BIM Technology

It’s tempting to think of Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology as a simple software application. In fact, this widely used term describes highly technologically advanced, collaborative and information centric processes by which digital models are generated to collate, manage and communicate information through the entire lifecycle of a building or project. Like Germany, many firms in Australia are already incorporating BIM technology into their daily workflows. This is driving cultural change within the construction industries of both countries; which in turn is impacting on project management, collaboration and the way in which projects…Read more

Models of buildings have been used for centuries to be able to explain what is to be built. Today the computer technology offers the possibility to create and develop models in a digital environment. In context to other industries such as the automobile industry, the digital revolution in the architectural, engineering and construction industry (AEC-Industry) has just started. Many architects and engineers are already using new additional software applications which allow them to distribute 2D drawings while creating a virtual 3D model for the design development. However, the data exchange formats which are…Read more

Generally the Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology goes far beyond simply switching to a new software application. It is a new work process of designing a building collaboratively while optimizing the method of planning and construction as well as the operation and maintenance of buildings. As already explained in my last blog post, the basic principles are usually defined at the beginning of a BIM project in order to be able to work collaboratively with BIM technology. Part of these basics are BIM agreements, also known as a "BIM Execution Plan" (BxP) or…Read more

In my last blog post, I wrote about the current conflict between the traditional CAD planning process (2D and 3D graphics) and the BIM-based planning process (intelligent 3D models). If a project is going to be based on BIM technology, the next step would be to clarify the shift of effort. According to an article that was published in December 2014 by the Detail, BIM technology is especially important to clients and contractors who see it as the next generation technology (Schoof, Jacob. “BIM in der Architektur: Verweigern oder Durchstarten?”). However, it is…Read more

Also in 2014, there have been a number of conferences, user forums and other events about BIM technology. Comparing these events to others that have been hold in the past, an increasing number of people who are interested in this development as well as users who have already started adopting BIM technology within their daily work process can be identified. However, there is still much confusion about what exactly BIM technology is really all about as there are different definitions and types of presentation. As a participant in this year's RTC Europe in…Read more