What Is BIM Methodology and Why Is It Essential for Your Façade Project?
The architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) sector is undergoing an unstoppable digital transformation. At the heart of this revolution lies a three-letter acronym that has evolved from a trend into the new industry standard: BIM, or Building Information Modeling. But what exactly is BIM methodology? It’s often mistaken for a specific software solution—such as Revit®—or simply a 3D model. However, the scope of this methodology goes far beyond just software.
If you’re an architect, engineer or façade installer, understanding and adopting BIM is no longer a choice. It’s become a necessity in order to remain competitive, precise and efficient. And if your goal is to optimize building envelope design, understanding how our façade systems integrate into this methodology is key.
What Is BIM?
Before going any further, it’s important to understand that, above all, BIM is a collaborative working methodology for creating and managing building information throughout the entire life cycle of a construction project.
Beyond 3D: What BIM Methodology Really Means
The true value of BIM lies in the “I” — Information — of Building Information Modeling. Unlike traditional computer-aided design (CAD), which is based on 2D or 3D lines and shapes, a BIM model is comprised of smart 3D objects that contain real, measurable data.
- In a CAD drawing, two parallel lines are just that: lines.
- In a BIM model, those same elements “know” they represent a façade wall. They store data such as dimensions, materials (e.g. ceramic panels), the cost, fire resistance and thermal transmittance.
- When you integrate a FAVEKER® ventilated façade into your BIM model, you’re not just visualizing ceramic esthetics—you’re loading all the certified technical data required for quantity take-offs and regulatory compliance.
This centralized, three-dimensional database allows the building to be constructed digitally before being built physically, detecting errors in advance and significantly reducing costs. It also improves coordination among all stakeholders as everyone works from a single, shared model.
BIM vs. CAD: What IsWhat’s the Real Difference?
The difference is fundamentally operational. With CAD, a change made in a floor plan requires manual updates to elevations, sections and quantity schedules—always with a risk of human error. With BIM, changes are global and automatic. If you modify the height of a façade, the ceramic panel layout, substructure profiles and budget update instantly. You move from drawing plans to managing a building digitally, anticipating issues before they reach the construction site. This approach not only saves money but also reduces material waste. By defining ceramic cuts with millimetric accuracy, on-site waste is minimized, making the project more sustainable from the design phase onward.
- With CAD: Changing a window height in AutoCAD requires manual updates to elevations, sections, 3D views and measurements.
- With BIM: Changing that same parameter in Revit® automatically synchronizes the entire model—sections, elevations and, most importantly, material quantities—because all data comes from a single source.
BIM methodology is not about drawing; it’s about building digitally before building physically.
Is BIM the Same as Revit®?
No. BIM is the methodology — the collaborative philosophy. Revit® is a tool which enables that methodology. It’s the vehicle that makes the journey possible, facilitating design and documentation through parametric families. Revit® is currently the most widely used BIM modeling software.
Is BIM Mandatory?
Increasingly so. BIM is already mandatory in many public projects, and in the private sector it has become synonymous with efficiency and professionalism. Using BIM is no longer a future decision—it’s a present-day requirement in order to remain competitive.
Advantages of BIM Modeling in Architecture and Construction
Implementing BIM is not just a software upgrade—it’s comprehensive workflow optimization, which offers benefits such as:
- A significant decrease in errors and costs. BIM enables clash detection, identifying conflicts such as when pipes intersect with beams or façade anchors interfere with structural elements—solving them in the design phase, not on site.
- Real-time collaboration. Conflicting drawing versions are now a thing of the past. All teams work on a single model with constantly updated information.
- Accurate quantity take-offs and budgeting. Thanks to detailed object data, BIM generates highly accurate measurements and cost estimates almost automatically.
- Optimized project scheduling. BIM allows the 3D model to be linked to construction timelines (4D), simulating the building process and improving delivery times.
- Sustainability and energy efficiency. BIM enables energy analysis, solar exposure studies on façades and carbon footprint calculations, supporting more sustainable building design.
What Does BIM Bring to Ceramic Ventilated Façades?
In highly technical construction systems such as ceramic ventilated façades, precision and agility are critical. This is where BIM demonstrates its full potential.
Designing a ventilated façade requires coordinating multiple elements: a load-bearing substructure, insulation, an air cavity and FAVEKER® ceramic cladding. A millimetric design error can result in significant installation overruns. FAVEKER® BIM modeling allows you to:
- Define ceramic panel layouts with absolute precision
- Model every anchor and substructure profile
- Ensure perfect alignment and joint consistency
- Provide installers with clear visual and technical information
The FAVEKER® BIM Library: Precision and Efficiency for Your Project
At FAVEKER®, we understand that supporting architects goes beyond offering high-quality ceramic products—we must also provide digital tools that enable efficient design and execution. That’s why we’ve developed our BIM families, specifically tailored to the real needs found in ventilated façade projects.
We know your main concern: downloading a manufacturer’s family that is so heavy it slows down your entire computer. For this reason, the FAVEKER® BIM Library has been developed by our Technical Office with real workflows in mind:
- Optimized families: lightweight files that keep your Revit® model agile.
- Relevant technical data: key parameters such as thermal conductivity, absorption and real dimensions.
- Accurate yet efficient geometry: realistic panel layouts for systems like GA16 or GA20, making sure what you design is what gets built.
- Full interoperability: native Revit® models and formats compatible with Archicad and OpenBIM workflows (IFC), ready to be integrated in your project without any importing problems.
- Up-to-date information: reliable data that ensures coordination between architects, engineers and installers working in perfect coordination to prevent any surprises on site.
- Realistic visualization: move from concept to reality by previewing the textures and finishes available in our panels on your building
More Than a File: A Technical Team Behind You
Downloading our BIM library is just the first step. Behind every digital file is the FAVEKER® technical team. Our Technical Office works with BIM methodology to detect clashes, optimize substructure layouts and ensure that each ventilated façade meets the highest standards of energy efficiency and technical performance.
Digitize your façade confidently.
👉 Contact us and try our BIM Library. We’ll support you throughout the entire project lifecycle.
