Solibri's Free webapp: IFC Optimizer

Solibri international offers a freeware IFC optimizer which they indicate can losslessly decrease file sizes by 90-95%.

For those dealing with the GSA, this free web-based tool may be of great value, particularly for those collaborating between remote locations.

If you have experience with this tool, please let us know about it in the comments. Thanks.

GSA BIM requirements - Review Drafts Available

The General Services Administration recently released draft versions of its BIM Guide Series 01 and Series 02 documents, which detail its efforts working with 5 validated BIM applications to prepare its requirements for submission of spatial programs BIM for all major projects receiving design funding for Fiscal Year 2007.

BIM Guide Series 01 - Overview
BIM Guide Series 02 - Spatial Program Validation

Representatives from GSA and the 5 approved software providers have indicated their interest in participating in the Feb 2007 Tech Symposium, to review their requirments and plans for the future. We look forward to this exciting portion of our program.

BIM in Architecture: an editorial

EDITORIAL: Architects have often been slower to adapt to new technology than others in the field, and the current BIM (r)Evolution is no exception in our experience. Many Contractors and Construction Managers are already solidly invested in the use of BIM as a delivery method. Their efforts are to be applauded and are a valuable resource.

The potential change to the way we operate in the design and construction industry is vast, and it is only those who understand and can work with the coming changes in workflow and project delivery that will emerge successfully from this period of flux.

It is regretable that many in the architectural community have not yet seen the need to lead this industry change, but there are hopeful indications that this is beginning to change.

Events such as the 2007 Technology Symposium are designed to facilitate this change in a practical way.

2005 Tech Symposium - review

Last year's single-track evening event was held Sept 22, 2005 at the Pasadena Convention Center, and was attended by over 200 architects and designers:

THE ‘BIM’ EVOLUTION

What is BIM? What does BIM do to me? What can BIM do for me?

To help respond to these questions and begin the conversation, the Chapter is presenting what we hope may be the first of a series of special programs to address the various new technologies. This Technology in Architecture Symposium is designed to be an objective approach to the BIM technology and applications and is being presented, at no charge to attendees, at the Pasadena Convention Center on Thursday evening, September 22nd from 5 to 8 pm.

Autodesk generously sponsored the Symposium and the following presenters:

• Richard Harpham, Director, Building Solutions Division, Autodesk, Inc.
  - Described (BIM) trends and their effect on the building industry.
• Scott Davis, Project Manager, WLC Architects, AUGI Revit Community
  - Addressed WLC’s migration to BIM and its buisiness impact.
• John F. Kennedy, PE, President & CTO, Green Building Studio.
  - Demonstrated BIM's interaction with his firm's online design and analysis tool.
• Jerry Jackson, Sr. Application Engineer, Building Solutions Division , Autodesk, Inc.
  - Presented schematic building design being run through the Green Building Studio analysis.
• “Side Act”
  While the above presentations were being made, an architect began a design in Revit. Progress was reviewed at breaks in the above presentations. By the end of the evening, the project was be well down the path to the Schematic Design stage, showing the possible productivity gains, coordination and visualization capabilities that can be achieved using a BIM tool.

Autodesk generously matched a donation taken up this evening on behalf of the Red Cross for relief efforts for the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Welcome: We look forward to 2007

This blog has been created to detail the planning of and promote the Pasadena & Foothill Chapter of the AIA's 2007 Technology Symposium: BIM (r)Evolution: The Path In.

The site is also intended to become a repository of BIM information and resources as they become available, filtered by and for architects. Welcome, and thanks for joining us.