BIM for landscape architecture.

BIM for landscape architecture.
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Landscape Architecture is a multi-disciplinary field which is the study, design, and construction of environments of different scales that incorporate the elements of art, environment, science and architecture. The landscape architects don’t just add aesthetic appeal to the building or an area but they provide comfort and improve the overall quality of experience and life. Landscape architecture is designed keeping in mind the people and communities as well as the climate, the flora and fauna and animals. They consider the social and natural processes of any locality and aim to promote and protect human and environmental health and well-being.

Implementation of BIM in Landscape Architecture:

BIM Technology provides a platform which allows the landscape architects to shift from creating 2D drawing of landscape to creating and coordinating data within a digital model of landscape. It allows to create more aesthetically pleasing landscape designs which directly appeal to the end-client and also reduces re-work, saves time and money.

There are different types of software which can be used for landscape architecture for 3D modeling like ArchiCAD, Vectorworks Landmark, SketchUp, Rhino, AutoCAD Civil 3D etc. But perhaps the most common and widely used remains the Revit software by Autodesk. Revit Modeling Services can be used by landscape architects to analyze terrains, calculate elementary costs, to conduct sun shading analysis etc. That being said the software used for any project depends on project’s size, scope, and detail and is mostly up to the designer’s discretion. Below we highlight a few advantages which a landscape architect is bound to get when BIM is implemented.

1. Information rich models:

BIM Models are information rich and provide all the requisite data about any given element. For instance, a tree in the BIM Model would have all the parameters that are needed to install the tree like its scientific name, condition, root size etc. If required it could also have information which would be necessary to maintain it like its mature height, spread, water and sun requirements and so on. For inanimate objects like walls, bench it can have information about materials, color, serial number, manufacturing details etc.

By having all the information handy the landscape architect or the designer can easily make decisions. During the actual construction phase this information can also be used for accurate cost estimates and scheduling, material procurement and it ensures that there is a reduction of errors and changes on-site. BIM gives way to a more coordinated construction and delivery process.

2. Improves Coordination:

A landscape architect must work in association with architects, civil engineers and designers in a collaborative, transparent and open workflow that allows everyone to view and contribute to the design effectively. The 3D model also allows to easily store and share large data files to everyone in quick time. Moreover, it also allows to extract accurate 2D drawings which can be used by onsite workers to effectively implement the final design onsite. Thus, with BIM everyone involved right from the top level to the ground laborer are all in sync.

3. 3D Rendering:

When it comes to creating anything aesthetically pleasing 3D rendering plays a vital role. Landscape Renderings allows to understand how the completed project will look and how it will harmonize with its surroundings. 3D Rendering can add color variation, alter sizes, manipulate textures to give a photorealistic image that appropriately conveys the architects vision. 3D BIM can be combined with rendering facilities truly make the landscape more appealing. Rendering is also helpful for the purpose of marketing, securing permits or getting a financial approval.

4. Revit Families:

Revit Family is a group of elements which can be placed in the 3D model and have a common set of properties called parameters and which have related graphical representation. Here landscape architects can either use objects form ready-made Revit library to insert objects like benches, trees, lights, walls, doors etc. or they can model a family from scratch which is specific to the project requirements like a statue or fountain. Revit Family Creation Services can considerably reduce rework, ensure uniformity and allow to complete the project in quick time. Families once created can also be saved in a library and be used for different projects with similar requirements. 

Conclusion:

Thus, to conclude the scope of application of BIM is less for landscape architects but its advantages are obvious. Simply put, planting the BIM tree is extremely effective for architects, it is more efficient and ends up saving time and money!

  • Bhagwati Pathak

    Bhagwati Pathak is an Executive Director at Tesla Outsourcing Services. Technical Project Management, BIM, Client Management, and Leadership are her forte. With an expertise in BIM and a flair for writing, her articles provide a direction to contractors, sub-contractors, engineers, and architects in employing the right methodology for an Architectural, Structural, or MEP CAD / BIM project.


Share the knowledge
BIM for landscape architecture.
Written By:
Bhagwati Pathak
Bhagwati Pathak is an Executive Director at Tesla Outsourcing Services. Technical Project Management, BIM, Client Management, and Leadership are her forte. With an expertise in BIM and a flair for writing, her articles provide a direction to contractors, sub-contractors, engineers, and architects in employing the right methodology for an Architectural, Structural, or MEP CAD / BIM project.