A featured contribution from Leadership Perspectives, a curated forum for enterprise technology leaders, nominated by our subscribers and vetted by the CIOApplications Editorial Board.
Smithsonian Institution.
BIM: Key to Transform Architecture and Design in Construction
Michael Carrancho, the Deputy Director of the Office of Planning, Design, and Construction and the Engineering and Design Division at Smithsonian Institution, is the senior-most signatory authorized to produce construction documents for the institution. A visionary Professional engineer with over 30 years of impeccable experience in engineering and design, he leverages his expertise in design modeling to create remarkable structures for present and future generations.
Exploring Building Information Modeling (BIM)
I joined the Smithsonian Institution as an associate director in January 2010. Understanding the rising need for BIM in the engineering and design sector, I soon decided to champion data-centric and design modeling initiatives. My association with the Georgia Tech Building Information Laboratory significantly influenced this decision. Its founder, Chuck Eastman—widely recognized as the Father of BIM—was a guiding light in my career path. The knowledge I gained from that organization enhanced my capabilities and introduced me to various concepts, including BIM principles, project management, and other design and engineering processes that were crucial for digitalization.
During this period, I also took responsibility for mentoring academia with my industrial approach. I assisted many postdoctoral candidates at Georgia Tech in submitting research proposals related to building information and data-centric project management. Assisting them in evaluating their BIM projects helped me enhance my engineering proficiency and secure a valuable opportunity to join their advisory board. All these connections facilitated real-time industry knowledge and academic partnerships in the field. This experience enabled me to lead and manage all the construction plans and establish an innovative BIM center for research and development at Smithsonian. As a result of these contributions, I was appointed Deputy Director of the Office of Planning, Design, and Construction and the Engineering and Design Division, representing the peak of my professional experiences.
Finding New Technologies for BIM Development
Taking on the new position at the Smithsonian brought new work opportunities. As my team and I began working on BIM during our initial projects, we realized its significant impact on the engineering and design sector. This led us to consider using AI and ML to detect deterioration in various materials such as wood and stone.
Our main focus was to identify defect mechanisms and use cognitive engines to repair damaged materials over large areas. Executing this task required effective BIM devices and technological tools to enhance the building designs. This led us to opt for advanced cameras, laser scanners, and drones that gather data on roof structures and other higher elevations where lasers could not reach.
All these devices were influential in integrating algorithms into BIM to stabilize coordination among all resources. Building on this foundation, we expanded upon various platforms, like Autodesk’s Navisworks and Revit, in the design process. Although these software programs had some level of AI features, optimizing them with better ML algorithms increased their efficiency for three-dimensional (3D) design review, ultimately elevating the quality of BIM alignment. This was a highly augmented and cost-effective approach to resolving the building and design complications. Over time, these methods evolved with new advancements and tools that incorporated cloud computing, virtual reality, and automation to facilitate seamless workflows.
“It is crucial to prioritize advanced software and technologies for design development, but effectively integrating the chosen technology with the use cases can shape the right structures.”
Technical Challenges of Interoperability
The BIM process is complex and requires compatible software and resources to operate effectively. When using an advanced BIM tool, we make sure to have the right software version and data format to display the model. Our architects, engineers, and contractors work together to streamline all data records coherently with the necessary software requirements. This ensures uninterrupted data management and engages every stakeholder in the project to enhance interoperability.
We typically use offsite pre-fabrication, which involves assembling all building information modules in a controlled workspace. This method helps us work together more effectively, reduce waste, save time, and improve labor safety. We do face challenges in this area, especially when it comes to coordinating, designing, and making digital models work together. However, we make sure to allocate resources efficiently to ensure sustainability.
For example, we use computer numerical control (CNC) machines and automation equipment to create 3D models. To do this, we employ a BIM tool to access the right 3D computer-aided design (CAD) software, which is used to create and modify design models. The tool establishes appropriate parameters for designing the 3D model within the resources available. This technical approach helps us streamline our processes and reduce interoperability issues.
Integrating Use Cases and AI for Designing
It is crucial to prioritize advanced software and technologies for design development, but effectively integrating the chosen technology with the use cases can shape the right structures. These use cases help us identify key industry data standards and apply them to different projects. Their integration with AI ensures that BIM tools gather all the required information, reducing the effort and resources needed to keep the information updated. Therefore, data consistency is crucial for understanding the limitations of design modeling, with use cases and AI serving as the primary sources of data collection and management.
