When someone talks about how easy to create the 4D model by simply linking each 3D element with the relevant task in the schedule, the discussion always seems to turn to the 4D Dilemma.
The dilemma you say? Yes, dilemma, the 4D specialist skills, experience, knowledge, and responsibilities. I have tried to think of the 4D specialist job tasks that are truly a combination of five separate difficult areas of skill and expertise, the 4D requires very different five skillsets when we think of :
1- 4D Modeling: Creating, monitoring, and reviewing the 4D Simulation. 2- Coordination: Smoothly cooperation between the modeling team and the planning team 3- Planning: Scheduling - Reporting - Safety and layout planning 4- 3D modeler / VDC : 3D CAD applications. 5- Graphic Designer: Animation, rendering, and presentation.
What these very different and distinct five skill sets have in common? Nothing! That is until they are married at a shotgun wedding to produce a 4D animation.
Then that creates a bigger issue, who should be responsible to create, manage, update and own the 4D process? For example, is the raft going to be poured all at once or in many pours? Is the 3D model LOD matching with the schedule WBS?
Historically, firms have split the 3D modeling/scheduling between two different teams, modelers, and schedulers. However, both of them should be performed by one team. As a result, a very small number of people who can actually do both.
Now the question, to whom remains the responsibility of the 4D after its inception!
I contend it should be the scheduler working along with the 4D specialist to make it happen. The 4D specialist set the link of how the model can be modified to facilitate the scheduler plan.
In addition, technical requirements for large scale 4D models and animations are extremely high. Running complete 4D models in a live atmosphere is arguably confusing and once we start developing animations to show sequencing in 4D we end up involving the video editing.
My preference, keep the 4D animations simple and straight forward as much as you possible and applicable to field activities. Focus on the architectural model to show sequencing via color coding and do basic screenshots from complete coordination models with specific elements hidden to show the areas that are truly complex enough to require detailed 4D sequencing or admit that what you are creating is for marketing only and not for the benefit of the field.
The 4D modeling is simply taking scheduling to the next level of planning and communication, the 4D scheduling will change the way projects are won, planned, and monitored and will become the industry standard.
Finally, 4D simulation is like the movement of the human body, the brain is the schedule that has tasks linked to turning on the muscles which are the 3D model.
I would also add "Industry knowledge" under #3 Planning, where the individual has an idea of feasible decisions and understands the many factors on a live construction site. Also, a basic understand of "data management" under #4 VDC, where the individual has the ability to understand basic things like model tree levels, attributes, exchange of information and ability to transform the data with simple functions.
I totally agree, i think this topic is really important to guide the new entry people about the basic skills that they should learn .
So do you guys feel that someone needs a few years as a coordinator before stepping into a 4D role, or can someone simply learn the program and then get into the industry?
@E Tango , I believe the most important skills are planning and scheduling, as they are the core of the 4D modeling. For sure you don't need a few years :)
Well said Tamer, it is a mix of very different skillsets and hardly someone will be terribly good in all of them. Often we see 4D guys coming from either BIM or planning background. In my case, coming from planning, I can definitely say I find the 4 and 5 to be harder.
4D is a team sport and collaboration is key, it’s not about 1 individual having all the skills and knowledge. Very often it takes teams of people to generate a useful 4D model or simulation. We need to be encouraging existing disciplines and professionals to become competent in using 4D tools.
are planners or schedulers able to review models?
do modellers understand building or construction sequences?
have designers considered temporary works?
are trades engaged in the process?
for now I accept we need 4D specialists but they should be charged with training others, distilling knowledge and encouraging participation. The last thing we need is another silo or specified role on an org chart.
The top skill needed is to be a team player and good communicator.
Really good point @Ronan Collins
It would be great to debate this some time. Any chance you'd like to join a knowledge share meeting? The 4D Construction Group host these every few weeks, open invite.
There do not seem to be many 4D job postings out there. Where can an experienced 4D modeler go for work leads? Thanks!
I agree, That's why we should increase the project stockholders awareness about the 4D benefits .
I agree that 4D is a team effort.
To create a 4D model as a deliverable, you need:
Experience with 3D and 4D modeling applications
Basic familiarity with project management processes
Basic familarity with scheduling. You also need direct access to the project scheduling team.
Able to work with databases
Some experience with visualization (for renderings / output)
To use a 4D model in collaborative meetings, VDC experience comes into play and knowledge of lean is very helpful.