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SMART SOLUTIONS FOR HISTORICAL PRESERVATION

Historical Preservation

In many communities, historical preservation is a cause near and dear to the hearts of many. Almost everywhere you look, buildings like courthouses, local historical museums, art galleries and more contain the history of communities within their walls. However, those old walls also contain old heating and ventilation systems that do a less than stellar job keeping the building comfortable for their occupants. When deciding to do a historical renovation there are many factors to take into consideration. With many of these projects, it’s not as simple as tearing down the building and starting from scratch. Historical buildings are meant to retain the character and uniqueness of the period in which they were built and require careful planning in order to do so. While many of these buildings had plumbing and heating systems that were considered the best of their day at the time they were built, the years have eventually taken their toll and thus require tremendous modernization.

Overcome Challenges

Overcoming these challenges while still maintaining the distinct heritage and appearance of the building is what makes these projects so interesting. The best way to tackle these projects is by using BIM, or Building Information Modeling, software to help gain a complete understanding of the building’s structure. Unlike the original builders, today’s engineers have the capability of using advanced computer software to create 3D images of the building. This allows for analysis of various types of HVAC and plumbing systems, letting engineers see which ones would work best within the structure of the building.

Building Information Modeling

The biggest advantage of using Building Information Modeling (BIM) software is its ability to eliminate problems before they exist. By using this software to analyze various possibilities, engineers are able to see potential problems before any construction begins, thus streamlining the process and ultimately saving time and money. Because many localities today have limited budgets when it comes to renovation projects, it’s crucial for them to make sure their projects stay on schedule and on budget. BIM software allows for quick experimentation of various ideas while also keeping a project on schedule. By isolating faulty systems and ruling out some ideas in advance, projects can often save money by knowing in advance what materials will work best and how the system will be constructed within the building’s historical parameters. Combining the past and the present, BIM software lets many buildings maintain their special place in a community’s history.