What BIM Platform Works Best?
Published on 6 Feb 2007 at 5:01 am.
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It is commonly agreed that a BIM software uses the concept of working with components such as walls, doors and windows to create a virtual 3D building model from which views and information are extracted.
A few things to consider when choosing a BIM platform:
- Unidirectional vs. bidirectional editing and single-file vs. multifile databases. Unidirectional approaches generally keep information in separate document files that are electronically linked, but where changes will not affect the model. On the other hand, changes to extracted views and information in a bidirectional software, such as Revit, Bentley Architecture, ArchiCAD and VectorWorks ARCHITECT, do affect the model as well as all the other views and information throughout the project.
- File maneuverability: The bidirectional, single-database concept creates a very efficient operating environment and also produces a much larger single file than those programs that use the unidirectional, electronically linked file solution. The single file, in the case of Revit and to a lesser extent with ArchiCAD, is likely to be smaller than the total collection of files that make up an Architectural Desktop or MicroStation project. The multi-file approach is inherently more scalable and likely to perform better because it doesn’t need to handle the entire model all the time, but it can require a bit more management and care in setting it up. Users need to weigh the pros and cons of each approach to match their needs.
- Familiarity with the product: probably the biggest productivity advantage. Features are important, but if the operator is not proficient with the software, productivity is hampered and profits fall. Is the program a standard? Autodesk’s AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT have the largest worldwide user base by far, and Autodesk’s DWG file format is considered an industry-standard file exchange format.
- Easiness in extracting information: The quality of the interfaces and the ease with which a model is created are debatable, because familiarity and workflow preference play such important factors. All of these programs produce most types of construction documents required for any level of building, and all are being used, often in concert, on real projects.
- Compatibility with other software: Because of bidirectional capability and programming specifically for the architectural and construction industry, Revit and ArchiCAD can instantly create cost estimates directly from the 3D model using preprogrammed defaults, but may be limited in how much they can be customized. On the other hand, Bentley Architecture’s powerful datagroups capabilities and links with Excel make cost and other types of reporting extremely powerful and customizable, but require more initial setup by the user.
Archicad vs Revit vs ADT vs Vectorworks
Graphisoft has the longest history with BIM software, and VectorWorks Architect’s strong selling point is its affordability. Statistically, though Bentley Architecture and Architectural Desktop each have a large number of installed seats, it’s not possible to determine if they are actually being used for building modeling or simply for standard 2D drafting. What program is right for your company: it really depends on your needs. What works best with Arhisstudios is ArchiCAD.