used then was Virtual Building.

# 7 — BIM is difficult to learn.

Truth — If one knows a little about how buildings are constructed, BIM is going to be child’s play for them. BIM requires the willingness to work in new ways and learn new things. If you love your comfort zone, BIM is not meant for you: learning, using and mastering BIM will challenge your comfort zones. The biggest effect of BIM is on the way we design and document buildings. Because of its Multi-Layered approach and data rich nature it doesn’t allow errors to go unnoticed. The best way to go about learning BIM is to follow the motto “clear understanding leads to better output”.

Our assumptions stop us from learning & exploring new boundaries.

# 6 — BIM comes with a big price tag.

Truth — BIM as a technology is as reasonable as conventional ways of using computers, yet one can extract more benefits from it. The byproducts (drawings) of the construction process become the byproducts here as well. BIM doesn’t come in a BOX, if you learn to exploit it, it will give you Drawings, BOQs, Details, 3D Documents, Energy Consumption Data, MEP data, 3D Views and Walkthroughs, Furniture details, etc. Remember it doesn’t come in a BOX but all these can come ‘out of the box’.

# 5 — BIM is useful only for large buildings.

Truth — Any built form requires hundreds of workers on site and more than ten different agencies to complete the work. If a building requires materials to get built and if those materials cost money, then yes you need BIM regardless of the size, complexity and scale of the project. If the building process requires labor then you need BIM. If the building has got some life span (which is obviously the case) you need BIM.

Unlearning the “drafting way” is the critical first step.

# 4 — BIM is just another way to draw.

Truth — It is actually easier for an Architect or Interior Designer or Plumbing consultant to visualize, discuss and try various design options in 3D when they are sure that their Plans, Elevation and Sections are taken care of by the BIM. I sometimes feel I am gifted with a magic wand when I can design more without worrying about coordinating various drawings and information as BIM does that for me. BIM is the way we build our buildings and perceive them. We never see buildings in TOP, BOTTOM or ORTHOGRAPHIC view. Those are just ways of expression that help to document our buildings. Similarly drawings in BIM are just documents of the Virtually Built environment.

# 3 — BIM creates only 3D models.

Truth — BIM can be used to create smart and intelligent building models plus it also creates plans, elevations, sections, details and material quantities and can also update them with the smallest of change anywhere in the building. No tension of upgrading elevations and sections after a design change in plan. 🙂

Break free from assumptions about BIM so that we can rise above together.

# 2 – BIM blocks creativity.

Truth — It is not that old technology that creates 3D Models using limited tools and libraries. It is the way of Virtually Building the building before you start building on site. BIM allows you to see how little moves may help to rectify the problems that can happen later on site. There is no compulsion to build the virtual building in conventional ways; in fact creativity and the right attitude towards technology help to expand your boundaries. There is also no compulsion to use the in-built libraries or objects, you can create your own. It is allowed and possible.

# 1 — Learning 2D Drafting is compulsory for learning BIM.

Truth — The concept of BIM is far above 3D box modeling. Learning 2D was required to extrude shapes to create 3D boxes, BIM is not a 3D box. BIM is a building model comprising all the Information regarding built mass such as 2D drawings, 3D details, Visual Presentations, Material Listings and Schedules of components as well as systems. Those who advocate learning 2D drawings before BIM do not understood BIM, or maybe they just want to overlook the reality to earn more?!

Shivang Rajvir is the Chief Strategist at dimension plus. If you’re interested in BIM or ArchiCAD in India, you should be talking to him. Learn more at dimension plus’s facebook page.