Probe-10_Spatial_Joint

Probe-09_Adaption

Probe-08_CANstruction

Probe-07_Modrawel_Diagrams

Critique: "Report on Integrated Practice - 5"

A critical caveat must be noted: for architects to exploit the potential of BIM as an iterative design tool, they must be retrained to perceive fluidity in what looks fixed (or at least to resist this perceptual bias).  The turn of the century poet Paul Valery tells us that "seeing is forgetting the name of the thing one sees", in BIM, it is exceedingly difficult to forget anything.

- Renee Cheng, Report on Integrated Practice, 5

The specificity and data capabilities which make BIM so powerful, are ultimately the devices which hinders the ability to utilize the software as an effective conceptual design tool.  Cheng speaks about the differences between problem-solving and design-thinking; the first which simply seeks answers, while the later explores and questions the possibilities.  Locking-in specifics early in the design process can often limit the potential for forms, voids, elements to be perceived in different capacities.

However, the argument isn't that BIM simply incapable of conceptual design-thinking, but requires the designer to imagine and perceive the model with infinite potential and range beyond the specific parameters the software is documenting.  Collaboration between media is still critical to successful, efficient, and productive thinking, but BIM software can be utilized as so much more than a means for documenting construction.  For BIM to be fully realized for its potential to act as an early design-tool, the architect must adapt to "seeing" again in this new media, recognizing the specifics when they become appropriate.

Probe-06_Render

Critique: "Report on Integrated Practice - 1"

I go to schools that are still drawing plans and sections, and I have no idea what to talk about.  Because once you start getting used to [BIM] tools, it's like flying a jet plane and then going back and flying a prop.  Even though you're doing it for some nostalgic reason it would be impossible to get used to flying from Los Angelos to New York in ten hours.  Once you get used to working three-dimensionally, there's no going back.  It represents a new totality.

- Thom Mayne, Report on Integrated Practice, 1

In the ever changing field of architecture, Mayne asserts firms must adapt quickly in order to survive.  However, giving-up many of the traditional methods of design is no easy feat.  In many ways, drawing in 2-Dimensional abstractions is ingrained into our culture of design.  I have been struggling the past few days, attempting to design in Revit for the first time.  My difficulties stemmed from an intuitive reflex to apply my previous techniques of the design process in the new software.  

Typically when tackling a project, I would sketch by hand the majority of the elements throughout the design process as the fastest means for my understanding.  Once the design was substantially "locked-in," I would begin producing the final models in computer software.  This is  not how BIM methods are intended to be used.  As I begin to let-go of my old preconceptions and tendencies, the BIM modeling process is becoming increasingly useful as a design tool, rather than a means of documentation.

Probe-05_Brickality

Probe-03_Tattoo_Parlor_DD

Critique: "Autodesk Revit Families - A Step-by-Step Introduction"

Once you get past being intimidated, you will find that the Family Editor is extremely powerful and actually can be great fun!

- Paul F. Aubin, Autodesk Revit Families: A Step-by-Step Introduction

Family Editor is indeed an incredibly complex and powerful tool.  Aubin outlines a concise description of vocabulary, techniques, and processes to aid those new to the Family Editor and introduce them to developing their own Revit families.  Although the introduction seems to boil down the editor into simple functions, learning to model through Revit can be an intense struggle.  

I would not describe the Family Editor as intimidating, but rather counter-intuitive.  The most complicated aspect of modeling in Revit is understanding the processes of the software in which to achieve your desired results.  Granted, when you manage to persuade Revit to model your desires, the software hosts a powerful array of visuals, information, and parameters.  Due to the nature of the program to document vast amounts of data, it can be difficult to discover the exact methods and processes to model in Revit.  I don't believe a single step-by-step introduction to the Family Editor can possibly teach one these processes and the only way to understand the complicated mind of Revit is to wrestle the beast for hours. 

Probe-04_Family_Counseling

Probe-03_Tattoo_Parlor_SD

Critique: "Report on Integrated Practice - 8"

As BIM is understood and enabled processes adopted, a more collaborative approach to building design is possible.  The architect's consultants, as well as builder and appropriate subcontractors and fabricators, can be tightly integrated into the design process, assuring that effort is not wasted on non-viable design paths, and that the resulting building will perform as desired."

- Jim Bedrick & Tony Rinella, Report on Integrated Practice, 8

BIM offers a new level of opportunities for collaboration between various disciplines throughout the design process.  Likewise, the necessity for collaboration in the profession is ever-growing as project teams continue to grow well into the double-digits to accomplish medium to large projects.

Although BIM is envisioned to ease the collaborative efforts between many disciplines  it is important to note the implications collaboration will have on the role of the architect and the process itself.  The architect has often been regarded as the leader or coordinator in projects.  With BIM allowing for design collaboration, the architect's abilities to lead and communicate efficiently are critical.  With many minds and perspectives working on a design simultaneously, the architect must be able to guide the team towards a common and synchronized goal or risk disputes and discombobulation   

In a sense, these roles are the architect are nothing new.  However, with BIM allowing for simultaneous design, rather than linear processes, the methods in which the architect fulfills their role must adapt to these new parameters.

Probe-02_Labyrinth