Farre+Stevenson Architecture develops BIM and HBIM workflows for architectural design, existing buildings and historic properties. Building Information Modelling is used to organise geometric, technical and documentary information within a coordinated digital environment, supporting design development, multidisciplinary coordination, construction documentation and the management of building information.
BIM is not simply the creation of a three-dimensional model. A visual model may represent the form of a building, while an information model also connects geometry with materials, components, quantities, phases, classifications, technical properties and documentary references.
The scope and level of information are defined according to the purpose of the commission. A model developed for preliminary design has different requirements from one intended for detailed coordination, construction, asset information or the documentation of a historic building.
BIM as an information process
A BIM process establishes how project information is created, structured, exchanged, reviewed and updated.
Depending on the commission, the work may include:
- definition of modelling objectives;
- organisation of project information;
- development of architectural information models;
- coordination with structural and building-services models;
- management of existing, demolished and proposed elements;
- production of drawings and schedules from the model;
- review of model consistency;
- exchange of information through native and open formats;
- management of revisions and model updates.
BIM for architectural design
During architectural design, the information model can provide a coordinated basis for plans, sections, elevations, schedules and three-dimensional views.
The model may support:
- development of the spatial and functional layout;
- control of levels, dimensions and building geometry;
- coordination of façades, roofs and internal elements;
- management of room and area information;
- comparison of design alternatives;
- production of consistent project documentation;
- progressive development from concept to detailed design;
- coordination between graphic and numerical information.
When the model is updated correctly, changes to the design can be reflected across the related views and schedules, reducing the risk of inconsistencies between separate drawings.
BIM for new buildings
For new construction, BIM can support the coordinated development of architecture, structure and building services from the earliest design stages.
The workflow may include:
- site and building models;
- architectural components and assemblies;
- structural grids and coordination references;
- room, area and functional data;
- building-envelope information;
- doors, windows and component schedules;
- materials and construction stratigraphies;
- coordination with energy and services information;
- construction phases and design revisions.
BIM for renovation and existing buildings
Existing properties require a different approach from new construction. The model must be based on surveys, available records and a clear understanding of the reliability of the information used.
The process may include:
- survey of the existing condition;
- review of archival and approved documentation;
- modelling of the current building configuration;
- identification of uncertain or inaccessible elements;
- classification of existing, demolished and proposed components;
- comparison between existing and future conditions;
- representation of successive construction phases;
- coordination of renovation and adaptive-reuse projects.
The model should distinguish between measured information, documentary reconstruction, professional interpretation and assumptions that require confirmation.
HBIM for historic buildings and cultural heritage
Historic Building Information Modelling applies information-modelling methods to existing buildings with complex geometry, construction history and documentary evidence.
HBIM may connect:
- measured surveys;
- point clouds and photogrammetric data;
- archival drawings and historical records;
- construction phases and later alterations;
- materials and construction techniques;
- visible deterioration and conservation information;
- photographs, reports and documentary references;
- proposed conservation or transformation works.
The purpose is not to reduce the historic building to an idealised geometric model. Irregularity, stratification and uncertainty are essential parts of the information and should be represented appropriately.
Survey-to-BIM and point-cloud integration
Information models of existing buildings may be developed from measured surveys, laser scanning, photogrammetry, total-station data, point clouds and other forms of digital acquisition.
The workflow may include:
- import and review of point-cloud data;
- definition of project coordinates and reference levels;
- verification of survey coverage and density;
- reconstruction of principal architectural elements;
- comparison between model and survey data;
- identification of irregular or deformed geometries;
- documentation of elements not fully accessible;
- integration of photographs and survey records.
The accuracy of the model depends on the quality, completeness and purpose of the original survey. A point cloud does not automatically produce a reliable BIM model without interpretation and modelling criteria.
Levels of geometry and information
The required level of model development must be agreed before work begins. Excessive detail can increase time and cost without improving the usefulness of the deliverable, while insufficient detail can make the model unsuitable for its intended purpose.
The model requirements may define:
- geometric accuracy;
- required component detail;
- information associated with each element;
- classification and naming rules;
- model segmentation;
- phases and status of elements;
- required outputs and exchange formats;
- responsibility for updates and verification.
The appropriate level is established in relation to design, coordination, costing, conservation, construction or asset-management objectives.
Multidisciplinary coordination
BIM can provide a shared framework for coordinating architectural, structural and building-services information.
The coordination process may involve:
- federation of discipline models;
- alignment of coordinates and levels;
- review of openings, shafts and service routes;
- coordination of ceilings and technical equipment;
- comparison between architectural and structural geometry;
- review of access and maintenance requirements;
- recording and assignment of coordination issues;
- progressive review following design updates.
Coordination does not remove the responsibility of each specialist for the content and correctness of their own design. It provides a method for identifying and resolving interfaces between disciplines.
Clash detection and interference review
Clash detection can identify physical conflicts and coordination problems before they reach construction.
Checks may concern:
- building services passing through structural elements;
- conflicts between ducts, pipes and ceilings;
- insufficient access around equipment;
- overlapping architectural components;
- inconsistent levels and openings;
- clearance and maintenance zones;
- conflicts between existing and proposed elements;
- issues arising from different model versions.
An automated clash report does not replace professional judgement. Many detected intersections may be acceptable, while important design issues may not appear as simple geometric clashes.
Model checking and quality control
A BIM model must be reviewed not only visually but also for structure, consistency and completeness.
Quality-control activities may include:
- checking coordinates, levels and grids;
- reviewing element classification;
- verifying naming conventions;
- identifying duplicated or misplaced elements;
- checking room and area data;
- reviewing model warnings and inconsistencies;
- checking required parameters;
- verifying exported files and deliverables;
- recording unresolved issues and limitations.
Drawings generated from the model
The information model may support the production of coordinated architectural documentation.
Outputs may include:
- plans;
- sections;
- elevations;
- demolition and proposed-work drawings;
- three-dimensional views;
- construction details;
- room and finish schedules;
- door and window schedules;
- area and quantity schedules.
Although drawings are generated from the model, each drawing still requires architectural review, graphic organisation, annotation and verification before issue.
Schedules, quantities and data extraction
Structured model information can be used to produce schedules and quantities associated with architectural components.
Depending on the model, data may concern:
- rooms and areas;
- doors and windows;
- walls, floors and ceilings;
- materials and finishes;
- furniture and equipment;
- existing, demolished and proposed components;
- quantities for preliminary costing;
- classification and asset information.
Quantities extracted from a model are reliable only when the model has been created, classified and checked for that purpose. They should not automatically be treated as final contractual quantities.
Phasing and renovation workflows
For renovation projects, BIM can represent the relationship between the existing building, demolition works, temporary conditions and proposed construction.
The model may distinguish:
- existing elements to remain;
- elements to be removed;
- new construction;
- temporary works;
- successive project or construction phases;
- alternative intervention scenarios;
- areas occupied or inaccessible during the works.
This can support clearer documentation and reduce ambiguity when existing and proposed conditions overlap.
Interoperability and open formats
BIM projects frequently involve different software platforms and professional disciplines. Information exchange must therefore be planned and tested.
The workflow may include:
- native model files;
- IFC exchange;
- BCF issue exchange;
- DWG and DXF drawings;
- PDF documentation;
- spreadsheets and schedules;
- point-cloud formats;
- three-dimensional exchange formats;
- agreed naming and version rules.
Open formats can improve interoperability, but exported data should always be checked because geometry, classifications and parameters may not transfer identically between platforms.
Common Data Environment and document coordination
A structured digital workflow requires a clear system for storing, sharing, reviewing and issuing information.
Depending on the project, the organisation may define:
- folder and file structures;
- document naming conventions;
- revision and status codes;
- responsibility for uploads and approvals;
- work-in-progress, shared and published information;
- issue tracking and comments;
- permissions and access control;
- archive and final-delivery procedures.
The digital platform used must be proportionate to the scale and complexity of the project.
BIM execution planning
For larger or more structured commissions, project requirements can be recorded in a BIM execution plan or equivalent information-management document.
This may define:
- project objectives and uses of the models;
- roles and responsibilities;
- software and exchange formats;
- coordinates and model division;
- information requirements;
- review and approval procedures;
- coordination meetings and model exchanges;
- deliverables and issue dates;
- quality-control procedures.
BIM standards and information requirements
The workflow may be developed in relation to the client’s requirements, applicable national provisions and recognised information-management principles, including the ISO 19650 series where appropriate to the project.
Standards do not eliminate the need to define project-specific requirements. The information process must be adapted to the actual scope, parties, contractual responsibilities and intended use of the models.
Model coordination for construction
During construction, the information model may support coordination and clarification of the approved design.
Possible uses include:
- review of construction details;
- coordination of contractor and specialist information;
- comparison of proposed substitutions;
- review of openings and service routes;
- recording of design changes;
- production of explanatory views;
- support for site meetings and technical queries;
- progressive updating of approved information.
The model does not replace contractual drawings, specifications, site supervision or the contractor’s responsibility for construction methods and execution.
As-built and record information
Where included in the commission, the model may be updated to reflect information recorded during or after construction.
This may include:
- approved design changes;
- installed components;
- updated room and equipment information;
- commissioning and handover data;
- links to certificates and manuals;
- record drawings;
- information for future maintenance.
An as-built model should not be assumed to represent the completed building unless an appropriate verification and updating process has been carried out.
Information for building management
BIM information may support future operation and maintenance when asset requirements are defined from the beginning of the project.
Information may concern:
- spaces and room identification;
- maintainable components;
- manufacturer and product information;
- inspection and maintenance requirements;
- warranties and replacement cycles;
- links to manuals and certificates;
- location of equipment and shut-off points;
- future alterations and refurbishment.
Facility-management information should be selected according to the client’s actual operational needs rather than added indiscriminately to the model.
BIM and architectural visualization
A BIM model can provide a coordinated geometric basis for visualizations, but a model intended for information management is not automatically optimised for photorealistic rendering or real-time navigation.
The workflow may therefore involve:
- export of coordinated geometry;
- simplification and optimisation of the model;
- development of materials and lighting;
- production of renderings and animations;
- comparison between BIM information and visual outputs.
For this reason, BIM services and 3D visualization remain related but distinct professional activities.
BIM coordination for remote and international teams
Information modelling can support collaboration between clients and consultants working in different locations.
Remote coordination may include:
- scheduled model exchanges;
- online coordination meetings;
- shared issue registers;
- review of federated models;
- controlled document and revision exchange;
- coordination through open formats;
- English-language project documentation.
For international projects, local professional responsibilities and statutory submissions remain with the appropriately qualified professionals in the relevant jurisdiction.
Available BIM and HBIM services
Depending on the commission, Farre+Stevenson may provide:
- architectural BIM modelling;
- survey-to-BIM modelling;
- HBIM modelling of historic buildings;
- integration of point clouds and survey data;
- development of existing, demolition and proposed phases;
- multidisciplinary model coordination;
- clash and interference review;
- model checking and quality control;
- production of drawings and schedules;
- IFC and open-format exchange;
- BIM workflow and information-management support;
- model updating and record documentation.
Defining the BIM commission
Before work begins, the following should be agreed:
- purpose and intended use of the model;
- available surveys and source documents;
- required geometric accuracy;
- required information and classification;
- model boundaries and discipline responsibilities;
- software and exchange formats;
- required drawings, schedules and deliverables;
- coordination and review procedures;
- model issue dates and revisions;
- responsibility for future updates.
A clear definition of requirements prevents the model from becoming unnecessarily complex or unsuitable for its intended use.
BIM and HBIM services in Rome and internationally
Farre+Stevenson develops BIM and HBIM workflows for architectural projects in Rome, throughout Italy and internationally. The service may be integrated with architectural design, surveying, due diligence, renovation, interior architecture, landscape design and three-dimensional visualization.
For work outside Italy, the information process can be coordinated with local architects, engineers and consultants responsible for statutory design and professional certification.
Farre+Stevenson Architecture uses BIM and HBIM to organise reliable and coordinated information for new buildings, existing properties and historic architecture, supporting design, documentation, multidisciplinary coordination and the future management of the built asset.