How surveys can help architects improve the building design process

BIM Surveys

BIM (Building Information Modelling) surveys provide an accurate 3D model which architects and engineers can use as the foundation of their work.

Here at CADS, our expert team of surveyors work with our clients to create a BIM survey specification with the correct Level of Detail (LOD) for the project’s needs

Laser Surveys

Laser surveying reveals the spatial details of a structure. Clients receive their survey data in the form of a 3D Revit® model or 2D CAD drawing as well as the registered point cloud data file.

These models or drawings can be produced quickly to ensure design work can commence as soon as possible, allowing architects and design teams to experiment, plan and record changes to their project.

So, how can surveys facilitate the design process?

Following RIBA’s Plan of Works

Perhaps most importantly, conducting a survey enables a project to follow the Royal Institute of British Architects’ (RIBA’s) Plan of Works.

RIBA’s Plan of Works is a model which features defined stages for the design and construction process.

Most surveys are commissioned at ‘Stage 0 – Strategic Definition’ or ‘Stage 1 – Preparation and Briefing’. These surveys are vital to making strategic decisions, evaluating risks and budget and outlining the scope and scale of the project.

Crucially though, the survey data which is captured at Stage 0 and Stage 1 will aid ‘Stage 2 – Concept Design’. The data is delivered to architects as a 3D model which enables them to make informed decisions on the form, scale and general appearance of their design. So, if a project is following RIBA’s Plan of Works, a survey is vital for the design process. In fact, the design stage cannot be achieved without it.

Architects can then move their design through the remaining stages of the construction plan to completion.

Watch our video which explains the vital survey data considerations required to align with the RIBA Digital Plan of Works.

This is indispensable when making design choices – including experimenting with ideas led by current trends in the construction industry.

For example, incorporating biodiversity and biophilia into building design is a growing trend, particularly as the world pays more attention to environmentalism.

Designers are increasingly adding elements of the natural world into their buildings, considering sunlight and fresh air flow as well as introducing pot plants, green walls, aquariums and sensory gardens.

A virtual model of a project will allow architects to take this into consideration throughout their design process.

Effective collaboration and co-ordination

Regardless of the size or complexity of a construction project, the building design process often involves multiple stakeholders which are required to work collaboratively.

With 2D and 3D models providing an easy-to-use visual medium, survey data can facilitate effective collaboration and coordination between all participants of a project – especially as they can work digitally.

Plus, there is an opportunity to integrate all data into a single environment, making the design process – and the whole construction process – run more efficiently and effectively.

To conclude, surveying in architecture projects – and receiving the resulting data – is vital to the design process.

As well as forming the foundation of the design, survey data can help architects assess risk to reduce design issues, while ensuring smooth collaboration and co-ordination with other key players in the project.

Plus, it allows architects to follow RIBA’s Plan of Works which helps the design process – and the whole project – stay on plan.