BIM in the Cloud
How the Cloud can make Building Information Modeling even friendlier.
Hannes Reichholf
We at ATP have been designing exclusively with Building Information Modeling (BIM) since 2012. The digital planning tool allows all project participants to access all data simultaneously and exchange knowledge throughout the building lifecycle. “BIM in the Cloud” is enabling us to improve our integrated way of working even further.
Why we need a cloud
BIM enables us to illustrate all the characteristics of a building in a central data model in the form of a “digital twin.” The great advantage of this is that information can be continually recorded, updated, and documented. The cloud is optimizing our way of working even further: Even without extensive training and technical measures we can now access the building data model with great ease. One only requires an internet browser or app and an internet connection. Earlier, it may already have been possible to simultaneously access all data and exchange knowledge throughout the lifecycle of a building. But we now have the possibility of examining and evaluating models and excerpts from plans – regardless of our training and location. Putting it briefly, the improved user-friendliness and availability of BIM in the Cloud make it an extremely attractive option.
How the Cloud works
In 2021, we introduced the Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) in order to improve how we work with BIM. This offers an extensive range of functions that make our integrated design method even better: All project participants can file models, plans, data, and documents in a place for documents in an area of the Cloud that is accessible to all. The exchange of information between these project participants has also been restructured. In addition to this, ACC also facilitates the multi-office synchronization of data from the authoring software Revit. A further advantage of the Cloud is the area for object-oriented project communication: Building components that are subject to discussion can be visibly marked for all, thus reducing the need for time-consuming searches within the model.
The Cloud is transforming our project management model into a specialist associative communication tool – within the design team and with executing companies as well as with clients and the statutory authorities.
Further advances with the Cloud
Thanks to the Cloud, everyone (!) can work on a BIM project. The future promises seamless cooperation and improved efficiency due to real-time access to central data, which perfectly reflects the basic principles and credo of BIM. The Cloud is being developed and improved continuously so that we are no longer dependent upon installation on a local computer. We can sum up by saying that we can all look forward to working even more efficiently with BIM – thanks to the Cloud.
The Cloud allows us, as a team, to focus even more on the really important stuff!
