BIM and Stellar Architecture: Lessons From the First Three Years of the AIA TAP BIM Awards

Building information modeling (BIM) can be the means to achieving brilliantly conceived, exquisitely designed and meticulously constructed projects that demonstrate truly stellar architecture. That message, contrary to the prevalent belief that a BIM has a “technocentric” and “project-delivery” focused purpose, emerged over the past three years’ submissions in the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Technology in Architectural Practice (TAP) BIM Awards. Category “A” of the BIM Awards program was titled “Creating Stellar Architecture Using BIM,” one of seven categories in the awards process. Arup, in 2005 (the first year of the BIM Awards), won the award for the Beijing National Swimming Centre for the 2008 Summer Olympics in China. A.M. Mortenson Company, in 2006, won the award for the Denver Art Museum. Kieran/Timberlake, in 2007, won theaward for the Loblolly House.