It\u2019s 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 are fun. These changes can already be observed, but with differences in each nation in terms of implementation and acceptance.<\/p>\n
BIM Guidelines, Road Maps and Standardisations<\/strong><\/p>\n In both Germany and Australia, the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry is rapidly embracing BIM. In both countries, it is expected to be standard usage within the next few years, particularly in the public sector. As part of the amendment of the German HOAI 2013, the BIM method was introduced by name as \u201e3D or 4D Building Information Modelling\u201c and defined as an additional service during the preliminary design phase. This is a step in the right direction but still it does not meet the overall requirements.<\/p>\n A year later, in early 2014, the Federal Institute for Research on Building, Urban Affairs and Spatial Development (BBSR) at the Federal Office for Building and Regional Planning (BBR) published the first \u201cBIM-Guide for Germany\u201d. This (BIM) guide is essentially a manual, incorporating recommendations and examples informed by user experience, to be used as a template for the development of a so-called \u201cBIM Abwicklungsplan\u201d (BIM Execution Plan). However, it is not a legal document that mandates how BIM technology should to be implemented in Germany.<\/p>\n In Australia, the BIM implementation is currently being driven by industry organisations such as NATSPEC (National Specification System of Australia) and BuildingSMART Australasia as well as the private sector. The first \u201cNational Guidelines and Case Studies for Digital Modelling\u201d in Australia were published in 2009. This document \u2013 like the BIM-Guide for Germany \u2013 provided an overview of BIM; detailing the ways it might impact current workflows and how it could be used to develop a fully collaborative, model-based facility.<\/p>\n Two years later, the \u201cNATSPEC National BIM Guide\u201d was published, offering a suite of BIM documents that could be used as a reference for implementing the approach on a project.<\/p>\n\n\t\t