Stories
DIGITAL MINDS: Boris Peter
Boris Peter is a Managing Director at Knippers Helbig Advanced Engineering. The company specializes in designing supporting structures and façades, and has offices in Stuttgart, New York and Berlin.
FORMLINER
Why is BIM so important nowadays?
BORIS PETER
BIM isn’t even important enough nowadays. Initial pilot projects are being implemented in Germany using the BIM method, but they are the exception. The digitalization of construction is a hot topic in Germany, as the government has recognized BIM as a solution for large German projects due to cost and deadline issues. I think it’s just a matter of time before building models have become standard practice.
When it comes to inter-disciplinary planning processes, bundling all relevant project information in one building database, collision-free implementation planning through regular collision checks, and efficient methods of communication could be the key to success. BIM is important in this process as a planning method, but it will be even more important to newly define existing work processes, encourage direct communication within planning teams without unnecessary formalities, and to do away with unproductive planning meetings with lots of participants. The BIM method could prompt a general shifting of paradigms, of which the construction industry is in dire need.
FORMLINER
What do digital process chains actually mean for planners and their work?
BORIS PETER
Every planner creates specialist models, which are then combined with coordination models and checked for collisions. Everyday planning changes within the digital planning process will not be communicated as a PDF file or 2D DWG file of manual entries into the 2D plans. Instead, you will send a small 3D file with a moved doorway, for example, that only contains this one change that can then be read into the 3D model and then be visually checked on the building. The change can then be accepted, discussed or rejected.
In our BIM projects, we talk with architects and planners from our screens. It is thankfully no longer necessary to sit around a table together. Using modern conference systems, you can not only see and speak to the person on the other end, but also share the same screen. Not only does this save travel time and result in a more cost-efficient project process, but it also has a positive effect on the company’s carbon footprint.
FORMLINER
How would you advise a colleague that wanted to convert their work processes to BIM?
BORIS PETER
Just go for it! Make small steps and don’t be afraid of the initial investment. At Knippers Helbig Advanced Engineering, we first bought a license for a BIM-compatible software. Initially, it was just a matter of converting to an element-based CAD software. In the meantime, we now use the software for all of our projects, even if the client doesn’t request it, and we try something new each time. So we are armed for future projects.
FORMLINER
Where do you see the biggest challenges or obstacles for the digitalization of construction?
BORIS PETER
It will be important that interfaces between different programs work well, and that the market stays open. IFC could be one such data format. It will also be important that we do not allow our practical work processes to be defined by the formalism of strict standards. The rules should allow for independence.
FORMLINER
A look into the future: how will you plan your projects in 2030?
BORIS PETER
We will still draw by hand in the early design stages, but then view everything on the 3D model. We will then overlap virtual planning with the real building on a tablet, and correct defects on the construction site. Many of our processes will be more coordinated and collision-free. Construction parts will be produced by robots or 3D printers directly from the planning data, and delivered to the site by electric trucks.