BIM + Lean: Tips for Virtual First-Run Studies

By Treighton Mauldin

Everyone knows that one of the best ways to prepare for a big installation activity, such as building out a room that repeats 100 times or a curtain wall, is to do a mock up. But doing this can cause a major inconvenience in time, cost, or space. With advances in construction software and technology, options for virtual mock ups in 4D environments are emerging, reducing a reliance on traditional working models.

With a virtual mock up, you can reap many of the benefits of doing a full-size mock up without incurring the same additional costs, space, or man power that are necessary for traditional models. But there are a few things to keep in mind when doing a virtual mock up. Pay close attention to how you set it up, what you are looking at, and how the model is used after initial setup.