What are the best practices for creating construction models that can be easily shared with stakeholders?

When it comes to designing construction models that can be easily shared with stakeholders, there are certain practices that stand out above the rest. These include utilizing a compatible file format, streamlining the model, implementing clear and descriptive naming techniques, offering thorough documentation, collaborating in real-time, consistently updating the model, and actively seeking input and feedback from stakeholders.

Architecture market is flooded with various softwares and it is sometimes hard to decide to create a workflow. It actually depends on the scale of project and the consultants involved. If the model is being used by a huge team then it should be a cloud shared model such as Revit otherwise if the model is on a development stage then 3D modeling software can get the work done . Many older office still prefer using 2d drawings to generate the construction set however it is too much time consuming as compared to the phase of ongoing projects. The software workflow for any design project is really important in order to run the project smoothly on the track the a great workflow is the key.

Choose?a?modeling?program?that?is?stable?and?easy?to?use?and?that?facilitates?sharing?and?teamwork. Think?about?choices?such?as?Building?Information?Modeling?(BIM)?technologies,?which?provide?multi-device?access?and?real-time?collaboration.

Utilize Building Information Modeling (BIM) software for collaborative and detailed 3D models. Standardize file formats, employ naming conventions, and organize layers logically. Include essential details while keeping the model uncluttered, and ensure compatibility with common viewing software to ease sharing among stakeholders. Regularly update the model as the project progresses and provide clear documentation for ease of understanding.

To create easily shareable construction models, standardize file formats like IFC or DWG, organize models with clear labels and layers, and provide varying levels of detail based on stakeholder needs. Utilize cloud-based collaboration platforms for remote access and real-time collaboration, implement version control for tracking changes, and ensure security measures protect sensitive data. Offer training and support for stakeholders unfamiliar with the software, establish feedback channels for iterative improvements, and prioritize clarity and simplicity in design. These practices streamline communication, facilitate collaboration, and ensure stakeholders can effectively engage with and contribute to the construction modeling process.

Adhering to proper naming conventions with metadata is essential for efficient information management, particularly for construction models. Following the ISO 19650 part-1 & 2 standards, it is recommended to establish a common data environment that employs appropriate naming conventions.

When?exchanging?construction?models,?consistency?is?essential. Establish?a?consistent?naming?system?for?layers,?files,?and?folders?to?make?sure?that?everyone?can?find?and?access?the?necessary?information?with?ease.

There are various offices and project that require BIM managers to setup a BIM manual that shows various standards, templates , families and structure of the model. It is really important to create such standards so that the project if smoothly handled by a group of people.

One of the greatest software that works on cloud based collaboration is Revit and BIM360. This holds a variety of disciplines such as architecture, civil , mechanical etc. under a same roof in order to collaborate better and work effectively.

Utilize?cloud-based?systems?to?exchange?and?store?construction?models?in?a?secure?manner. Stakeholders?can?communicate?easily?thanks?to?cloud?technologies?like?Autodesk?BIM?360,?Trimble?Connect,?or?Procore,?which?provide?centralized?access,?version?control,?and?real-time?collaboration.

Creating easily shareable construction models involves more than software and platforms. A crucial step is providing clear instructions for stakeholders on navigating and interacting with the model. Instructions, conveyed through documents or videos, outline the model's purpose, scope, features, and the steps/tools for manipulation. This step ensures stakeholders comprehend the model, preventing confusion, errors, and frustration. Clear instructions facilitate collaboration and communication in projects with diverse teams and varying technical expertise, making them a key element in creating a seamless and productive sharing experience.

Communication is the key when coordination between stakeholders is needed. To keep all the stakeholders on the same level of trust there should be transparency and active communication. When the stakeholders know what is happening and there involvement matters then trust is build. Data availability and standardization is highly important in bringing the stakeholders together in a construction projects’s model. This can help in breaking the silos if the industry and the way forward towards digitalization.