Representation in Architecture as Idea, Physical Model, 3D Modeling, BIM

This chapter describes that representation in architecture has over time been evolving, moving from the concept of idea to physical model to digital model and today to BIM. Historically, from the Renaissance onwards, physical models have been used to document the project, in an effort to make the project more comprehensible to clients and more easily interpretable by those who execute it. A step to 3D modeling has been the most recent change, recording data inside a computer, where the model is made up of geometrical entities. With this advancement, each one has a precise position, size and relation to other elements. The evolution of 3D modeling led to a computer-controlled output (CAM). In order to better understand the CAD/CAM procedure, reference is made to the design path followed by Gehry, a forerunner in using this kind of procedure, from the “Barcelona” Fish to the latest work, where we can find BIM solutions. Thanks to 3D modeling and BIM, the project today has acquired a new central role, implicitly entails the need of sharing the information support (model and database) among those involved in processes affecting the whole building life cycle.