The Life of a BIM Model: From Conception to Fabrication - A Technical Journey

Inside the BIM Toolbox: Comparing Rhino.Inside, Grasshopper, and Dynamo In the ever-evolving world of Building Information Modeling (BIM), computational design is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. As architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) teams push for smarter workflows, three standout tools are reshaping the way we model, automate, and innovate: Rhino.Inside.Revit , Grasshopper , and Dynamo . Let’s open the BIM toolbox and unpack what each tool offers—and where they shine. Rhino.Inside.Revit: The Best of Two Worlds Rhino.Inside brings the power of Rhino and Grasshopper inside the Revit environment. This integration is a game-changer for those who love Rhino's free-form modeling capabilities but need the parametric precision and documentation pipeline of Revit. Use-case sweet spot: Complex geometry workflows, façade systems, parametric bridges, and live interoperability between Revit and Rhino-based models. Why it’s powerful: Full access to Revit...

  By a Senior BIM Engineer, Roots BIM LLC They say construction never sleeps—and neither do the models behind it. Ten years ago, I walked into a site trailer with a laptop full of Revit files and dreams of digital disruption. Today, I sit as a Senior BIM Engineer at Roots BIM LLC, having modeled everything from underground metros to 60-story towers, and here’s what I’ve learned: THE HIGHS: When BIM Becomes the Brain of the Project 1. Seeing Buildings Rise from My Models There’s a thrill when your coordinated BIM model gets translated into rebar cages, MEP runs, and curtain walls on-site. It’s like watching digital thoughts become steel and concrete. 2. Coordination Miracles I’ve prevented clashes worth millions in change orders —like rerouting chilled water lines that were originally designed to run through a beam. BIM makes you the silent hero behind the scenes. 3. Tech Meets Logic Tools like Navisworks, Dynamo, Revit, and BIM 360 made me fall in love with logic-base...

By Roots BIM LLC | BIM Perspectives | July 2025 In the world of Building Information Modeling (BIM), few acronyms stir as much confusion—and misplaced confidence—as LOD . Ask ten professionals what Level of Detail (or Level of Development ) means, and you’ll likely get ten different answers, ranging from vague references to “how detailed the model looks” to rigid numeric levels misunderstood as project milestones. It’s time to bust the myth: LOD is not about the quantity of detail—but the quality of reliability . Let’s dig deeper into how this misinterpretation creates bottlenecks in BIM workflows—and how to get it right. 🧱 LOD: A Quick Recap The Level of Development (LOD) framework was formalized by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and further refined by the BIMForum. It outlines how much and what kind of information a BIM element contains at various stages: LOD 100 – Conceptual: Massing model only, used for early design intent LOD 200 – Appro...

  From the Project Files of a BIM Manager on a 72-Story Challenge When I first walked into the coordination meeting for SkyRise 72 —a 72-story mixed-use skyscraper in the heart of a seismic zone—I had no idea that Building Information Modeling (BIM) would soon become our project's lifeline. What began as an ambitious tower almost became a coordination nightmare—until clash detection turned chaos into clarity. The Project: Vertical Complexity in Action Location : Urban metro zone in a high-seismic-risk region Height : 312 meters / 72 floors Use : Commercial + Residential + Podium Parking + Helipad Tools Used : Revit, Navisworks Manage, BIM 360, Dynamo, and later, Tekla Structures for steel coordination Our BIM Execution Plan (BEP) defined Level of Development (LOD) 300 for design coordination, escalating to LOD 400 for structural and MEP elements during shop drawing development. Weekly model updates were mandated through a CDE (Common Data E...