Why BIM Libraries Are an Architect’s Best Friend

With building information modeling (BIM) quickly establishing itself as a key component in the planning and execution stages of construction projects, companies are busy expanding on the premise of BIM.

One way to speed up design time with BIM model creation involves the use of BIM libraries. These archives feature a building designer’s dream: all kinds of real-world construction components in an easily accessible cloud-based catalog.

The use of BIM objects enables architects to create accurate 2D and 3D models easily and efficiently.

Renderings of objects such as windows, doors, furnishings, brick patterns, fixtures and more can be pulled out and used to create 2D and 3D models. This is useful in two ways. First, it provides designers with a clear list of needed components. Second, it reduces the need for designers to create generic elements.

These elements are often made from scratch, which can be a very time-consuming task. They also frequently lack specifications and can easily be forgotten, so at the end of the day a designer is left with missing or unclear measurements.

Companies have been turning their products into BIM objects for some time now – various libraries, such as BIMcomponents, the NBS National BIM Library, ARCAT and BIMobject, offer manufacturers the opportunity to submit their products to be used in BIM software.

As more and more manufacturers pay to have their products converted into representations, designers can freely access a growing database of these conversions to create today’s structures.

With this expanding array of options comes the ability for architects to design buildings with measurements and details already in place, gradually reducing the workload and necessary timespan involved in structural design.

Case Study: BIMobject and Elitfönster

As evidenced by the recent partnership between BIMobject and Elitfönster, BIM objects are a growing market.

Elitfönster manufactures energy-efficient windows for both personal and commercial purposes. Based in Sweden, it has been in high demand among Nordic architects in particular, according to Alexander Montell, who handles large accounts for BIMobject.

Elitfönster window rendered as a BIM object. (Image courtesy of BIMobject Cloud.)

“Several Nordic architects have specifically asked for Elitfönster objects and we are therefore especially proud to present the first BIM objects from Elitfönster,” Montell said in a press release.

Elitfönster’s products will be featured on BIMobject’s cloud catalog, where they will be downloadable in various formats for BIM software, including Revit, ArchiCAD, SketchUp and AutoCAD.

This particular addition demonstrates the flexibility in cloud object catalogs. In place of generic elements, architects and designers have access to energy-efficient and even localized products and manufacturers. In addition to the time reductions for architects, this can translate to overall cost reductions in energy consumption and transportation.

For more information, visit the BIMobject Cloud here.