Minecraft for BIM?

Have you played Minecraft or try to play it? Me. I got caught interested and wondered how a kid can build a beautiful house in Minecraft. It is just like a virtual Lego in a gamification platform. Don't get me wrong Lego is still different and it is the old school for the granddad. Yes, because nowadays Minecraft can do what it can, build from ground to top. You can build a skyscraper in just one sitting.

Image Credits: JUNS MAB Architecture tutorial YT channel

Although the essence of building a house in Minecraft is to build the quickest possible way. You can start either from top or bottom, it's up to you.  But in a real scenario, it is not like that if you are using BIM software. Make sense?

Check out this BeIMCraft I got interested and kids can learn BIM from a young age. It is like having fun while learning. The game is called BeIMCraft, which is an acronym for Built Environment Information Modelling Craft. It is a modification of the existing Minecraft platform and builds on it to highlight the emerging role of digital technology in this sector.

It reflects the interdisciplinary nature and requirement for collaboration with the built environment’s supply chain by challenging pupils to consider planning issues, health and safety risks, structural aspects, sustainability and cost when creating their 3D world. For example, when creating a building the pupils need to first place foundations or else the building will collapse. They can also only build to a certain height before stability issues need to be considered.

Learn more here at: https://www.beimcraft.com/

Not so related, see a sample of Minecraft Steve in Revit: 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GSwF5L48p2C7y9O-9Sj5DfUGjAY-cTKc/view?usp=sharing

Ikea Home Planner: My Review

As in the news, Ikea Philippines already embarking on the first batch of their product range. And the store will be opening in the third quarter of 2021, particularly in July. Got excited? 

But before you plan to buy, be sure to list it down and planned it early. Here is what Home Planner can do for you. Although the platform setting is set to inches and prices are also in USD for their product ranges. I hope it is available also in the Philippines. For example, a brand from the US or an alternative brand that cater for your need for the room re-design. If you are an architect or interior designer, Ikea Home Planner may be easy for you to use and explore. 

You can design and plan from kitchen, dining and your dream office. I was surprised what you add in the floor view such as types of furniture, lighting accessories, and it lists down all the total prices. Rotation and moving the 3d element might be it easy to adjust and locate it on your own.  You can change or add later the brand, colour and design of your shelves, chairs, tables etc. You can also change the paint of the wall, even the material of the flooring. 

With the Home Planner interface for your room layout, you can add fixtures like electricity and plumbing. Even structures like a post/column, a sloped ceiling and even glazing like a glass partition.

Check out below my quick layout (30 mins via Google Chrome) 😍😁done in Ikea Home Planner:

BIM History Map

Interesting BIM development map ready to print! All developments from 1980 to the present! Good idea for a new poster on your wall or a gift for a BIM fan? Here's the Link how you can print this on a wall.