It's Time to Get Rid of Useless BIM Acronyms

 Recently I’ve been tasked to help a small architecture firm transition from CAD to BIM. They had previously been working with BIM consultants that gave them a sheet full of BIM terminology that they needed to memorize if they wanted to understand BIM. Here it was:

… and that’s only the first page. Needless to say that all these terms scared the architects from the small firm. They told me that BIM seemed super complicated and they didn’t understand why they had to use this convoluted process.

I’ve since had to deprogram them away from all these idiotic useless terms, and teach them that they don’t need to learn any of these acronyms to start doing BIM.

BIM is really just about using the 3D modeling tools in the smartest possible way and to their fullest potential.

Just take all the “dimensions” of BIM. Yep, I’m talking about you, BIM 4D, 5D and 6D… And whatever new dimensions marketing teams will come up with.

4D means construction sequencing, 5D means cost analysis. Why even come up with this dimensions gimmick in the first place?

The newest jargon trend is now to talk about “Digital Twins”. But that’s not enough, some people invented the term “Gemini Principles”. I wish I was kinding, but it’s real 😂.

Another condescending trend is people pretending that “using Revit isn’t doing BIM”. I’ve heard countless architects say they transitioned from AutoCAD to Revit, but that the BIM consultants told them they were not doing BIM yet. Obviously, to reach BIM you need to pay the consultants extra money so they can make you memorize more jargon.

THESE 5 REVIT MYTHS NEED TO BE DESTROYED

Obviously you could debate whether just using Revit is enough to classify as BIM. I would argue that if you used to create projects in AutoCAD and you are now using Revit, you are 90% of the way there. That’s a huge step and you shouldn’t let BIM consultants and smart online folks shame you because you aren’t doing 6D yet.

Doing a good job in regards to BIM just boils down to this:

1- Use BIM 3D modeling software. For some people, that’s already a huge step!

2- Try to create your model using the best practices available to you, but make them fit with your current proficiency with the software and the project requirements.

3- When you get comfortable with the software, try to further refine your process and collaborate as much as you can with consultants and project team members using BIM software.

Your time should be spent improving your knowledge of all the tools available to you, not memorizing dumb terminology that serves no purpose in real life.

If you are a BIM consultants, try to talk to your clients without all the BIM jargon. You’ll find that none of it is necessary.

That’s if for now! I hope you all enjoyed this little rant :)

If you like jargon-free tutorials, make sure to watch the latest episode of Revit Pure Live: