By Steve Rizer
New Digital Practice documents from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) are expected to create a project-wide process and related protocols for working with building information modeling (BIM) and for the exchange and management of other digital data. The organization’s updated documents also are expected to help prompt project participants to discuss and address many issues that may arise throughout a project and thereby reduce barriers that often hinder BIM adoption.
Currently, the updated Digital Practice documents consist of the following: AIA Document E203–2012, Building Information Modeling and Digital Data Exhibit; AIA Document G201–2012, Project Digital Data Protocol Form; and AIA Document G202–2012, Project Building Information Modeling Protocol Form. The public comment period on the draft documents began last month and will close Sept. 24.
“BIM has changed the way construction industry participants interact with each other and communicate internally,” AIA stated. “Project plans have moved beyond two-dimensional design to multi-dimensional models that have parametric capabilities. We are continuously evaluating the development and adoption of BIM and the impact it has on contractual relationships. As a result, the AIA Contract Documents program is updating its documents for use on construction projects involving digital data or BIM.
“During this unique public comment period, the documents will be available for review through the AIA Contract Documents website. Users will be able to download the documents and will be asked to complete a simple survey. They will also be given the opportunity to provide detailed comments on a section-by-section basis, if they so desire.”
Added Kenneth Cobleigh, managing director and counsel for AIA Contract Documents: “The development of BIM and incorporation of other digital practices has been critical to the construction industry because it facilitates successful implementation of the challenging tasks of planning, coordination, and communication among the multiple parties in construction projects. The AIA Contract Documents program has always been committed to obtaining industry feedback through our network of individual and group liaisons and then incorporating that feedback into the development of our documents. Reaching out to a broader audience through a public review and comment process is uniquely suited to the rapidly developing nature of BIM and other practices related to the exchange and management of digital data, and this will help further our goal of ensuring that AIA Contract Documents are as comprehensive and useable as possible.”
Following the open comment period, the AIA Contract Documents Committee will review the feedback and incorporate suggested changes, if deemed appropriate.
An AIA spokesperson declined to respond to ConstructionPro Week’s questions requesting additional information.
