How to create Component List based on Concrete Grades in ArchiCAD?

Good Morning,

Image from Salvatore Vuono

I was planning to write more about contractual aspect of BIM in the projects but Jothi came up with a new video so I did not want to deprive you from his popular technical tips and tricks.

His latest video is also about quantities and schedules. He explains how to add concrete grades to the columns, beams and slabs.

I know many people uses Layers and IDs for this purpose but Jothi has a different approach. I am not sure which one is handier though. Please share your comments with us...

Enjoy!

Diyane Koseoglu
Jothi Shanmugam
www.bimes.com

What is holding Project Owners from mandating BIM?

I have recently met with an Owner about BIM Implementation in his projects. The Project Management Company he is working with was trying to convince him about mandating BIM.

So far that approach is right!

Both the Owner and the Project Manager understand that BIM will bring transparency to the project and a significant amount of savings will be received.

What is holding the Owner from mandating BIM in his projects?

Legal Aspect!

And he is right! He is concerned about the issue below:

• Designer reliance on information provided by others
• How to use the model as a contractual document?
• Whom the model belongs to?
• How to handover the model to the other parties?
• Who is liable with the information in the model?

These issues are not solved in the Middle East yet!

I am sure you are wondering so how the hell these projects are being done with BIM currently.

Well, they are not being done in the proper way. I am not even sure if they are saving anything on certain projects.

BIM requires a brand new process in the projects but people does not like change. So what they do is they put some "make up" on the contract and make it look like BIM.

What should be done?

I honestly believe IPD is the right solution for it but anyone with a few years experience in the Middle East laughs when they understand what IPD is:))

Let share you the description that people find so funny:

"Integrated project delivery (IPD), is a collaborative alliance of people, systems, business structures and practices into a process that harnesses the talents and insights of all participants to optimize project results, increase value to the owner, reduce waste, and maximize efficiency through all phases of design, fabrication, and construction."

Basic Principles

• Compensation based on overall profit and reaching established goals the project
• Collaborative focus on decision making, design, construction and completion processes
• Early involvement from all project participants 
• Waiver of at least some claims 
• Utilization of collaborative technologies

I still think it is applicable for the Middle East and it will be applied because there is no other way to do it properly.

Yes, I agree, it requires a new "mindset" and it will take time but sooner or later it will!

Let's talk about Defining the Scope of BIM in Contractual Documents tomorrow! It is my latest interest:))

Diyane Koseoglu
www.bimes.com

Busy Busy April!

Hi Everyone!!!

April has been such a busy month... Even I am surprised with the BIM explosion here in the Middle East:)))

We are working like bees.... Running from one meeting to another (or should I say flying:))...  Trainings... almost everyday...

Unfortunately this is the reason why I am not able to write everyday. What is even worse? I will not be able to write on the last week of April. My apologies...

Anyway, let's go back to the main topic:))

Yes, we are very busy! Especially with ArchiCAD and Vico related meetings and trainings.

OK! OK But why am I telling you this?

First of all I could not find anything smarter to say today since my mind is busy with my meeting tomorrow:))

Secondly our audience is quite interesting! Owners, Contractors and Project Managers...

Who is missing here?

Consultants!

They almost show no interest! OK, no need to be too harsh... They show the minimum interest amongst all the construction professionals. Maybe 5 percent of our business in April.

I am hoping they do not show much interest because they are already familiar...

Sounds too optimistic, hey?

Yes, it is very optimistic... to be honest not realistic at all.

The big consultants in the region are using BIM but not the medium or small ones.

Worst part is they do not even show interest. Just wait.

I am a little bit ashamed with the situation as an architect actually!

I wish they could continue being the front-runners but seems like the owners will win the race...

Diyane Koseoglu
www.bimes.com

Do you want to get more detailed quantities from ArchiCAD?

Do you want to get more detailed quantities from ArchiCAD?

Plaster, structural concrete, light weight concrete  and brick etc....

Image from Rawich

Then you should learn more about Interactive Schedules for Components.

Here comes a 10 minutes video from Jothi!

Enjoy!

Diyane Koseoglu
www.bimes.com

Which BIM Software is the Most Popular in the Middle East?

Which BIM Software is the Most Popular in the Middle East?
This is the "most popular" question I receive after explaining BIM is not a software itself:))

Isn't it a bit strange? Popularity is a strange criteria when you are trying to select a system for your business that will increase your competitiveness.

Image from David Castillo Dominici

I want to be better than others but I want to do exactly the same what others do!

Strange way of thinking:))

I understand it is very time consuming to investigate all the technical details of the available software in the market and humans have tendency to laziness, but isn't this an important decision?

If I were you, I would first make a web search eliminate the candidates to 2-3 and then get full training on them. Then you will be able to make a healthy decision.

Have a great week!

Diyane Koseoglu
www.bimes.com

The BIM Server Blues

Have you seen Graphisoft's recent marketing material?

The BIM Blues!!!

You can watch the latest one from here:

I loved it!

Marketing should not be only about the product! It should also reflect the "personality" of the company as well and BIM Blues does it very well!

In my opinion, it shows Graphisoft
- is good at whatever they do
- has an artistic side
- team is fun
- enjoy what they do

What else can you want from your marketing team?:))

Diyane Koseoglu
www.bimes.com

Dubai Metro Station with Curtain Wall Tool!

Unlike Europe we do not have much of a public transportation in the Middle East. Dubai is the first and only city in the Middle East who has Metro.

I know it sounds strange but it is true.

The first Metro of the Middle East was launched on the 9 September 2009 with beautiful metro stations. Atkins is the designer and they definitely did an impressive job.

I am not able to use it daily since the metro stations are quite far from my house however if I have guests metro is our first option. The metro line is above the ground and it is not very fast so I use it as a sight seeing trip and works very well:))

Not only my guests but also His Highness  Sheikh Mohammed takes the metro from time to time. My colleagues came across with him a couple of times. I think it's pretty cool!

His Higness Sheikh Mohammed in Metro

All my guests loved the interior design of the stations as well. They are as beautiful as the ones on Moscow but with a contemporary touch.

Burjuman Station

Etisalat Station

MOE Station

Why am I talking about the Dubai metro?

Well, our office has the Dubai Metro station view and Jothi found his inspiration on the station for this week's technical video.

He used ArchiCAD's Curtain Wall Tool to re-model the top shell and then further developed the design with different custom panel options:))

The video would be a great tutorial for Custom Curtain Wall Panels!

Enjoy!

Diyane Koseoglu
Jothi Shanmugam
www.bimes.com