LoD is a Language
Welcome to the world of BIM & LoD, where detail and development collide in 3 letter acronyms!
BIM (Building Information Modeling) is a process for creating and managing information on a construction project across the project lifecycle. Scan2Plan works at the conceptual, schematic and construction document phases. One of the key concepts in BIM is understanding the different levels of development and detail that are used throughout the process.
LoD is a term that we use on projects to communicate the level of development and detail of our models. For those unfamiliar with the term, LoD stands for "Level of Development" and also "Level of Detail". Why make things easy? We like to think LoD is a language to specify milestones, deliverables and priorities with a high degree of clarity.
Level of Development (LoD) 100 - 500 in BIM
LoD was first introduced by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) in 2008 when it defined five different levels of development of the detailing levels in a BIM model.
from generic to specific
LoD 100 is the earliest stage of BIM development, and it's all about the concept phase. LoD 200 is where the schematic design phase starts, and this is where the approximate geometry of the building is created. LoD 300 is where the construction documents phase begins, and this is where accurate geometry is created. LoD 400 is where the construction phase starts, and this is where the actual building is constructed. LoD 500 is the final phase, and it's all about facility management.
Scan2Plan Standards - LoD 200, 300 & 350
LoD 200 interior elevation
LoD 200, our “Approximate Geometry” Standard is all about the big picture. It's the generic model, the foundation of your project. This is the level where you'll find those generic modeling families that we all love to hate. LoD 200 is also known as the "element geometry" level and it typically includes the following information:
Geometry of architectural elements such as walls, roofs, and floors.
Basic properties such as length, width, and height.
Basic location information such as coordinates and orientation.
Basic connectivity information such as which walls are connected to which floors.
LoD 300 interior elevation
LoD 300, “Accurate Geometry” represents the construction documents stage of the design process. At this level, we start to add more details to our models, such as openings, stairs, ”and railings.This level is all about the families of objects, like walls, doors, and windows. LoD 300, also known as the "systems" level, includes the following information:
Detailed properties such as size, type, and finishes of building elements.
Detailed connectivity information such as which systems are connected to which elements.
Optional information on MEP systems such as electrical, plumbing, HVAC & fire.
LoD 350 interior elevation
LoD 350 “Precise Geometry” is all about the details. This is where you'll find things like hardware, built-ins and finishes. This is the level where you'll find highly specific modeling families. LoD 350, also known as the "element properties" level, includes the following information:
Detailed properties such as material type, thickness, and color.
Added Materials, Hardware, Frame & Trim Details
Roof Penetrations & Structural Framing
Lighting components, Crown Moldings, Ceiling Panels & Grids
Level of Detail (LoD) 300 vs 350
It's important to note that LoD can also refer to the level of detail of a model. So, while LoD 300 refers to the construction documents phase, LoD 350 refers to an increase in detail for decorative architectural elements or other structural elements.
Conclusion
But what about LoD 100, 400, and 500? LoD 100 is all about the conceptual design, and it typically includes information on zoning, zoning requirements, and conceptual site plan. LoD 400 is about fabrication and it typically includes information on fabrication drawings, fabrication schedules, and fabrication details. LoD 500 is about construction and it typically includes information on construction drawings, construction schedules, and construction details.
Understanding and utilizing the LoD concept in BIM is crucial for effective communication and successful project outcomes. The levels of detail and development, specifically LoD 200, 300, and 350, provide a clear framework for modeling and are essential for ensuring a high level of accuracy and precision in our work. If you’re still confused about the difference between LoD and LoD, remember that the real LoD is Love of Detail.