Cuneco is a Danish research project, developing, testing and implementing standards for data exchange through all building processes from conception and design through execution to operation and maintenance.
Cuneco has launched a number of initiatives related to the development in the areas of:
- Classification
- Property Data
- Information Levels
- Measuring Rules
Part of this note is based on cuneco Project 12061 Classification of Properties and cuneco Project 13011 Levels of information. This Note argues that the graphical representation not necessarily follow developments in Levels of information, but that the designer on each of seven Levels of information can choose one of three graphical representations, SOLID, OUTLINE and DETAIL. The graphical representation is symbols and avatars, only constitute the basis for a common framework of understanding in respect and expectation of professionalism, so it is important that the requirements does not become common technical drawings.
DESIGN
DESIGN
Design in 3D with intelligent tools has initiated new and exciting
tools, new workspaces and new forms of cooperation, but it also meant that the
implicit understanding has been replaced by a more explicit perception and
interpretation.
All actors in the construction industry has a professional understanding
of both the design process and construction process, an understanding and
knowledge we have to respect in the world of 3D building modelling, and
therefore necessarily must respect and recognize implicit and not formalized
assumptions.
The problem is when a non-formalized assumption is based on real,
concrete knowledge, and when it is based on conventional thinking, formalities
and reactions, that are related to a traditional project view, both in form,
scope and method of cooperation.
3D building model contains at any time both tentative and concrete information,
with a rising degree over time, so therefore a design project is containing both
preliminary and specific information on different Levels of Information.
Slide 01 : Designwork in progress with walls on different Levels of Information
Slide 01 : Designwork in progress with walls on different Levels of Information
This information is used widely across organizations for various
purposes such as basis for analysis and calculations, price calculations,
scheduling, energy calculation, execution basis and visuali-zations.
This provides great challenges in communication of this information, as
not all information is intended as validated by the sender, but the partner may
be perceived it as valid information that can be used as a basis for further
project work.
Often, a 3D digital model creates the illusion of completion and
information, which is really not present. The method must support the information management throughout the
construction life cycle, from concept to design, to the execution and for the
operation and maintenance.
The Construction industry handles and communicates information widely with
varying validity, and it is therefore essential to realize the need to be able
to make precise requirements for the scope, the quality and the definition of
information.
CUNECO LEVEL OF INFORMATION
CUNECO LEVEL OF INFORMATION
Level of Information creates a tool that enables a clear communication
of the validity of the information that may be contained in the project
documents as well digital as analogue.
For information transfers and requirements between actors it thus will be
clear to both the passer as the one who receives the explicit information
contained, and at what Level of information they are located.
The method must support the information management throughout the
construction life cycle, from concept to design, through construction, and for
operation and maintenance.
AIA | LEVEL OF DEVELOPMENT | LOD
AIA | LEVEL OF DEVELOPMENT | LOD
The Level of Development (LOD) is a reference specification developed by
The American Institute of Architects. The method makes it possible for all
parties in the building process to establish clear and specific agreements on
communication of data related to Building Information Modeling. They define and
illustrate the characteristics of building objects in various building systems
at different Levels of Development.
This clear articulation makes it possible to communicate, understand and
define valid information so that it is possible for all parties clarify both
the possibilities and limitations of the 3D building models that are exchanged
between the parties in the construction process. LOD thus ensures consistency
in both the communication and performance by facilitating a clear definition of
deliverables through a project from idea to DV. Level of Development today
interprets LOD in two ways, Level of Detail is perceived as an internal development
of the detailing, while the Level of Development is a concretization at an
agreed stage pass.
GRAPHIC
GRAPHIC
All Levels of information systems includes illustrations showing a
linear development of project documentation, but these illustrations does not
support the BIM method's great potential for iterative project development,
where the components are undergoing a progressive elaboration throughout the
project life cycle.
This iterative project development means that new ideas be assessed, approved or replaced by new ideas, so therefore the project continuously is analysed, reviewed, improved, developed and refined to a progressively more detailed and specific information model and with an increasing degree of available information, both as implicit knowledge and as explicit knowledge.
Therefore there is a need for a much more flexible solution, a solution
that can handle the iterative project development, and respects and expects
professionalism.
The Danish Construction company MT Højgaard requirements for Levels of
information is based on US LOD requirements, and Copenhagen Property is for now
implementing similar methods which requires graphics with a linear development
and therefore not include and support the digital iterative context. The
software company VICO is working with so-called Primitives, with graphics
within specific categories of objects, but where the graphic also illustrates a
linear project development.
The iterative project development implies a much more flexible
methodology, where the requirements for the graphic expression can be selected
on the basis of three form concepts SOLID, OUTLINE and DETAIL, and so that they
do not necessarily follow the development of information levels, as shown in
the examples in Slide 06 below.
The problem is that all projects that include Levels
of information, based on a graphic interoperation initiate the development of
creative expression, that follows the increasing amount of information. This
can cause erroneous interpretations about what properties information may
actually be linked to a specific Level of information.
A graphic showing layering on LOD 300 does not
necessarily indicate a requirement for all layers to be displayed graphically,
but can only be property informations about the number of layers in the specific
construction.
So therefore, new conditions, new ways…
Slide 06 : The graphics do not follow the increasing amount of information.
PROPOSAL
Determine requirements for graphics within groups of building elements,
not for individual building elements, it will be impossible to handle requirements
for individual building elements at seven Levels of Information. The proposal
focuses therefore on three graphic expressions within 4 groups, a grouping
which is based on common characteristics of objects.
4 GROUPS
4 GROUPS
Komposit
System+
System
Komponent
System+
System
Komponent
Determine requirements for three geometric concepts that are not related
to specific levels of information, but are defined solely in relation to the
context of the project.
SOLID
The object is represented as a generic object, that defines the object's
construction space and space for mounting.
OUTLINE
The object is graphically represented as divided into layers and
components that are represented by construction space, space for mounting and
recesses for technical main routing.
DETAIL
The Construction Company DPR from the United States
works with 4 Levels, as can be related to the proposed three geometry
representations and a FABRICATION INSTALLATION level from DPR. A
montage of a plasterboard wall could well be carried out on the basis of OUTLINE,
need not necessarily by DETAIL, but it is of course essential that the installer
has very detailed information from the supplier, an installation worksheet which
can contain both text, drawings and videos.
DPR related requirements for graphics along with the four levels of
information, Level 1-4, as shown in the following sketches, and subsequently
the proposal SOLID, OUTLINE, RETAIL and PRODUCTION related to DPR's objective
descriptions of the 4 Levels.