BIM LOD – Level of Development vs. Level of Detail

Level of Detail is how much detail is included, or to be included,  in the model element, an “input”

Level of Development is the degree to which the element’s geometry can be relied upon by users…. an “output”.

First its important to note that there are varying Level of Development definitions.

For example,the  AIA’s Digital Practice Documents include revised LOD definitions.  The AIA appears to allow the BIMForum to utilize the AIA’s LOD definitions.  Thus the BIMForum LOD Specification is  identical to those published in the AIA’s updated Digital Practice Documents, except that there is a LOD 350 and there is no LOD 500.

Here are the AIA LOD definitions:

LOD 100 The Model Element may be graphically represented in the Model with a symbol or other
generic representation, but does not satisfy the requirements for LOD 200. Information
related to the Model Element (i.e. cost per square foot, tonnage of HVAC, etc.) can be
derived from other Model Elements.
LOD 200 The Model Element is graphically represented within the Model as a generic system, object,
or assembly with approximate quantities, size, shape, location, and orientation. Non-graphic
information may also be attached to the Model Element.
LOD 300 The Model Element is graphically represented within the Model as a specific system, object
or assembly in terms of quantity, size, shape, location, and orientation. Non-graphic
information may also be attached to the Model Element.
LOD 350 The Model Element is graphically represented within the Model as a specific system, object,
or assembly in terms of quantity, size, shape, orientation, and interfaces with other building
systems. Non-graphic information may also be attached to the Model Element.
LOD 400 The Model Element is graphically represented within the Model as a specific system, object
or assembly in terms of size, shape, location, quantity, and orientation with detailing,
fabrication, assembly, and installation information. Non-graphic information may also be
attached to the Model Element.
LOD 500 The Model Element is a field verified representation in terms of size, shape, location,
quantity, and orientation. Non-graphic information may also be attached to the Model
Elements.

(AIA BIM protocol document, G202–2013, Building Information Modeling Protocol Form)

A Step Closer to BIM? NIBS and AIA Working toward Centralized Building Information Resource

Let’s face it,  the virtually singularly low rate of productivity of the AECOO (architecture, engineering, construction, operations, owner) sector for the past several decades is due to our CULTURE.

As a group, we are kings of the “not invented here” syndrome… or the “my way is the better way” syndrome.  Also, the “let’s keep the Owner in the dark” or the “let’s not work together”, and the “bid low and make it up in change orders” , or “let’s accept the lowest bid and hope for the best” approaches to ruin.

As I’ve previously noted, the altered world economic and environmental landscapes will force CULTURAL change in our industry.  Architects, Engineers, and Contractors new motto will be “our best customer is a smart customer”.  Why?  It’s simple, collaboration and improved “cradle to cradle” facility life-cycle management approaches will be required for survival.  Furthermore, cloud computing and proven collaborative construction delivery methods such as Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) and “IPD-lite”, also known as Job Order Contracting, the latter for facility repair, renovation, sustainability and minor new construction, will converge to enable knowledge sharing among all facility stakeholders.

The signing of an agreement between The American Institute of Architects and the
National Institute of Building Sciences to Work Together on Promoting Building Industry Research and Knowledge is just one indication of the our “changing AECOO landscape”.  It demonstrates the two organizations’ mutual interest in the design, construction, operations and maintenance of high-performance buildings and the desire… no better yet the recognized NEED TO COLLABORATE on issues surrounding these topics.

A primary initial goal of the “partnership” is the joint development of an on-line portal for building industry research and knowledge.   It’s amazing how many in our industry are not even aware of NIBS or Smart Building Alliance.  The march toward BIM, and recognizing its true potential as “efficient building life-cycle management support by technology and standardized processes, taxonomy, etc.” vs. “pretty 3D pictures” will know hopefully gain traction and momentum.

Building Information Management Framework - BIMF

via http://www.4Clicks.com – premier software for cost estimating and efficient project delivery – JOC, SABER, IPD, SATOC, MATOC, IDIQ, POCA, MACC, BOA ….

Integrated Project Delivery – IPD – Case Studies – AIA 2010

View .pdf

A Joint Project of AIA California Council

Integrated Project Delivery Steering Committee

AIA National Integrated Practice Discussion

Group”.

Research and report by Jonathan Cohen, FAIA

For more detailed background information on IPD,

visit http://www.ipd-ca.net and refer to The Integrated

Project Delivery Guide, jointly developed by the

AIA’s Integrated Practice Discussion Group and

AIA California Council, and Integrated Project

Delivery: A Working Definition, published by AIA

California Council.

For information on existing project delivery

methods, see the AIACC’s Handbook on Project

Delivery.