Plans

Building upon the foundational concepts introduced in Autodesk’s 2002 whitepaper on Building Information Modeling (BIM), OnlyPlans represents a significant evolution in building design methodologies. While BIM introduced a paradigm shift by integrating design data into a cohesive model, OnlyPlans advances this approach by emphasizing a room-centric, logic-driven framework that automates and streamlines the design process.

The Evolution from BIM to OnlyPlans

BIM revolutionized the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry by transitioning from traditional 2D drafting to intelligent 3D modeling, facilitating better collaboration and decision-making. However, as the industry has evolved, so have the challenges, including managing complex relationships between building components and ensuring design compliance. OnlyPlans addresses these challenges by reimagining the design process from the ground up.

Core Principles of OnlyPlans

1. Room-Centric Design: Unlike traditional CAD and BIM systems that focus on individual components or layers, OnlyPlans centers the design process around rooms—the fundamental units of space within a building. Each room is defined by its purpose, spatial requirements, and relationships to other rooms, enabling a more intuitive and organized design approach.

2. Emergent Geometry through Logical Relationships: In OnlyPlans, architectural elements such as walls, doors, and windows are not manually placed but emerge automatically based on predefined logical relationships between rooms. This ensures that the design remains consistent with spatial requirements and programmatic needs, reducing the potential for errors and rework.

3. Deterministic and Explainable Automation: Every design decision in OnlyPlans is backed by clear, traceable logic. Designers can understand why a particular element was placed, what rules influenced its placement, and how changes will affect the overall design. This transparency fosters trust in the automated processes and empowers designers to make informed adjustments.

Advantages of OnlyPlans Over Traditional BIM

• Enhanced Design Integrity: By automating the generation of building components based on room relationships and predefined rules, OnlyPlans ensures that designs are inherently consistent and compliant with standards, reducing the likelihood of conflicts and errors.

• Improved Efficiency: The automation of routine tasks allows designers to focus on creative and strategic aspects of building design, accelerating project timelines and reducing costs.

• Scalability and Flexibility: OnlyPlans’ logic-driven approach adapts seamlessly to projects of varying scales and complexities, from simple residential buildings to large commercial structures.

Conclusion

While Autodesk’s introduction of BIM marked a transformative period in the AEC industry, the emergence of OnlyPlans signifies the next step in the evolution of building design. By prioritizing room-centric design, leveraging logical relationships for geometry generation, and providing deterministic automation, OnlyPlans offers a forward-thinking solution that addresses the instant demand of modern architecture and construction.