The definition and behavior of these base objects, more so than their implementation, are an important kernel of architectural knowledge that should be controlled by the profession, not by software companies.
- Chuck Eastman, Report on Integrated Practice, 2
With the expansive growth of libraries and pre-sets becoming accessible for BIM software, it could be viewed that the way we assemble buildings is becoming more reliant on the established "kit of parts." As Chuck Eastman points out, this reliance on the "kit of parts" often places the fate of building practices in the hands of the software developers. An extensive, but limited assortment of parts, tool-kits, pre-sets, materials, and construction methods are provided within BIM software, tempting designers to simply "plug-in" elements of the building without significant thought to the possibilities for customization.
However, the abilities to customize and design every detail are possible in BIM. Eastman stresses the importance of the need for skilled modelers, who are capable of manipulating BIM with a wider range of control, in order to ensure projects are steered by the designer, rather than by the components which have been made available.
This is where BIM software can either pose a threat to the profession or provide opportunities. We can either let the software control our designs and architecture will become a real-world application of "The Sims" videogame, or we can learn to utilize the tool to manipulate its full range of custom, yet informative modeling capabilities.
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