Allister Lewis discusses the impact of data-driven design principles on architecture

As we continue our ‘in conversation with…’ series for BIM Show Live 2019 speakers, Allister Lewis, Head of Technology at ACG Architects, gives his expert opinion as an architect on the benefits of BIM and looks back at when his BIM journey first began, and how this sparked his desire to use BIM and data-driven design in his Master’s thesis.

What is your current role?

Head of Technology

What does BIM mean to you and how do you use/implement digital construction methodology on your projects?

BIM is a process and a tool to improve collaboration between all parties on a project. The aim is to improve the quality, consistency and culture within a project for the benefit of the end-users over the life-cycle of a building or asset. We use this methodology to improve productivity and the quality of our information, focusing on relationships within our teams. In addition to this we are trying to use the most up-to-date technology and constantly researching new solutions to improve the way that we do things.

When did you first start working with BIM?

2012 – a new primary school project which used multiple consultants collaborating together. This was an experiment to see what advantages this could bring over a traditional delivery. We were fortunate to have two projects running concurrently that used traditional methods of delivery and the use of BIM. We found that collaboration, a reduction in time and therefore fees on the job and an improvement in satisfaction by team members was experienced.

Why should BIM Show Live visitors attend your talk?

My interest in BIM has been developing for a number of years now and I recently completed a Masters at Middlesex University. As part of this I undertook a thesis research project that explored the use of data driven design principles and how this will affect architects. The outcomes of this demonstrated that there are some exciting new opportunities out there for consultants, not just architects. My talk will discuss what these look like and I believe that this is pointing the way to where the industry is heading over the next couple of years.

What technologies in the AEC industry currently impress you the most?

I find Internet-based technologies such as Autodesk Fusion and solutions like Ingrid Cloud (CFD modelling) really interesting as they give us great flexibility which are not hard ware restricted. We are also really interested in drones and how these can support greater data collection on site before, during and after construction.

What do you think will be the next big thing in BIM and digital construction?

Data-driven design which utilises new metrics and data to support better informed buildings and solutions are really exciting. If we are going to build and create truly sustainable buildings we need better data to understand how to design these effectively. My talk will encompass a number of areas that this includes!

Allister’s talk at BIM Show Live, ‘Data-driven design and architects’ is taking place at 16:30 on Day 1, Wednesday 27 February. Book your tickets here.