Walker products are now available as BIM objects! “Why does that matter?” you might ask. You might ask how it affects you as an architect, glass fabricator, glazier or building owner. Some of you might be wondering, “What is a BIM object, anyway?” This article covers the basics of Walker’s BIM objects: what they are, the benefits they offer for architectural project management, and how Walker Glass products fit into a BIM strategy.
Thanks to Don Brockman, General Manager at bim.com, and the bim.com team, for their help with this article.
Walker Glass products available as BIM objects: AviProtek® bird-friendly glass, AviProtek® E low-e coated bird-friendly glass, AviProtek® T transparent bird-friendly glass, Walker Textures® acid-etched glass and mirror
1. What is BIM?
Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a digital delivery model for projects, in particular architectural projects. It streamlines the way buildings are designed, built, and managed by integrating all project data into a digital representation that can be shared among stakeholders.
BIM is widely adopted across the construction industry. For perspective, the BIMobject platform (powered by bim.com) now has over 5 million registered users globally with about 1 million in North America alone. Don Brockman estimates, “90% of commercial construction projects over $10 million are being designed in BIM.”
“[BIM] is a collaborative process that involves creating and managing 3D models of buildings or infrastructure. It extends beyond visual representation by integrating details about a project’s physical and functional aspects, supporting the entire building lifecycle.”
2. What are the Benefits of Using BIM Objects?
BIM objects provide advantages for architectural and construction professionals, including:
- Seamless Integration: BIM consolidates design data into a single, continuous model, eliminating the silos of separate design files used by different teams.
- Enhanced Whole-Building Analysis: BIM facilitates comprehensive calculations and simulations, such as embodied carbon assessments across all building components. This is essential to meet energy standards and sustainable building models that are growing stricter and more comprehensive year over year.
You can learn more about Walker products’ contributions to LEED accreditation here. - Early Conflict Detection: Built-in product information within BIM objects helps identify and resolve potential design clashes before construction begins. For example, Walker’s BIM Objects include the dimensions of the glass and mirror to help designers plan their cut sizes appropriately from the very beginning of a project.
This article covers best practices for getting the most out of bird friendly glass and other patterned glass. - Increased Efficiency: By streamlining design and coordination, BIM saves time and money while improving overall project management.
3. Who is BIM For?
BIM is used by building professionals at every stage of a project—from initial design through construction and long-term building operation. Here’s how different stakeholders engage with BIM:
- Manufacturers create BIM objects: virtual replicas of the products they offer. These objects are available for free download from bimobject.com.
- Architects create the original design, including materials selected from the BIM objects library. They can specify materials that meet the project’s particular needs and match the components they built into the model.
- Engineers and specialists—including mechanical, structural, and electrical engineers—add their components to the model and ensure compatibility.
- Contractors coordinate and source materials, based on the architects’ specs and information within the BIM model.
- Building owners maintain an overall view of the model, using it as a reference for future modifications and maintenance.
4. How Do Walker Glass Products Fit into Your BIM Modeling Strategy?
Now that Walker Glass products are available for free download on the BIMobject platform (powered by bim.com), it’s easier than ever to integrate them into your project models.
Our product files are available in Revit format and include a generic curtain wall system, which can be easily replaced if an architect has another preferred system. Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) are also available, making it easy to incorporate the glass into whole-building carbon calculations. These documents provide Global Warming Potential (GWP) data to support sustainability initiatives.
Available BIM objects include:
- AviProtek® bird-friendly glass
- AviProtek® E energy-efficient bird-friendly glass
- AviProtek® T transparent bird-friendly glass
- Walker Textures® acid-etched glass and mirror
By integrating Walker Glass products into your BIM strategy, you gain access to high-quality digital resources that streamline specification, improve coordination, and contribute to more efficient and sustainable projects.
BIM is increasingly recognized as a standard approach in modern construction, providing enhanced efficiency, precision, and collaboration among project stakeholders. With the availability of Walker Glass products as BIM objects, professionals can now seamlessly integrate our materials into their digital models. This integration supports improved planning, coordination, and sustainability efforts across all phases of a project.
