Response to "Probing Questions"

1. Exploration and understanding of the role of visual (graphic) communication and how the use of BIM is redefining the scope and scale of professional services

BIM is allowing for the relatively easy creation of a variety of documents (plan, section, elevation, 3D views) as well as hybrids of such drawings, simplifying the production of documentation that would previously have been much more complex. However, with such ease of production, more complex and evocative images are now almost expected, with a level of detail much higher that expected previously.

2. Re-prioritization of ways of thinking and designing

While previous design methods often began in plan or section, eventually working into a 3d view, thinking and designing in BIM practically forces one into thinking in 3d immediately. Also, because of the specificity of design elements, BIM tends to make one think much earlier about details and materiality.

3. Visualization, documentation and coordination of space

BIM allows for building in 3d, which makes space immediately understandable. Because one can switch back and forth from orthographic drawings and 3d models on a whim, coordination and documentation are significantly acceleration in BIM.

4. Understanding the concepts and techniques of digital modeling

I have gained a great deal of insight on the variety of techniques available in digital modeling. However, I am still much slower in the initial design phase within BIM than I am with pencil and paper. This may simply be due to my comfort level with the software. 

5. Investigation of design opportunities in digital media

Because BIM offers practically every element and detail to be a design opportunity, one can specialize each element within the design. While BIM does have several generic components, even those have certain specifications, the choice of which are design opportunities in themselves.

6. Defining the media and method of architectural deliverables

While architects of the past produced either drawings or models, BIM allows for the delivery of both in a compact and convenient way. Thus the media and method can be easily adapted for the specific audience and their individual needs.

7. Comprehension of phases of practice and appropriate levels of documentation

Through the introduction of BIM, the phases have been accelerated. While documentation can be easily produced at any level of design, early phases benefit more from conceptual models or diagrams than more than the specificity of orthographic drawings necessary in later phases.

8. Engagement with issues of design specificity and ambiguity related to the assets and liabilities of digital modeling

BIM allows for the incorporation of both very generic and very specific materials within models. While one can use generic elements within the design, clients now have elevated expectations of the specificity in the design. However, if one were to model all elements were specifically designed, changes to the design at a later date are more likely to create problems within the design.

9. Examination and reflection upon changing ethical and legal responsibilities and liabilities

BIM allows the scope of design to range from the macroscopic down to the smallest detail. Because BIM provides that opportunity for the range of design, clients tend to expect all such levels of design, even if it is outside one's area of expertise. Architects must not present their own work without specific consultants to verify elements of the design. Otherwise, they could incur a great deal of liability.

10. Investigation of the skills that contemporary practitioners must employ for this new digital practice that transcend previous definition of convention in design and construction

BIM allows designers to produce and test interative models quickly and easily, looking at not only aesthetics but also sustainability. The ability to create rapid versions of models and test them before construction streamlines the design and construction process, effectively determining and solving problems before anything is even built.

11. Implementation of problem solving and creative thinking skills

BIM allows testing of variations of models even before construction begins, thus allowing problem solving before true problems arise. BIM could be both a help and a hindrance when it comes to creative thinkng skills. While it allows for unique designs that could have been difficult before BIM, it also could constrain one's design to what they know is possible in the BIM environment.

12. Synthesis of this knowledge-base with the continuum of your professional education and cross implementation of techniques and strategies

While BIM is becoming more and more prominent in architectural firms, it has yet to become fully integrated into architectural education. Currently it is something that most faculty just assume students will learn on their own without any formal curriculum dedicated to it. However, with its complexity and constant evolution, students need a formal integration of BIM into their current classes. I believe the introduction of BIM early, alongside traditional drawing methods would be beneficial. Conceptual masses and digital diagramming could be introduced in early studios, and materiality and specificity could be incorporated into a building materials course. While there is concern that digital design should not be taking the place of hand drawings and physical modeling, it falls to the instructors to ensure students are being educated and are utilizing both effectively.