MOEN Architecture has been using Building Information Modeling (BIM) since its inception. All projects are fully modeled and documented with Autodesk Revit BIM software. Our clients have benefited from this holistic, intelligent building design tool where we are always designing in three dimensions. On our renovation or phased projects, this software allows us to add a fourth dimension: "time". Building model elements are assigned construction phases in the computer allowing team members to view the building model at any phase. We also can specify attributes to building components such as material, color or cost. This data can then be communicated to the contractor or the owner with drawings (views of the model, schedules and written material specifications). This information is posted on our project web sites for easy access to updated project information. We also make available to our clients computer-generated "virtual tours" of the envisioned buildings and spaces which can be distributed on CD’s in .avi format. These have been beneficial to our clients as a fundraising or marketing tool.
At client design meetings, we can interactively explore design options "on the fly" in real time using a laptop computer and projector. This allows us to streamline the conventional design/present/revise/re-present cycle which would normally take two or three separate meetings. In one meeting, we can revise the building model including building colors while viewing the virtual building model in color (inside and outside) and the client can approve the design revisions on the spot. This process was extremely effective on a church sanctuary remodel project where we were able to view the actual "before" sanctuary view while projecting an "after" view onto the front wall of the sanctuary in front of the Design Committee. We were able to modify the design, review the results and received approvals during the same meeting.
Our project web portal serves as a communication tool which allows a seamless flow of information between project team members. Project drawings, 3D model views, correspondence, task lists and schedules can be accessed from this password-protected portal which can be accessed through the internet. Contractors can conveniently print drawings from the project portal using Adobe Acrobat.
Our BIM tools allow us to easily generate building, departmental and room area calculations along with color-coded space diagrams and floor plans. Our software automatically generates BOMA area calculations and leasing diagrams for landlords and tenants.