We start our blog at such a busy time, with the Building Schools Exhibition and Conference 2011 (BSEC) less than 2 weeks away. Aside from the usual workload, CADS Space Planning and CADS 3D are both working overtime to pull together a variety of case studies and presentations to showcase at the event.

For those of you that don’t know, BSEC aims to bring together the key stakeholders involved in creating educational spaces, from teachers and architects, to sponsors and parents, government officials and local suppliers. You can find more information here: www.buildingschools.co.uk

We’ll also be introducing BIM services at the event, with specialist Colin Williams from Cadnet Ltd available to discuss the use of BIM in educational construction and planning; something I know many people are keen to learn more about.

As a starter for ten I’ve put together a summary of BIM and its’ use for education space planning and construction projects, so here goes…

What is BIM?

BIM, or Building Information Modelling, extends from a projects’ inception through design, construction and operation and on to demolition. Throughout the process users can integrate educational specifications and proposed facilities within a ‘Single Model Environment’. This reduces the reliance on paper transmission of data, streamlining the communication process, reducing waste and maximising efficiency.

Working with Codebook the project model files are optimised allowing specifications to be fully integrated, analysed and benchmarked to produce the optimum space plan for the learning environment.

Education Space Designers can then take this a step further, analysing the environment, and its impact on the classroom to enhance natural light, reduce glare and lessen energy consumption.

BIM – A Summary

In short Using AutoDesk’s Revit and Navisworks design software, companies using BIM are enabling clients to waste less and profit more through the intelligent application of the building information model. 

BIM provides clear communication of intent for project staff and lay people. All the necessary information is contained in one model leading to better and more reliable information.

A complete ‘Virtual Campus’ can be developed allowing project stakeholders to explore, interrogate and fully visualise the proposed facility before committing to significant expenditure.

I hope that’s enough of an introduction. For anyone keen to learn more about getting the best out of your education spaces, we’ll be at stand 516 at BSEC 2011 in London, come and have a chat with us.

The first 5 people to come to stop by and say the words “I want to hear about BIM or Space Planning please Ross” will get a free lunch voucher and if that’s not enough of a draw for you, we’ll even enter you into a competition to win a fantastic bottle of champagne to crack open at the next office party.

See you there!

Ross