Makers of the Environment
Click here and use discount code 5MYDBUMN to see your special offer
AN INFORMATION MODEL IN A BOOK!
Makers of the Environment is part of an information model whose foundation is a printed book. Some might call it a building information model, but book information model is probably more accurate. The goal is to represent the complexity and power of information modeling technologies and processes within what has up to now been a linear media. Today, information modeling is taking hold in the built environment, the man-made part of the world.
The built environment provides the setting for human activity; ranging from buildings to neighborhoods to cities, and including infrastructure, such as transportation, water and energy networks and other things that relate to humans over time. The ability to interact with everything in the built environment is the most compelling aspect of the information that surrounds us. Easily using the distributed, multidimensional tools and processes that connect data from multiple sources is not a dream… people are doing it today. Collaborative processes, rich data repositories and advanced graphics are the seeds of this information revolution. Properly applied, the tools that make this transformation possible are straightforward and accessible. Anyone can apply them to their benefit.
Nigel Davies, Director of United Kingdom based Evolve Consultancy says of the book:
Finith’s approach to the highly dispersed subject of information management builds on the style he initiated in BIG BIM little bim, yet with in a much more ambitious context. His position is now firmly set as one of the foremost authors of modern information management techniques. His natural grasp of what is really important in Building Information Management (sic), and this work’s fictional approach to the enigma of design information management helps the reader understand the implications of action and inaction from the human perspective.
Instead of a work of dry technical theories, Finith manages to exemplify concepts clearly and with real application. Finith has a wealth of knowledge to share and shares it very well. In fact the “almost reality” style is so well written and so close to what we could, and should, be doing with our information models, that I was wondering if I’d missed out on some major changes in the industry. At least with this book, you’ll be in a strong position to play catch-up. For once a technical business book is worth adding to your night-time reading list.
Links to Makers of the Environment Previews
Executive Summary Introduction Appendices Timeline Glossary Bibliography Character Sketches Taglink
Use Case for Makers of the Environment
Information models have structure. They represent one’s vision. They also include data about the world. They connect bits of data to create frameworks for managing the complexity so that we can make better decisions with facts. They make information accessible… they create order, from what is often chaos.
This site is part of a structure that puts information into context and builds a framework to represent a future vision of where information modeling is heading. As you read Makers of the Environment, you will find three interwoven paths to guide your way:
First, the Narrative Index creates the opportunity to map out your personal path through the book. Different people use information models differently. They approach them from differing viewpoints. They have different needs. A community leader evaluating new sidewalks needs different views of her information model than would a builder trying to schedule when to bring in the concrete finishers. Use the Narrative Index to read the book in the sequence that seems right. Feel free to explore elements that appeal, circling back to the storyline as it suits your exploration.
The second path involves Microsoft TAGs and this website. Where more data or the wisdom of others might improve understanding, the book links to external information via your web-enabled device, using tags. Those reading the book on a web-enabled reader, such as an iPad, find links taking them to the same places.
- The Microsoft TAGS set up direct links to more information, think of them as a glossary on steroids.
- They allow the reader to look at the broad ideas and possibilities, or to use the printed book or e-book as a technical text for educators or others learning the subject in more depth. Think of the book as a 3D symbolic model with links to underlying data.
- They allow updating of connected information as things change and offer the possibility of direct communication with the reader. Think of them as a database connection that, over time can access an ever-richer representation of information.
Finally, the book is designed around a series of connected near-future usage scenarios. The scenarios are built around technology and processes that exist today or that can credibly be projected from today’s tools and environment. They are fictional projections and not case studies. Think of these design futures as individual information models much like the Revit or Archicad models that architects and contractors build.
The design futures include rich information, show how to take advantage of existing tools and allow just in time decision-making, but they may not yet be realized. The people in these scenarios are archetypes of the people who manage similar issues today.
Many specializations built around information are rapidly folding together as experts realize the power and possibilities that information modeling brings to the built environment. This is happening in a context that increases public access and makes data more democratic and useful. As in the best of today’s building information models, this book approaches the data from many viewpoints, with different media and many levels of detail, all intended to amuse and educate about the power of information to improve the world.
Take Action
When we started BIG BIM little bim in 2005, people looked at the built environment differently. There were well-televised battles about whether we faced a global energy and environmental crisis. Financial markets were escalating as if it would never end. Toyota was number one. There was little talk of systemic change. Business was thriving. Few understood the power and opportunities that technology could make possible. Few had a vision for how to move forward. People were starting to understand that change was coming; whether they liked it or not.
As we start this book, things are much different. A vision for the future remains elusive. We know that we must improve our energy and environmental sustainability. Green design, geographic and building information are beginning to intersect. We are slowly recovering from the financial crash, although too many are still out of work. Toyota’s image is tarnished. Many are embracing new tools and the Cloud is becoming ubiquitous. Some are reaping financial benefits from the low hanging fruit and modeling is rapidly becoming a commodity. Complexity has changed the nature of the game.
Awareness of new technology in the environment, such as building information modeling (BIM) and integrated practices has come a long way in a short time. These tools, coupled with owner demands for better, faster, less-costly projects and processes that are more effective, are driving change. There are significant barriers to improving processes in the built environment. Some of the barriers are due to ignorance… people do not know what they do not know. Some are due to inertia… people have a hard time changing to new ways of doing things. Some are due to self-interest… people are looking out for number one. Some of the barriers are slowing the change and others are undermining the benefits to society.
In this cycle of rapid acceptance, information modeling has become the next new thing and an important part of many people’s plan for the future. Awareness of the technology’s impact on society and the advantages to the public are lagging behind.
Decisions made without clear facts are fraught with risk in today’s fast-paced environment. The pace of change, environmental challenges, energy uncertainty and financial complexity work to increase the opportunities for catastrophic errors of judgment. Problem projects that are over budget, late and not fit for their intended use are all symptoms of the problem. Adapting to this environment offers opportunities for efficiencies, new products and new ways of working that will make our world a better place for us all.
The built environment consumes most of our fossil fuels. With the world heating up and fuel becoming ever scarcer, we must do something now. We have the tools to analyze consequences and change trajectories. It is our responsibility to promote sustainability not only in design-but throughout our world. We must take action. There is no time to wait.
Written by Finith E Jernigan and Published by 4Site Press ISBN-13: 978-0979569968 ISBN-10: 097956 Feel free to contact us for bulk orders, discount schedules and other purchasing questions:
- Purple Cow by Seth Godin
- Unleashing the Ideavirus by Seth Godin,…
- Small Is the New Big by Seth Godin