With the adoption of BIM technologies and the quest for better standardisation and interoperability, the need for high-quality BIM tools is increasing, which inevitably comes at a cost. In this thesis we discuss the open source and free software BlenderBIM, which was developed in response to commercial offerings.
In the first part, we briefly introduce Building Information Modelling (BIM) and the standardised IFC data notation. We then describe open-source software and how it differs from closed-source software, including advantages and disadvantages and a definition of each type of software. Next, we introduce Blender and the BlenderBIM add-on, their background, features and how they work.
In the second part of the thesis, we take a closer look at the usability and functionality of BlenderBIM and draw a comparison with other, more widely used and established BIM tools. Using the example of modelling a simple object, we illustrate the basic functions of BlenderBIM and show the differences and similarities with the possibilities of other BIM tools, including possible advantages and disadvantages. Additionally, we test the possibilities of data exchange between the programs. Finally, a SWOT analysis of the implementation of the software in practise is carried out to summarise and present the benefits of the tool.
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