Ideas can start as sketches on paper or digital which can be saved as a background to start creating the BIM in ONUMA. Import the background images to ONUMA as a reference. Basic requirements such as where is the site, how big is it, and what other factors need to be taken into consideration can start at the very early stages of requirement planning. This could start with very minimal information and more detail can be layered in as it becomes available.

Shapes converted into polygons in ONUMA can now be used to calculate areas, uses, and other attributes. Extruded shapes can start to define floors and masses of buildings. All of a sudden your ideas have data that can be computed and shared.

Start with what is known. Space data can start with a list of spaces and areas, or just be a list of spaces with yet to be determined areas. Every project will be different. Use this information in the ONUMA System to start converting spaces to BIM that can be refined as the project progresses.

If space templates already exist they can be used in ONUMA. Here is an example of space templates in Program2BIM that are saved as ONUMA system schemes.

Add furniture and equipment associated with spaces. There is a library of objects in the ONUMA System and also placeholder blocks that can be used to plan the spaces.

Blocking and stacking spaces to plan. Spaces report their area, content and other properties in reports even in the early planning phases. The layout does not have to be completely resolved to be useful for making decisions. The diagram to the left shows the floor slab in grey and spaces color coded by department. The furniture is optional and hidden in this view.

Spaces can be moved into position, size can be adjusted, content can be added or deleted, and new spaces can be added. Floors can also be added or deleted. As edits are made the reports are updated in real time. Version of schemes can be saved to compare how the design is meeting the requirements.