Revit Rules

Archibus says so. (Or, at least implies it.)

Archibus is well known to to the IT people in facilities organizations as a significant provider of real estate, infrastructure and facilities management solutions in the world, and they just started their 2012 International Users Conference in Boston. Attendees are there from around the world.

I was very impressed with the commitment Archibus has made to synchronize the facilities database with Revit building models, when the organization has both available to them. It makes sense. Revit building models are databases - why not import components into the resident facilities software? The links between the BIM model and the Archibus data can even be two-way. Great stuff.

MIT, for example, has now apparently made a commitment to developing Revit BIM models for its entire campus, using old AutoCAD to create the necessary files. All this with a hope of populating its Archibus database.

What I've seen is not perfect, but the integration is still evolving. The trend, however, is undeniable.

Have you boarded the BIM bus yet?

A Reminder

This blog has a big brother.

No Left Turn publishes a newsletter every few months that offers insight on subjects I find interesting, and hopefully pertain to the business of those involved in facilities design, construction and management.

They're all there on my web site, and the latest can be seen at http://noleftturn.biz/architecture/NotesFromTheRoad.html.  This one is somewhat out of the ordinary, in that it focuses on the cost implications of a specific building type: College Housing. More typically, I write about business aspects of our endeavors.

If any of this interests you, you can jump on the mail list at http://noleftturn.biz/subscribe.  I'm still pondering the next topic, so you'll have to wait and see if it's intriquing. Wade on in - the water's fine.

Now Presenting ...

LXDi

Check it out: Linowes Executive Development Institute.  The very heady name for Joanne Linowes' organization devoted to coaching for quality presentations and professional development. Specifically - get her book The Savvy Presenter.  If you read this blog, you may recall that I won my copy by correctly answering her monthly quiz question.

I first met Joanne when a mutual client hired us to help with an important presentation. I was there because I knew the context. She knew HOW to present.  It was a stimulating experience.  I think I learned as much as our client, and I look forward to more encounters.

Her book - written in an appropriately breezy tone - claims to be organized around 100 tips. The fact is there is much more than that in the narrative. I thought I was experienced, but now know better. Tip #16: "Anticipate potential boomerangs" is one of my favorites.  In fairness to Joanne, you should buy the book to see what it's all about.

Find Joanne at www.lxdi.com and www.savvypresenter.com

You won't regret it.

IPD ... Not!

There I was - listening to a panel discussion led by an AGC representative.  Seven leaders from seven major construction companies.  Not a one has done a real, honest-to-goodness three-party Integrated Project Delivery contract.

I asked many of them directly why not.  The answers were varied:

• The lawyers hate them
• They can't be done by public agencies
• They will only happen when an owner drives the process
• Nobody wants to give up the ability to have a contract with recourse

Actually, they're all mostly true.

This idea has now been around for a number of years, and may continue to gain steam; but implementation has been arduous. There was interesting contrast to IDP during the evening - BIM. The implementation of this software and technology is now seen as SOP - almost mandatory.  Noone disagreed.

Why? BIM implementation has demonstrated positive consequences. But, importantly, its use doesn't seriously alter the contractual relationship of the typical three parties. (OK, I know - there's always the argument about "who owns the model?")

Now - I like cooperative ventures as much as the next person. Continuing the IPD conversation advances that concept. I just won't hold my breath waiting for the contracts to appear.