Learn the difference between CAD vs BIM.
Generally the difference between each technology is less understood with our clients. Some don't care either. On this post, we help explain the definitions, applications and practical uses of each technology in relation to your project.
CAD is an acronym for “Computer Aided Design”. The predecessor to CAD for designing buildings was paper, and as the name states, the technology allows users to design with computers rather than what was used previously - hand drawn blueprints.
CAD can be used to produce 2 or 3 dimensional models of parts, materials or buildings. It is used in many industries today for drafting or creating digital conceptions. Every single drawing is created independently.
There are a number of CAD programs on the market, though AutoCAD has dominated for years. These CAD files are denoted with the file type .dwg.
Key Takeaway: Many residential "designers", draftsman and architects use CAD software.
BIM is an acronym for “Building Information Modeling”. BIM is a process for working collaboratively in designing and building from one utilized database and model. BIM offers a real representation, digitally, of a facility and it’s systems. These systems include HVAC, electrical and aesthetics like walls, roofs and windows.
BIM is an incredibly powerful tool that can be used to update and create building designs. BIM allows you to integrate space, asset and construction information in the same program.
The BIM market is dominated by Autodesk Revit.
Key Takeaway: Many commercial architects, engineers and contractors use BIM software.
As BIM is represented in 3D, each view or sheet for a building is interconnected. If a user adjusts the outside wall of a building in BIM, the view and square footage of the first and second floor of the building will adjust. In CAD, each of these floor plans are independent and must be adjusted independently.
Now, if a user drafts a BIM with 32 inch doors and later decides to replace every door with a 36 inch door instead, all the user has to do is adjust the door object. All of the doors and dimensions will adjust in the model automatically. Just two clicks and every door is updated.
BIM is smart and knows rules and limitations. Along with making adjustments to objects in a model, BIM tools help identify object clashes during the design of a building. A clash will be flagged if a plumbing pipe runs through an HVAC duct. This has saved the construction industry a tremendous amount of money in rework as a facility can literally be built virtually before a shovel ever breaks ground.
We also provide our clients with virtual reality visualization in the BIM environment. This immersive form of visualization helps us all – designers, engineers, owners and investors – get a better understanding of the state of the project, existing conflicts, and unresolved issues. In projects requiring fundraising or marketing, we have been successful in providing tools for visual excitement and garnering investment support for projects.
By using BIM management tools, including Revit, Enscape and Navisworks, our entire project team is working with the latest data and design solutions. This shared use of design and coordination tools eliminates potential clashes with other disciplines involved in the project completed – such as mechanical and electrical - and helps contractors develop accurate bids.
A majority of small firms and residential designers, create drawings using dated 2D software, like AutoCad. Our team strongly believes removing redundancy in our practice - thus resulting in faster production times and less drafting errors by utilizing only 3D based software.
To learn more about our design process and how we guide our clients through each step, please check out our our services page.
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