Level of development (LOD) is one of the most fundamental concepts of BIM. It was developed to facilitate BIM utility through the building lifecycle and is typically part of every BIM execution plan (BEP). An LOD matrix provides the framework to exchange both geometrical and qualitative digital information between stakeholders. However, LOD is commonly the most ambiguous part of any BEP. The definition is often customized, and the terminology modified to align with an already contracted scope, essentially eliminating the whole purpose of defining a LOD. Through the past decade, the AEC industry has struggled to find a way to utilize BIM without altering existing design and construction processes and deliverables. Consequently, LOD has overtime morphed and devolved into something that fits within the industry’s comfort zone of BIM. This presentation will bring LOD back to its intended purpose and examine how, and if, it can be used effectively by all stakeholders. LOD may be a practical solution for robust information exchange; however, as it stands, LOD is a square peg in a round BIM.
Daniel is Manager of Operational Support at PCL Construction in Edmonton, AB. He has almost 20 years of experience in the AECO industry, starting as a construction laborer and later moving into Architectural Technology as an early adopter of BIM and VDC. He transitioned to the general contractor world over 12 years ago and now focuses on lean process improvement and leveraging a wide range of technologies that reduce waste and increase value for all stakeholders. He has a bachelor’s degree in Technology Management, is a certified engineering technologist (CET), has a Certification of Management in BIM and lean (CM BIM -CM Lean). Daniel also sits on the CanBIM Board of Directors.
Level of development (LOD) is one of the most fundamental concepts of BIM. It was developed to facilitate BIM utility through the building lifecycle and is typically part of every BIM execution plan (BEP). An LOD matrix provides the framework to exchange both geometrical and qualitative digital information between stakeholders. However, LOD is commonly the most ambiguous part of any BEP. The definition is often customized, and the terminology modified to align with an already contracted scope, essentially eliminating the whole purpose of defining a LOD. Through the past decade, the AEC industry has struggled to find a way to utilize BIM without altering existing design and construction processes and deliverables. Consequently, LOD has overtime morphed and devolved into something that fits within the industry’s comfort zone of BIM. This presentation will bring LOD back to its intended purpose and examine how, and if, it can be used effectively by all stakeholders. LOD may be a practical solution for robust information exchange; however, as it stands, LOD is a square peg in a round BIM.
