93717 - Building Information Modeling I

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student will know the correct approach to the practice of BIM (Building Information Modeling) project technologies for architecture and digitalization of processes, based on the learning of cognitive and methodological grounds that lead to the concept of the project and process with advanced and integrated relational modeling tools.

Course contents

The course aims to provide a foundational understanding of Building Information Modeling (BIM), fostering a critical comprehension of its fundamental aspects and their implications in architectural design, construction solutions development, and site management.

Through a structured methodological approach, students will develop design skills, problem-solving abilities, and critical analysis in the application of BIM technology.

Lectures will introduce BIM by combining theoretical and practical insights into project modeling techniques and information management. By integrating theoretical and operational tools, students will gain expertise in managing the BIM process, understanding its role as a coordination and communication tool within architectural design.

Students will progressively develop a fully informed digital building model. Particular attention will be given to the principles of parametric modeling, with the objective of generating a digital model from which traditional technical drawings, such as plans, elevations, sections, 3D views, and schedules, can be derived.

The topics covered will include:

Introduction to theoretical aspects of BIM and its evolution within the construction industry; libraries and templates; regulations and standards for BIM adoption. Modeling of structural elements and building envelope: columns and beams, walls, floors, flat and pitched roofs, doors, and windows. Creation and modification of construction elements; façade systems and curtain walls; vertical connections. Modeling of interior spaces: partitioning and subdivision of spaces, vertical circulation elements, stairs, ramps, elevators, and shafts. Customization of families, site functionalities, and analysis, mass modeling for free-form shapes. Development of technical drawings and 3D views derived from the model. Multidisciplinary work environments.

Readings/Bibliography

Kymmel, W., (2008). Building information modeling: planning and managing construction projects with 4D CAD and simulations. New York: Mc Graw Hill.

Eastman, C., Teicholz, P., Sacks, R., & Liston, K., (2008). BIM Handbook: A Guide to Building Information Modeling for Owners, Managers, Designers, Engineers and Contractors. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley and Sons.

Aubin, P. F., (2013). Renaissance Revit. Creating classical architecture with modern software. Oak Lawn, IL: G3B Press.

Race, S., (2013). BIM demystified: an architect’s guide to Building Information Modelling/Management (BIM), 2nd edition. ed. Riba Publishing, London.

Docci, M., Gaiani, M., Maestri, D., (2021). Scienza del Disegno. CittàStudi Editore.

Teaching methods

The course will involve the use of Autodesk Revit, a BIM software available to students in an educational version by registering with their university credentials on the Autodesk Education Community website at http://students.autodesk.com/.

As this is a basics course, no prior experience with BIM software is required. However, students should have a solid foundation in architectural drawing, representation methods and techniques, and CAD software, as well as an independent design capability to successfully develop the final course project.

Assessment methods

The final exam will serve as a demonstration of students’ ability to correctly handle a BIM process and will be divided into two main phases:

• Midterm Exercise (Software Exercise): an individual presentation scheduled around April, where each student will present a modeling exercise of a building assigned by the teacher. This exercise is aimed at consolidating basic BIM software strategies. The minimum required deliverables are: Annotated plans (scale 1:100 - 1:50) with room identification; at least one plan with a color scheme applied to rooms; annotated elevations with technical shading (scale 1:100 - 1:50); at least two sections of significant building portions (scale 1:100 - 1:50); two 3D views (axonometric or perspective), properly shaded to show materials and finishes.
• Final Project (Design Exercise): a presentation at the end of the course, where students will individually discuss their personal design variation of the model developed during the mid-term exercise. The minimum required deliverables are: Annotated plans (scale 1:100 - 1:50); annotated elevations with technical shading; at least two 3D views (exploded views, perspectives, or orthographic views); schedules for quantities and spaces, main components, and materials; preliminary structural and MEP models federated with the architectural one; construction details with callouts for custom elements; schedules of materials and quantities to document the project.

The midterm exercise is mandatory to access the final examination. Students who do not participate in the presentation must make it up before the final exam.

Both presentations will be conducted in English and must follow a predefined format using a template that will be made available on the Virtuale platform.

At the end of the final presentation, students may be asked individual questions related to BIM theory, modeling strategies, and process definition.

Teaching tools

Throughout the course, various educational resources will be made available to students to facilitate learning and deepen their understanding of the topics covered. These will include PDF files with lecture content, modeling support files, templates, and libraries for the BIM software used in the course. Additionally, students will receive informational materials to assist in preparing for the final exam, as well as links to external resources for further study. All materials will be accessible through the university's Virtuale platform.

Office hours

See the website of Alekos Diacodimitri