Realize sustainable planting by making use of BIM

Using BIM in building projects to enhance the design, construction and operation process is becoming a common practice in order to enhance project collaboration among different trades where clash detection will be a must-do... [ view full abstract ]

Using BIM in building projects to enhance the design, construction and operation process is becoming a common practice in order to enhance project collaboration among different trades where clash detection will be a must-do task during the BIM process. Most of the clashes detection process focus on “hard clash” which is checking interference among different physical installations of a project in order to eliminate design and construction variations whereas “soft clash”, such as a plant base clash detection, is seldom a concern during BIM process. Along with a project design and construction stages, development of the LOD on BIM model requires higher which not just in individual details but also the accuracy. Information from the BIM model becomes a riches database for professionals to contribute a better project setting. A landscape architect is able to get a thorough understanding on underground utilities setting from that model and a 3D soil map can be worked out. Together with site solar simulate using the model, a sustainable planting strategy can be formulated which not only provide a better environment for plants to grow but also reduce risk on tree falling due to unhealthy root development. This paper uses practical project experience to show how landscape architect can make use of BIM model to locate the suitable place to facilitate plant growth not just looking at upper ground building structure but also underground utilities to make sure an adequate space for root system development.