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The AIA Technology in Architectural Practice Knowledge Community (TAP) serves as a resource for AIA members, the profession, and the public in the deployment of computer technology in the practice of architecture. TAP leaders monitor the development of computer technology and its impact on architecture practice and the entire building life cycle, including design, construction, facility management, and retirement or reuse.

    

Faster Forward + Sesame Street Architecture

By Joanna E. Beres posted 11-17-2011 07:30 AM

  
I am very excited to participate in the AIA TAP Faster Forward Conference 2011 as an AIA Knowledge Scholar today.  I have been interested in IPD, or integrated project delivery, since I learned about it in the summer of 2008.  The following is a re-post of an article that I had published in Forward, a journal of the AIA National Associates Committee. View the entire Forward issue.

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Sesame Street architecture: Cooperation = BIM + IPD
by Joanna Beres, Assoc. AIA

The transformation of the field of architecture towards an integrated project delivery (IPD) approach is dependent upon cooperation. As a child of the 1980s, I am reminded of Jim Henson’s Muppets and other creatures from Sesame Street who fostered an appreciation for diversity, overcoming obstacles, and ultimately, coming together to meet a shared goal. Cooperation lied at the heart of many of the life lessons illustrated by Kermit the Frog’s calm, Miss Piggy’s antics, or Bert and Ernie’s differences. We may apply some of these same attitudes learned on Sesame Street to our daily practice of architecture.

With much detail, the new AIA Documentsi (A195™ - 2008, B195™ - 2008, A295™ - 2008, and C195™ - 2008) outline an IPD approach to work cooperatively with all vested parties from the onset of a project. The first 3 documents outline a gradual adoption of IPD, whereas the final document describes a full forced immersionii.

As associate members of the AIA, we are relatively new to the profession. However, holding an understanding of the new framework for building information modeling (BIM) integration may foster a smoother implementation of the project delivery. We are the bridge for making IPD happen. Let’s face it; we are the ones who are aggressively diving into the new 3D realm with its myriad parameters to input. We, in turn, should understand the ramifications for how integration should occur, and should be able to meaningfully share that information with decision-makers in our firms.

More and more firms are taking the leap to utilize BIM software. The bumpy transition of learning a new program is only one facet of the IPD process.

The framework for realigning project delivery phasing, while utilizing BIM, consists of new deliverablesiii:

Conceptualization
Criteria design
Detailed design
Implementation documents
Agency coordination/final buyout
Construction
Closeout

These modifications in project delivery reflect the upfront collaborative efforts that take place at the onset of a project. Much more data input at the outset is required. However, in general, this in theory allows for much more efficiency and opportunity to refine the design throughout the rest of the project.

What can associates do to get a handle on these changes? How can we make a difference with the shift in time management necessary to produce work under the auspices of BIM + IPD? A key to easing such struggles is to educate our peers, especially our principals and project managers. Many of these individuals do not have a daily relationship with BIM software, and are still clinging to the old deliverables that do not fit the reality of shaping architecture with BIM software Encourage these leaders to read through the AIA’s “Integrated Project Delivery: A Guide.” Read, understand, and point out the significance of the new AIA documents—both the transitional model A195™ - 2008, B195™ - 2008, A295™ - 2008, and the full immersion variety C195™ - 2008. Let them know that the adoption of these documents is the means of realizing more efficient, and thereby more profitable, business endeavors.

Another key part of making IPD more effective is educating the clients about this new process, and working with consultants that likewise use BIM software. The aforementioned AIA IPD guide breaks down the process and points out the risks and rewards associated with adopting this new procurement method. This transformation of the industry is a piecemeal process, and not all firms are on board. However, their numbers are growing. The good news is that the generational divide in the office, between those who shun the computer and those who embrace it, is waning. Firms such as my place of employment are making substantial investments to embrace BIM, in order to evolve along with the changing industry.

Our places of employment are educating us with the means of adopting BIM. Perhaps it should be part of our job to point out the collaborative tools that may more fully enable the cooperative, collaborative aims of IPD.

In sum, since we, the future generation of leaders of the profession, deal with the hands-on process of BIM on an increasing basis, perhaps we may foster the next level of IPD integration, via pointing our mentors—principals and project managers—toward the resources that will bring IPD into fruition. The earlier we gain understanding of how the new AIA documents work in tandem with the IPD process, the sooner we may be able to add to the collaborative endeavors of IPD. We may foster the desired change with the people who are now in a position to make change occur, and we shall be setting the stage to become change-makers ourselves.

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iThe American Institute of Architects. “AIA Documents: A195™ - 2008, B195™ - 2008, A295™ - 2008, and C195™ - 2008.” (Washington, DC, 2008).
iiMarkku Allison. “Collaboration, Sustainability, BIM, and Integrated Project Delivery: Implications for the Future of the Industry.” Powerpoint Presentation and lecture notes. (Pittsburgh, PA, Carnegie Mellon University, 18 July 2008).
iiiAIA National and the AIA California Council. “Integrated Project Delivery: A Guide.” Version 1. (Washington, DC, 2007). http://www.aia.org/ipdg

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