
Digitization of Pre-construction Phase – An overview
Digitization of the pre-construction phase broadly defines the digitization of drawings using a software or a visual medium. However, today digitization does not only include 2D Drafting or CAD drawing creation from a paper-based design it also includes the complete end of end BIM Modeling, Scan to BIM, GIS etc. Any design, 2D Drawings or 3D Model (BIM, Renderings etc.) created digitally using specific software for construction falls under “digital output”
These set of services have transformed the overall construction scenario for the good and is widely used in our Architectural and Engineering Industry globally. Architectural firms use different software to execute varied levels of work applicable across multiple industries. Traditional drafting methods have been replaced by AutoCAD Drafting, 3D modeling has replaced physical model making and rendering techniques have evolved to give a visually clear picture of how a building and its surrounding will look like after completion of the construction process. There is ample scope to change the design and the look of the building much before the building is actually constructed. One of the most prominent advantages that Cad Services offers is virtual construction along with digitization of all drawings and drafting processes. These processes give us long-term benefit, the overall reduction in construction cost and help in the quick construction process. We can plan, simulate and construct using a single technology without disturbing the onsite construction with frequent changes in design and other construction issues. Though CAD Drafting or BIM Modelling are used across all disciplines such as Architectural, Structural, and MEP, today we shall discuss the utilization of the digitization in the Architectural Industry. The way this phrase has evolved is extremely path-breaking and has certainly changed the face of the Architectural Arena tremendously.
Basic Digitization of Drawings in 2D and 3D format
This is the stepping stone towards the evolution of digitization of Architectural services globally. This revolution started with the basic digitization of hand drafted Architectural Plans. AutoCAD software helped in developing paper drawings or any conceptual sketch into CAD plans. This laid the foundation stone of the digital Architectural Designing and development. Post AutoCAD Drafting there came 3D modeling, Architectural Visualization, BIM etc.
CAD Drafting is a process of converting the conceptual design into detailed drawings with annotations, layers, dimensions etc. Once the conceptual design is approved, we can work on further 3D processes. AutoCAD is an excellent software and is the most widely used software in the Architectural Industry supporting complex drawing digitization process.
Utilization of digitization in the planning and design
Before the advent of CAD Drafting or BIM Modelling, scenario was very different and the process was lengthy. Architects planned and made designs on paper using large sheets, they made use of stencils and other tools to draw a plan. These methodology definitely provided high level of finesse and accuracy, however the flip side story is that the time consumption was three times more than digitally converting them to CAD. Also imagination of how a building could look like would always be in 2D format that was less appealing and not very visually attractive. A 3D image is capable of presenting the design of building in the most realistic manner in terms of detailing, colors, angles, landscaping etc. Even today designing basic concepts on paper before transferring them to CAD is a widely followed process. While developing the Planning drawings, Architects can use AutoCAD or Revit, based on what kind of presentation the planning board requires. You can present a 3D conceptual Design along with 2D planning drawing sets. Any revisions or modifications suggested by the commissioning and planning authorities can be changed without any major difficulties when you use the digital design approach.
Redundant work approach can be eliminated and Architects can also avail the parametric feature of Revit software where changes that are applied in plan gets reflected in elevations, sections and other plans with same dimensioning or details.
Utilization of digitization in Architectural 3D Rendering & BIM Modelling
Architectural visualization is one of the best ways to virtually review a conceptual design. It provides us with the entire view of the building structure, surroundings, wall colours, roof styles, windows, doors etc. Based on the Architectural 3D model and rendering, we can material specifications, Apart from just presenting still images, one can animate or simulate within the interiors of the building. This simulation is called the Architectural walkthrough and this can actually be used for marketing purposes by the builders. Architects can fix up design issues, change interiors and modify designs based on client or end customer requirement.
Apart from Architectural 3D Visualization, Architects can also utilize virtual construction modeling or Architectural BIM Modelling for many benefits. Building Information Modelling helps Architects create multiple design options with different variations from a single conceptual design. Since BIM 3D Models are extremely data rich, multiple levels of data such as quantities, dimensions, materials, components, Construction drawing sheets etc. can be extracted from a single model.
Utilizing Cad Drafting in terms of project phasing and budgeting
Digitization of the pre-construction phase is not limited to 2D Drafting and 3D Modelling, it offers a lot of benefit in cost control and project management of a construction project. Architects are usually involved in the design stage and when they use BIM for designing and development processes, they get involved in the overall project management alongside construction process. BIM is an integral part of the digital medium of designing and building construction. Building Information Modeling is cutting-edge technology and is extremely progressive. Architects can create 3D models, develop sheets and details, track data and also work on project planning or cost management efficiently. With the help of the 4D and 5D technology, Architects can work on end to end construction requirements. 4D BIM Modelling depicts the entire time frame management of construction in visual simulation format and 5D provides you with costing. Utilization of BIM families, helps an Architect to understand all the different types of components present in a model that can be required for construction purposes. Some global statistics surrounding users transiting to digitization or Cad Services from traditional methods are close to 30% and is observing a steady growth of 2 % to 5%.
Conclusion:
Digital transformation of design and development stages provide Architects a well-deserved and integrated platform to work on complex and advanced building designs. There are many software available today that helps Architects to work on complex levels, contours, Architectural detailing etc. Digitization helps in a seamless work flow and design integration with construction helps in achieving excellent results. There is an excellent synchronization between the design stage and the construction stage. Architects find the new digital approach extremely rewarding in terms of time consumption and cost. Architects can make use of 2D and 3D software to achieve desired results. Some of the software offer complete end to end package that offers all services such as 3D Modelling, Architectural 3D Renderings, Architectural Construction Drawings, 2D CAD Drafting and many other services to talk about. Software such as Revit, ArchiCAD offers end to end BIM solutions such as scheduling and costing (4D and 5D) too. BIM Family creation, Clash Detection Services, BIM Coordination etc. are some of the advanced digital technologies that are currently in vogue.
Though it all started with converting paper based drawing into simple 2D, technology has evolved extensively into advanced digital technology such as BIM, photogrammetry, GIS etc. Hence it will be unfair to just present “2D Drafting” or “Paper to CAD conversion” in the “digitization” category. These technologies promote excellent designing speed, seamless work flow between design, development and construction. We can track different construction stages and reduce redundant design issues to a great extent as most of the issues will be sorted before the onsite construction begins.
Hence transiting to the digitization mode has proved to be highly beneficial to Architectural firms.