A Brief History of Digital Design & BIM at SOM

Applying the Best Tools to Solve the Most Difficult Problems

Early Innovation

Since 1980, SOM has made significant contributions to the development and use of Building Information Modeling (BIM). The firm created a multipurpose, database-driven, modeling system known as AES, or Architecture Engineering System, and single-handedly pioneered its development. Though not a commercial success, AES is regarded by many as the fundamental precursor to today’s BIM tools (Figures 1 - 2) and its advancements led toward a profound acceptance of computer technology within SOM’s culture. SOM now uses a wide repertoire of commercially available BIM, parametric, visualization, and simulation tools as an integral part of the firm’s design regimen, which includes structural and mechanical engineering. The firm’s core philosophy is to apply the best tools available to address the most difficult problems at hand.

Evolution & Advantages of BIM

SOM’s implementation of BIM has led to a fundamental increase in the quality and scope of services offered to the firm's clients. A model-centric approach necessitates all parties collaborate on identical information - maximizing design efficiency while minimizing technical errors. SOM believes that "Value-Enhanced BIM" - simulating environmental conditions, component fabrication, and onsite assembly directly via BIM – will imminently be the standard process in a new environment of virtual design and construction (VDC) (Figures 3 - 4).

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