Hot Topics Flashcards
What does BIM stand for?
Building Information Modelling.
What Is BIM?
BIM is a highly collaborative process that allows architects, engineers, developers, contractors, manufacturers, and other construction professionals to plan, design, and construct a structure or building within one 3D model.
What are the key benefits of BIM?
A building information model can be beneficial for the following reasons:
- Visualisation: 3D renderings can be easily generated.
- Fabrication drawings: It is straightforward to generate fabrication drawings for various building systems.
- Cost estimating: BIM software has built-in cost estimating features. Material quantities are automatically extracted and updated when any changes are made in the model.
- Construction sequencing: A building information model can be effectively used to coordinate material ordering, fabrication, and delivery schedules for all building components.
- Conflict, interference, and collision detection: Because building information models are created to scale in 3D space, all major systems can be instantly and automatically checked for interferences. For example, this process can verify that pipework does not intersect with steel beams, ducts, or walls.
- Forensic analysis: A building information model can be easily adapted to graphically illustrate potential failures, leaks, evacuation plans, and so forth.
- Facilities management: Facilities management departments can use it for renovations, space planning, and maintenance operations.
What is clash detection?
- Individual models are created by each design discipline (M&E, architectural, structural, etc.).
- These models are then combined into a federated model using software.
- Clash detection is the identification, inspection, and reporting of collisions between elements in a structure’s model: Like a pipe running through a steel beam.
How is BIM information shared among the project team?
This information in a BIM model is shared through a mutually accessible online space known as a common data environment (CDE), and the data collected is referred to as an ‘information model.
What is a BEP and how does it relate to the EIRs?
- The EIRs (Employer’s Information Requirements) is a document prepared by the employer, that clearly defines what information is required during, and more importantly, what is required at the end of the project to enable the asset to be managed effectively.
- The BEP (BIM Execution Plan) is produced by the professional team in response to the EIRs, detailing how the requirements will be met.
Why might a building be listed?
- A listed building is one that has special architectural interest, adds value to the area, and is part of our national heritage.
- Listed buildings have statutory protection against demolitions or alterations which could affect their character.
What are the three categories of listings in England and Wales?
- Grade I buildings are of exceptional interest, only 2.5% of listed buildings are Grade I
- Grade II* buildings are particularly important buildings of more than special interest; 5.8% of listed buildings are Grade II*
- Grade Il buildings are of special interest; 91.7% of all listed buildings are in this class, and it is the most likely grade of listing for a homeowner.
What is a curtilage listing?
- ‘Curtilage’ is generally used to refer to a parcel of land attached to a building and forming one enclosure with it.
- The law provides that buildings and other structures that pre-date July 1948 and are within the curtilage of a listed building, are to be treated as part of the same listing.
- This means that curtilage listed structures receive the same level of protection as the principal listed building.
Do you need consent to make alterations to a listed building?
Once a building is listed, consent is normally required for:
- Its demolition, in whole or in part.
- Any works of alteration or extension that would affect its character as a building of special architectural or historic interest.
- Any repair work that could affect the historic character of the building.
Replacement of historic features, fittings or fabric.
What is a conservation area?
- A conservation area is an ‘area of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance’.
- It is the quality and interest of the area rather than that of individual buildings that are the prime considerations. Buildings, open spaces and landscape features, including trees, may all contribute to the special character of a conservation area.
What is planning permission?
- Planning permission is the legal process of determining whether proposed developments should be permitted.
- Responsibility for planning lies with local planning authorities (usually the planning department of the district or borough council).
- The process is in place to deter inappropriate developments.
- Planning permission is usually required when building a new structure or making extensive changes to an existing one.
What are planning conditions?
- Where an application is made, the local planning authority may grant planning permission subject to conditions as it thinks fit.
- When used properly, conditions can enhance the quality and mitigate the adverse effects of the proposed new development.
- These conditions might require additional approvals for specific aspects of the development (such as the colour of materials) or might restrict the use of the site (for example, by limiting operating hours).
What are reserved matters in planning?
- Reserved matters are items that are excluded from an outline planning application because they will be determined by future planning approval or have not yet been developed to a satisfactory degree.
- If outline approval is given, an applicant has three years to submit a new application to gain approval for the reserved matters left off the previous application.
- Reserved matters can include any of the following:
- Access: Access to and within the site, circulation routes, and how these fit into the surrounding access network.
- Appearance: Aspects of the building or place that determine its visual impression.
- Landscaping: The treatment of the land to enhance or protect the amenities of the site and the surrounding area, including screening and tree planting.
- Layout: The height, width and length of the proposed buildings.
- Scale: The height, width and length of the proposed buildings.
What are Section 278 agreements?
A Section 278 agreement (or S278) is a section of the Highways Act 1980 that allows developers to enter into a legal agreement with the council to make alterations or improvements to a public highway as part of a planning application.
