What Are the Benefits of Saying Goodbye to 2D CAD and using BIM in Landscape Architecture?

The apparent move away from 2D CAD in landscape architecture is a result of technological developments and competitive pressures. There is a natural pressure to provide BIM files when dealing with consultants that have developed their workflows using BIM, even if there is no BIM requirement.

If landscape architectural businesses insist on using 2D information modelling technologies like AutoCAD, they are in a predicament.

A BIM-based approach to landscape architecture

The vast topic of landscape architecture includes not only the architectural but also the environmental, scientific, and aesthetic facets of designing, building, and researching varied landscapes. Additionally, a landscape architect's goals may include enhancing the Quality of Life and fostering comfort. Landscape architecture is not just about aesthetics.

The acronym BIM (Building Information Modeling) deters many landscape architects since it contains the word "building." BIM, however, is only the next development in technology for the AEC sector. The process of developing and arranging data inside a digital landscape model is a change from producing printed landscape drawings. Because hand drawing has been replaced by computer-aided design (CAD), the shift to BIM is in some respects more challenging than the transition to CAD.

Along with the transition from CAD to BIM, there is a period of more fundamental 3D modelling, where you may discover software like SketchUp, Rhino, and 3DS Max. Digital 3D models can be produced using these tools, but their applications are constrained due to the models' little information. Although these models don't provide the quantity or material scheduling, they are excellent for visualising concepts. These applications also do not provide model coordination or the generation of construction documents from the model.

Other Factors and Services

A common example of software that may be utilised to satisfy the demands of a landscape architect is Revit Modeling Services. It has the ability to analyse geography, compute costs, analyse shade (based on a solar simulation), and do other tasks. Other BIM landscape architectural software includes, but is not restricted to, Rhino, AutoCAD, ArchiCAD, Vectorworks Landmark, SketchUp, and others.

As a result, the benefits of the BIM process can be summed up in one idea: it is more effective and cost-effective.

It is not surprising that architects, contractors, and even customers are rushing to adopt, if not mandate, BIM on their projects given how potent of a motivation money is.

Landscape architecture benefits from BIM

To find the best software vendor for their current project, landscape architects can choose from a variety of software vendors. Here are a few ways that BIM can contribute to the field of landscape architecture as a whole:

Improved Collaboration: BIM as a whole enables improved departmental collaboration, enabling landscape architects to work alongside civil engineers, architects, designers, and other professionals. Each member can participate without influencing the other participants, enabling a transparent workflow.

Using BIM landscape architecture, it is possible to simultaneously export 3D models as precise 2D drawings for onsite workers, guaranteeing that the project's final design is completed exactly as planned.

The Parametric Capabilities of Revit: Revit families are visual representations of certain pieces that may be included in a 3D model and share a similar set of properties. Using pre-existing Revit families from Revit libraries or starting from scratch are also options for landscape architects.

In general, Revit families may drastically cut down on the number of reworks and impose some uniformity, considerably cutting down on the amount of time it takes to complete the project. Additionally, models and families might be recycled in subsequent projects if they were generated for a particular project and kept in a library beforehand.

Sustainability and Adaptability: All things considered, Revit families may drastically lower the number of reworks and enforce some regularity, cutting down on the time it takes to complete the project. Furthermore, if models and families were developed for a given project and placed in a library beforehand, they could be utilised again in subsequent projects.

Cost and Time: With the use of landscape architecture representations, the customer is better able to see the complete design and make any necessary design modifications before construction even starts. Additionally, while the project is still in the planning stages, landscape architects are able to identify and correct early design flaws. This saves firms money on costly repairs once the building begins and a tonne of time on restoration projects.

To get online demonstration, watch the following video tutorial.

Video Source: Robotech CAD Solutions

Increased Productivity: By completing the majority of the alterations at the conceptual stage, landscape rendering techniques speed up the on-site landscaping process and reduce the need for rework or design adjustments. Before use, potential design flaws could be verified and fixed.

More Edge over the Competition: Generally speaking, using as few visuals as possible to convey your thoughts will be more lucrative and successful. The easiest approach to communicate ideas is through photo-realistic drawings of landscape architecture, and doing so usually always yields favourable results or direct comments and input from your target audience. 3D render client approval is more likely than ever.

With 3D architecture visualisation, branding and marketing strategies will be more dependable, and quicker approvals and precise bids will keep you one step ahead of the competition.

Final Thoughts

Landscape architects may find this shift to BIM unsettling. In the public sector, BIM has now become the industry standard. In spite of the fact that architects and building engineers can make the transition from CAD to BIM relatively easily, there is a gap in the software once you move into the landscape.

The importance and scope of BIM in the twenty-first century are currently on trend The use of BIM in landscape architecture is a technological advancement made to simplify the work even further. It saves both you and your customer time because it completes the same work as you would otherwise. It helps you finish activities more quickly and improves workplace efficiency.

In the future, BIM technology would be viewed as one of the most important components of the construction industry.