#048 - BIM MATURITY LEVELS

This post just wants to illustrate the different levels, from 0 to 3, that broadly define the progressive BIM (Building Information Model) process. There is a certain level of uncertainty surrounding BIM and its meaning but we believe we made the point down here:

Level 0
No coordination across disciplines. Only 2D CAD tools are used to produce documentation.

Level 1
There is still no collaboration between different disciplines. 3D CAD tools used for concept works and 2D CAD tools for production. Standards data structure throughout the project is adopted. Common data environment created to share information electronically.

Level 2
All disciplines are coordinated, design information is shared through a common environment. Each discipline is working on its own 3D CAD project model, information is exchange between different parties in a combined model. Common file format is used (basically same software).

Level 3
There is full collaboration between all disciplines. A unique shared project model is used and all parties can access and modify it. There are advantages because it removes the risk for conflicting information, on the other hand this level of coordination requires a huge efforts from all disciplines that unwillingly have to disclose too many information at earlier stages.

But it is not finish yet, we also have these still vague levels that worth to mention:

Level 4
Analyse time

Level 5
Cost management

Level 6
Facilities management

For the post we have been inspired by “The Bew-Richards BIM Maturity Model”, instead Mr D. Tail has had his controversial view, as usual.

Also more info about BIM in our previous post

#044 - ENERGY EFFICIENCY RATING

The energy efficiency rating is a measure of the overall efficiency of a home. The higher the rating the more energy efficient the home is and the lower the fuel bills will be. This score is found on an Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), a mandatory document, in England and Wells, which states the energy efficiency of the building when rent or sold.

This is a result of European Union Directive 2002/91/EC relating to the energy performance of buildings. The principle of this directive is to make energy use in buildings transparent by the issuing of a certificate showing the energy rating of a property, along with recommendations on how to improve efficiency.

As Mr D. Tail demonstrates, a Passive house has a high rating because it has an excellent level of insulation and airtightness (see post #031 for more info about passive houses). On the contrary an old Victorian house, non-insulated with uncontrolled draughts that let air come in and out, show a low rating.

However we should not lose hope if we own an old house. Today the construction market offer plenty of products that help us to improve the building performance of a house to an acceptable level, even a Victorian house.

#043 - ARCHITECTURAL PROCUREMENT

In the construction environment the procurement is a mechanism which provides all the activities undertaken by a client to get a project built.

On this post we are looking on how the architectural services are procured. There are many procurement methods but all of them redirect to the following main activities:

1. Briefing and Assessment

2. Concept Design

3. Design Development

4. Constriction

5. Inspection and Evaluation

Mr D. Tail is helping us to understand this process.

Odd to say, but today this historical main client/architect relationship is infrequent. Unfortunately architecture is not any longer considered the core discipline of the construction process, on the contrary, for many it has become a superfluous ornament. More posts will follow about this subject.

#037 - 3D PRINTING IN CONSTRUCTION

3D Printing is an additive manufacturing process to make three-dimensional objects from a digital CAD (Computer Aided Design) file previously created with a 3D modeling program or with the use of a 3D scanner. The device used in this process is called 3D printer, a kind of robot that create objects by adding a multitude of horizontal layers on top of each other.

More Info: http://3dprinting.com/what-is-3d-printing/

A variety of materials can be used. Companies are now able to print silicone, latex, ceramic, clay, and a metals. 3D printing brings the ability to print anything you wish, from small objects like a jewellery to big things like houses.

Though this technology is extraordinary, it is also disruptive. The 3D printers’ prices are becoming increasingly affordable and surely everybody one day will own one. Knowing the humankind’s behaviours the risk would be a huge waste of energy to create useless objects that will end up to sit in landfill if not lost and forgot in the environment. This is just one of the numerous reason why the use of 3D printing technology should be regulated now before is too late.

3D printing in the construction sector is less worrying as it is already regulated. Still, there is a threat. The risk that people one day will desire to build ego feeding structures to please themselves and their ambitions without even thinking about the visual impact on surrounding environment. A debate should be opened or, like Mr D. Tail, one day on our way back from work, we will find a Smurfs’s home next to ours.

#036 - TRADITIONAL TOWN CENTRE’S FRONTSHOPS

This post wants to denounce the heavy presence of multinational companies in the historical centres of British towns.

Mr D. Tail’s feeling is that these towns lost their soul, their identity, the impression is that they all look the same. On the contrary they should emphasized their glorious and vibrant past highlighting their architecture. 

These town centres should be given back to local independent businesses, craftsmen and artists while multinational companies can be easily accommodated inside big modern shopping centre.

#015 - CHEESEGRATER

The Leadenhall Building, or Cheesegrater, designed by Rogers Stirk Harbour & Partners, has just been completed. It is a superb and elegant skyscraper that has been added to the highly regarded London’s skyline.

This week all architectural magazines, blogs and websites are celebrating the opening of the Leadenhall Building. Some of them made a frank, honest and well deserved positive critic to the design. Other, instead, have been excessively generous and pathetic.

Mr D. Tail loves the building but he is puzzled; what is the writer's true intent to play with such fervent adjectives? Maybe he wants made readers laugh or capture the attention of Sir Richard Rogers or both.

If you are interested on the Leadenhall Building topic and you would like to read WIKI: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/122_Leadenhall_Street

UPDATE: The falling bolt on Mr D. Tail is a reference to the recent events where some bolts fractured and felt at the Leadenhall Building. Investigations undertaken by contractor and structural engineers confirmed that the problem was limited to certain bolts. The tests concluded that the bolts had failed due to Hydrogen Embrittlement !? As the writer said “HONESTY IN CONSTRUCTION”

#014 - ALUMINIUM WINDOWS – REVELATIONS

According to a recent survey*, nearly 95% of architects think that working on aluminium window details is the most boring experience ever faced in their profession.

Having taken seriously this upsetting revelation, we asked Mr. D Tail what he thinks about it. What is surprising is that, on the contrary, he found the subject pleasantly puzzling and challenging.

Have your say.

*the survey was never undertaken