Importance of BIM to the Built Environment

In the design and construction arena, BIM is a critical and required elements to ensure that planning, design, and building construction are highly collaborative and efficient.

FREMONT, CA

A decade ago, 2D drawings and blueprints were used to express information on construction plans. Although this approach was innovative, it was challenging to visualise the requirements and dimensions.

The introduction of computers brought CAD (Computer-Aided Design), helping drafters gain the benefits of plans in a digital environment. Further, CAD became 3D, turning blueprints into realistic visuals. Today, building information modelling (BIM) is the industry standard. BIM allows for more transparency throughout the building process by making information more accurate and accessible to all parties involved.

The value of BIM is demonstrated through many outcomes, including better designs, efficiency, foresight, and handovers. Better designs are achieved using tools to analyse design performance and iterate various options to optimise the outcome. Better efficiency includes the ability to prefabricate items as field conditions are predictable. Engineers can gain better foresight by evaluating schedules in a 3D environment to plan and coordinate trades. Better handovers are possible by providing facility operators with essential information for asset management, space planning, and a maintenance schedule to improve the facility’s overall performance or facility portfolio. BIM benefits and assists every person associated with a project.

Owners

The primary benefit for owners is saving money since BIM allows them to design and build projects efficiently. This reduces errors in design and construction, keeping the building owner substantial money. Additionally, BIM enables the project team to search for conflicts and eliminate them before construction starts, when mistakes are more costly.