You’re an architect with a complex project. What are the most useful BIM software tools to help you succeed?

BIM software categories include Authoring Tools for creating models, Analysis Tools for assessments, Collaboration Tools for coordination, Management Tools for project control, Visualization Tools for realistic renderings, and Asset Management Tools for lifecycle maintenance.

I understand BIM as the digital twin of a physical building. We make a digital twin (especially in complex projects) so that mistakes can be rectified in digital building and not carried to the construction stage. In my experience, complex designs must be worked out in a 3D environment. A combination of Revit and Dynamo (Visual programming) is mostly used. Revit is useful in all stages of design, right from concept to As-built BIM model. The same BIM model (after the Design is complete) can be used in the construction stage for time and cost simulation. Later, by adding more information (meta-data) it can be used in building operation and maintenance.

i think In confirmation of what friends said, the Revit software alone is not efficient enough for the complexity of the process of building a multifaceted complex. While the role of plugins is very essential to this. revit still need stronger templates, more accurate families and more capability which are essential still!

For me, I would start with ArchiCAD, it cannot be beat for functionality, ease of use and power. This is where I model my BIM model to whatever level is required. Beyond that I use whatever visualisation tool I have available, currently Twinmotion, but Enscaoe is probably just as good or even Lightworks. Additionally I really love BIMcollab & BIMcollab Zoom for issue management and clash detection, it works seamlessly across platforms and makes managing risk so much easier. If I am just in need of a cheap tool for IFC management I use BIMvision.

BIM software for modeling and design (Autodesk Revit and ArchiCAD), collaboration and coordination (BIM 360 and Navisworks), visualization and rendering (Lumion and V-Ray), and analysis and simulation (Autodesk Insight). These tools help architects create, collaborate, visualize, and analyze their projects effectively.

While having to choose a design software to work with, keep in mind what each of them specialise in. Revit is much more widely used for creating construction drawings, with simpler forms and pre-loaded architectural elements. While available, the options for experimenting with a wide array of forms is less and more difficult. Whereas, SketchUp can be used for modelling more finer details such as interior furniture, and creating renders. For a comprehensive design, it's always best to use these softwares in combination.

An example of BIM (Building Information Modeling) software is Autodesk Revit. It is widely used for creating and managing 3D models of buildings, incorporating various disciplines like architecture, structure, and MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) systems in a coordinated manner.

J'utilise depuis maintenant 20 ans, le même logiciel pour le dessin et le development de mes projets. Archicad a toujours fournis les outils nécessaires pour le bon développent de projets architecturaux, et avec le temps, l'intégration de l'outil BIM en fait un des meilleurs logiciels sur le marché. Les différentes fonctionnalités ont évolué selon le besoin croissant des Architectes, et les intégrations tierces et autres compatibilités avec les divers logiciels d'ingénierie et de rendu en font un outils presque complet. On regrette tout de même le manque de bibliothèque de composants disponible.

BIM stands for "Building Information Modeller". A "building" is the end process of an iterative design process. Conventional BIM use one-to-one connections with the real 3D in the empirical world. E.g: If there is a beam out there, there would be one inside the BIM model too. But the design process is NOT like this. Some BIM fans (and even some architects too, sadly) have not fully understood the hazy and iterative design process. Design starts hazily; where the architect often has no clue what really should go in there. Why, architects even question the brief itself! So BIM, is really not suitable for the entire design lifecycle -- maybe can be used during finalization and construction. I wrote my own software, TAD, for such designing.

For a better list of software used. Concept Modelling - Rhino Grasshopper and Forma BIM Modelling - Revit, Archicad, (Civil 3D, MicroStation, Infraworks for Infra Projects) Visualization - Enscape, Lumion, D5 Renders Team Collaboration - ACC

Examples of analysis software in the BIM industry include Autodesk Insight for energy and environmental analysis, Trimble EC-CAD for electrical design, Rhino + Grasshopper (Ladybug Tools) for environmental analysis, IES VE for performance analysis, and OpenStudio for energy consumption modeling. Examples of analysis software in the BIM industry include Autodesk Insight for energy and environmental analysis, Trimble EC-CAD for electrical design, Rhino + Grasshopper (Ladybug Tools) for environmental analysis, IES VE for performance analysis, and OpenStudio for energy consumption modeling.

Analyzing using conventional BIM software seem to be the popular approach. But there are some nuances that must be understood. The way BIM represents the 3D world today is a "one-to-one" approach: For each built element, there is something in the model too. That is why BIM files are very large. This is the problem when you want to analyze data. Analysis is never done as an end-in-itself. It is used to check if the design goals have been reached, so that corrective actions can be taken when it has not reached. So it is part of an iterative process. Therein lies the problem: It is quite tough to quickly analyze and iterate quickly using the large data in conventional BIM. Imagine creating an entire car, to see what causes that noise!

I’m currently in the process of developing a BIM Execution Plan. From my experience, I’ve come to understand that choosing the right software is both personal and project-specific, considering factors like project scope and team expertise. In this regard, I’ve found Revit to be particularly valuable for its integrated features across archt., struct. & MEP. It significantly enhances collaboration, especially for complex projects. I've also recognized the importance of BIM models.They facilitate design integration, collaboration, cost estimation, construction planning, facility management, and communication. Utilizing them properly streamlines work and enhances quality, resulting in a better project outcomes and hopefully satisfied clients.

Several analysis software exist like Autodesk Insight (for energy), Trimble EC-CAD (for electrical), Rhino + Grasshopper (Ladybug for performance analysis), OpenStudio, etc.

In my experience the choice of BIM software depends on different factors such as project requirements, team preferences, and collaboration needs. Many architects use a combination of these tools between ArchiCAD which is connected directly with AutoCAD or Revit or Vectorworks to address different aspects of their projects. Additionally, staying informed about updates and emerging technologies in the BIM industry is essential for maximizing efficiency and project success.

In discussions on construction BIM tools, it's crucial to note that contractors often outpace design teams in BIM sophistication! Contrary to common perceptions, General Contractors and their subs invest and develop higher LOD models (400+). Not just for coordination but to minimize field rework, saving time, materials and brain damage. My preference leans towards Revit and Autodesk Construction Cloud for high LOD capabilities and ACC for its automated clash offering versatility across multiple file types. "Procore BIM" which relies on proprietary formats, lack both intuitive clash resolution and interoperability. You may as well go back to Navisworks and run the clashes manually. Again, It's all about choosing the right tool for the job.

Volvemos a lo mismo... Un documento que habla de las bondades de solo un software genera polaridad y pierde objetividad; o acaso este es un panfleto comercial? Piensa eso y sé cuidadoso. Bexel, por ejemplo es un software de construcción que va mucho más adelantado que Navisworks por contar con un entorno OpenBIM mucho más riquisimo y complejo. En mi opnión Navis es un buen visualizador pero un mal emulador de 4 y 5D. Mamba es otro buen ejemplo de programas de construcción mucho mejor que el que planteas.

Construction software is important for managing and coordinating the construction phase. One of the software is Autodesk Naviswoks, which is utilized widely in the industry. 4D simulation and 5D analysis are also done in this software, and stakeholders can meet with Autodesk BIM 360 platform.

Considero que Autodesk Navisworks es una herramienta esencial para la coordinación y gestión de la fase de construcción. Su capacidad para integrar y revisar modelos de diferentes disciplinas facilita la detección de conflictos y la simulación 4D/5D, mejorando la eficiencia y reduciendo los riesgos durante la construcción. Además, su capacidad de colaboración en la nube a través de Autodesk BIM 360 agiliza la comunicación con todas las partes interesadas. Aunque Procore es una opción sólida para la gestión del ciclo de vida del proyecto, la integración nativa de Navisworks con otras herramientas BIM como Revit y SketchUp lo hace mi preferencia para la coordinación de construcción.

Autodesk Revit is the most popular software for modeling and documentation. For 4D&5D I recommend Synchro from Bentley. Will need a cloud application for coordination, submittals, reviewing. I recommend ACC, Autodesk construction cloud.

Existen una variedad de herramientas software que nos permiten tener una mayor eficiencia en cada uno de los proyectos de principio a fin, según sea la actividad o la solución que se requiera podemos aprovechar la integración de varias aplicaciones, por algo Bim nos permite tener "modelos colaborativos", existen software como Revit, Naviswork, infraworks, Dynamo entre otros, que nos permite gestionar y gerenciar correctamente un proyecto independientemente de su complejidad, aquí lo mas valioso es la interoperabilidad, pasamos a ser todos un equipo con un solo fin minimizar al máximo los riesgos, acelerar procesos y lograr proyectos con un alto índice de sostenibilidad.

By IBM Maximo, FMX, and Archibus, solutions for maintaining building infrastructure, managing, and optimizing spatial resources. These platforms streamline maintenance workflows through automated scheduling, prioritize work orders based on criticality, and track performance to facilitate proactive maintenance strategies. So, they offer robust space management capabilities, enabling efficient allocation of supporting workplace optimization initiatives. advanced analytics and reporting functionalities, these software solutions empower facility managers to make data-driven decisions, enhancing operational efficiency, prolonging asset lifespan, and ultimately optimizing the overall facility performance while ensuring regulatory compliance.

Facility management is very important step after the completion of that project. For that, BIM helps in locating the issues in that building and in particular area so easily. Just using the tool we can find where exactly the problem is occurring and in that area only we can work. So it saves time.

Here is a meta observation: I get the feeling that these kind of articles created by Linkedin for us to comment on, are biased towards the "status-quo" of supporting BIM and to convince architects to adopt BIM more. I hope I am not tossed off as being too argumentative. I am a 62 year old architect from a developing country (India) and also a software developer. (I wrote TAD, my own design software) Conventional BIM really did not come out of architecture theories -- it's biased to promote the industrial complex of the West. But please open your mind: Many architects really cannot adopt BIM because there are fundamental problems in the way the theories of BIM grew. The intention is alright, but the BIM mechanisms/concepts are outdated.

Considering BIM as a holistic workflow involves integrating specialized tools at each project phase, optimizing collaboration & maximizing the success of project.Initiating with conceptualization, tools like Rhino & SketchUp can be used for design ideation.For detailed design and documentation, Autodesk Revit, ArchiCAD, & Vectorworks play key roles in creating intelligent models and generating construction documentation.Collaboration tools like BIM 360 & Solibri ensure effective communication and coordination among project stakeholders.During construction, BIM-based workflows integrate with CM software such as Procore or PlanGrid.Post-construction, asset & FM tools like BIM 360 Ops or IBM Maximo leverage BIM data for ongoing maintenance.

I use Autodesk Revit on daily basis for all purposes - design, construction, analysis. With smart approach to quantity take-of scheduling and being aware of the software limits, there is no much need for constant reaching for additional software tools.

I believe the software categories are misleading and want to propose these four different categories to better understand the 1000 tools on the market: 1. Modeling software. That's the software somebody creates data in. The tool for the virtual construction worker. 2. Quality control/assurance software. These are the main tools for project managers, to look at models, extract data, review, and coordinate. 3. Collaboration tools. There is an overlap with 2, but these are all the common data environments CDEs to exchange models, plans, and documents. 4. Simulation tools to run analytics and calculations. E.g. Excel Usually, a company will need all four categories and the art is to create a good scalable workflow between them.

Para entender el ecosistema BIM debemos entender el sistema de categorización universal IFC, si se trabaja software BIM con esto en claro se puede usar y aplicar diferentes metodologías con software a de diferentes categorías, no existe un programa mejor que otro, ya que todos prestan el mismo ideal de aplicación, si entiendes BIM realmente entenderás que puedes usar el software que mejor se adapte a tus necesidades que en mi caso con 10 a?os de experiencia a sido ArchiCAD !!