Our 3D World and the Evolution of Design

Submitted by Robert Spinale, BIM coordinator (New York, NY)


Robert at Yankee Stadium,
where Stantec completed
extensive 3D surveys


Today our industry regards 3D as a relatively new movement, with the transition from CAD to BIM models moving steadily. But in reality the 3D movement began 30 years ago, when other industries like animation were starting to see the value in computers and 3D design. Companies like Pixar began experimenting during this time despite being shunned by top animation firms such as Disney for changing the traditional hand-drawn workflow. If it wasn't for Pixar’s efforts and their vision, the 3D animation revolution of the 1990s would have never happened. In the case of the AEC industry, in the 1980s most firms were just beginning to experiment with the computer and CAD, meeting the same resistance. As always, the reluctance to move to a new platform slowed the evolution progress.

Pioneers of 3D in our industry were companies like Skidmore Owings & Merrill, which began researching the merit of having a building model in three dimensions. The firm created a database-driven modeling system known as AES, or Architecture Engineering System, a predecessor to today’s BIM tools. Early visionaries were working on models like this even before others saw the need to move to CAD, leaving most other AEC firms to stick to their usual, conventional methods. There were other obstacles to deal with also. The personal computer was only in its infancy, making the availability of computers for drafters difficult, let alone any training needed to use modeling programs.



3D model of utilities under a NYC street



Another major problem was computing power. We have enough difficulty even today designing in 3D without our computers crashing if not equipped with an adequate system. Back then, there were not nearly enough technological resources to do so, which is why initial research was put on hold until the technology advanced enough to keep up with the movement. Had there been enough interest, hardware and software developers might have been compelled to advance their product lines and give us the resources to experiment with building models. Had this happened earlier, the BIM revolution would have occurred in the ‘90s along with the 3D work of the animators and others who choose to invest in it.

Example of a 3D print-out

My vision for the AEC industry is that we are, eventually, going to completely move into the BIM era , whether that be five, ten, or twenty years from now. A lot of the 3D work we’re doing at Stantec—between our ever-evolving BIM experience and our recent use of 3D printing and other technologies—is helping point us in that direction. It’s my hope that this continued experimentation, experience, and evolution helps position us as forerunners in our field, ready for the brave, new BIM world.