Approvals is the often forgotten process in building construction; a necessary evil to lawfully construct something. As such, it is often left out of the discussion of technology and design process. It is easy to assume that the approvals process will simply adjust to changes in technology and design methodology; that the barriers to BIM implementation are specific to the execution side - the design and construction professionals. However, it has been shown repeatedly that for a process is to be adopted, ALL barriers to that process must be addressed or eliminated. For BIM and the integrated Design process (IDP) - which demand common language and inputs early in the design process - this means all parties in the design and construction process must support or be neutral with respect to the BIM/IDP process. This includes approving authorities. Drawing on analogies from other industries, this presentation will cover the changes BIM and the Integrated Design Process force on the both design and construction practitioners, and how these affect approving authorities. Technological, practical, and procedural implications will all be discussed, and a model for development presented and discussed as a potential solution.
Prior to joining The City of Calgary, Justin worked as a consultant - completing several projects certified to LEED Gold or better. As Coordinator of Plans Examination for Development Approvals and Building Safety at the City of Calgary, current responsibilities include administration of building and energy codes in the approvals processes and built environment. He has authored several works, notably playing a role in the development of the National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings (NECB), and contributing volumes for both ASHRAE and BIM Canada publications. In addition, he occupies positions on the Canada Green Building Council Alberta Board of Directors, the Standing Committee for Energy Efficiency at the National Research Council, and SAIT’s Green Building Technology Centre Board.
Approvals is the often forgotten process in building construction; a necessary evil to lawfully construct something. As such, it is often left out of the discussion of technology and design process. It is easy to assume that the approvals process will simply adjust to changes in technology and design methodology; that the barriers to BIM implementation are specific to the execution side - the design and construction professionals. However, it has been shown repeatedly that for a process is to be adopted, ALL barriers to that process must be addressed or eliminated. For BIM and the integrated Design process (IDP) - which demand common language and inputs early in the design process - this means all parties in the design and construction process must support or be neutral with respect to the BIM/IDP process. This includes approving authorities. Drawing on analogies from other industries, this presentation will cover the changes BIM and the Integrated Design Process force on the both design and construction practitioners, and how these affect approving authorities. Technological, practical, and procedural implications will all be discussed, and a model for development presented and discussed as a potential solution.
