What is BIM? What does the acronym BIM mean? What are BIM objects and why are they "parametric" models?

 

What does BIM mean?

 

The acronym BIM stands for Building Information Modelling, or rather, the information model of a building. The NIBS (National Institute of Building Science in Washington) defines BIM as the " digital representation of physical and functional characteristics of an object”.

And so, specifically,

 

What are BIM objects?

 

BIM objects are parametric models that contain graphic information (e.g. colours, shapes, sizes), technical information and specific characteristics of those objects (e.g.  sound insulation, thermal transmittance, energy consumption, etc.)

In practice, in BIM objects, the graphic "design" of each product is accompanied by the information found in its technical data sheet and that is characteristic of that product.

BIM parametric modelling allows you to insert in an object parameters, or rather, various values, rules within which the object can vary. For example, in BIM object of a sofa the fabric used for covering, the presence of armrests, the number of seats, etc. can vary.

Example: how a BIM object appears on Revit

How a BIM object appears on Revit

 

As an example, the image displays a BIM object of a panel for underfloor radiant heating: a specific feature of the BIM is that the Revit interface shows not only graphic design but also information about that object.