Thursday, March 27, 2008

March 26 Meeting Minutes

Thanks to all 50 in attendance for participating in our meeting. We had some very interesting presentations and discussions. Here's a brief review of our evening...




Theme: The BIM Model: New Concerns and Opportunities

The BIM Model- Liability Conversation

The BIM Model- “Printing” a Tactile 3D Model


Charles Simco
Shibley Righton LLP
T: 416.214.5265 F: 416.214.5465



7:00-8:00 The BIM Model- Liability Conversation


Charles was interested in coming to our meeting to learn about this emerging technological change in our industry. As a Toronto Litigation lawyer, Charles defends architects against professional liability claims and also practices construction law, commercial litigation and employment law. Charles made the point that legal practice always has to catch up with technology. Adapting Client/Architect Agreements to BIM technology is another example of that. Only the 2D hardcopy documents are currently the ‘contract documents’ unless this is otherwise specified. Charles reviewed a sample disclaimer. It is basically saying that if the 3D model is to be used by anyone other than its originator, he or she cannot be liable for its content.


Some audience questions...


Q: What happens if the 3D model is the contract document?

A: This should be addressed in a specific contract.


Q: What happens when multiple architects and consultants have different responsibilities in the same model? Who owns the model, who takes responsibility?

A: Same principles apply now as did in the past; keep good records ie. save time stamped hard and electronic copies throughout the process.


Linking Revit files is a clear way of working between consultants without accidental changes.


Revit does provide a very coordinated set of drawings and model which may reduce errors.

Charles mentioned that we can't anticipate every issue that MAY come up. He hasn't heard of 'BIM' being a key issue so far in a lawsuit.


Questions for further discussion:


Q: You can always agree to provide a client with the model but can a client demand it after the fact and there be no coverage under the province licensing acts?


Q: Frank Gehry's 3D contract available?


8:15-9:00 The BIM Model- “Printing” a Tactile 3D Model





Allan M. Agard

Branch Sales Manager
Entire Imaging Solutions Inc.

317 Adelaide St.Toronto, ON. M5V 1P9

Ph: (416) 593-5701

Cell: (416) 710-6448

Fax: (416) 593-5665


Saima Elahi

3D Model Sales Representative

Entire Imaging Solutions Inc.

Office: 905-673-2007 Ex. 240

Cell: 647-296-8725



Entire's 3D modelling advantages are: speed and accuracy

A condo sales office can be opened months earlier using this service.

Entire is also a 2D print shop and committed to working with ORUG to iron out printing issues from Revit.

If you have problems printing contact jpolding@cadmicro.com and we will get the ball rolling.


Domenic from IBI (pictured below, left) shared his experiences working with Saima from Entire on various 3D models.


Models are either powder or polymer
Can be made any size but may need several pieces

Problems with the design (ie. structure) can be discovered early on in the 3Dprint process.

You can purchase Google Earth terrain for most of Canada, import into Revit, design your building(s) and then 3D print it.

The new FBX export from Revit to 3DStudio will really help cut down the time that Entire would have to spend on the model.


Nine lucky people won scale models of the beautiful building pictured below...

Ballpark pricing for the model picture above:
Small(6"x6"x3"): $800
Medium: $2000
Large(24"x36"x8"):$5000




Thanks again and if you have any comments or suggestions please contact Jay Polding at the email address above.

NOTE:

Ballenford books – a one-of-a-kind architecture bookstore in Toronto in Mirvish Village – is sadly closing its doors. If you ever venture to try to find architecture books at Chapters, only to discover a wee little section in the corner, then you’ll see the importance of an architecture/design-dedicated bookstore like Ballenford’s. Please forward this to any or all of your architecture friends and get them to buy some books! If we can’t save the store, then at least we might get great books at discounted prices out of it.

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Welcome New ORUG Divisions

Welcome to the ORUG MEP and Structural divisions. These both will contain relavent technical and industry articles. John Wong will be heading up the ORUG MEP. Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing components are key to the BIM model. This is a key component to fully test our buildings before we build them.

John's Bio..
John Wong, BScE. is CAD MicroSolutions’ resident MEP (Mechanical,
Electrical, Plumbing) Engineering Applications Specialist.
After graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from
Queen's University, John worked for a top mechanical/electrical
consulting engineering firm in the Greater Toronto Area. He
applies his industry-specific experience to AutoCAD MEP, Revit
MEP, and the Integrated Environmental Solutions

Monday, March 24, 2008

Great Revit Learning SIte

This site is great for finding help on almost anything! Many common questions are answered.

FYI, some of the info is a little outdated. Still good though.

Thursday, March 20, 2008

March 26 Meeting Details

Date: Wednesday March 26, 2008

Time: 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM.

Location: Alice Fazooli's, 294 Adelaide St W, Toronto ON, M5V 1P6.

Click here for map. For those taking the TTC, it is conveniently located near both Osgoode and St. Andrew stations on the Yonge-University-Spadina line.

Content: The BIM Model: New Concerns and Opportunities

Liability Conversation
This portion will be an interactive, moderated discussion with Charles to discuss industry concerns about legal liabilities and the BIM model.

Charles Simco - Shibley Righton LLP Charles has been recognised as an expert in the practice of Construction law and professional liability. He has been invited to speak about a variety of topics relating to his expertise at various legal and construction organizations.

Printing a Tactile 3D Model
Allan and his Technical Expert will discuss big picture reasons for using 3D printing as well as technical procedures. He may also offer free services as a giveaway.

Allan M. Agard - Entire Imaging Solutions Inc.Using 3D CAD files, Entire has been providing professionals with the highest quality digital 3D colour replication models for the past 36 years. Customization is provided to meet the specific needs of every client. Models are produced in days.

If you would like to become an ORUG member or attend this meeting as a guest, please contact Jay Polding at jpolding@cadmicro.com.