Understanding BIM technology an unique combination of 3D design & modeling software

Digital and spatial representation of buildings have been in construction industries for over six decades. The building information modelling, a digital representation tool and platform, has permeated the architectural, engineering and construction (AEC) industries; the digital software is fast becoming in norm across AEC projects. Building Information Modelling (BIM) helps in planning, designing, constructing, operating and maintaining the physical infrastructure in construction industries. Adoption of the BIM technology is driven by significant business benefits: higher return on investment (ROI), speedy data exchange among the stakeholders or parties, and considerable savings on large architectural projects. A unique combination of 3D design and modeling software, application of the software module helps designers and engineers in designing sustainable houses, and the potential is vast; it can be used to redesign smart cities. The BIM market is largely driven by increased adoption by commercial and residential construction activities and favorable government mandates across various regions.

Potential of BIM architecture & services to transform AEC industries

The market witnesses great potential of BIM architecture in AEC industries. The application of building information modelling (BIM) services enable development of green buildings that includes energy simulation features and various prefabrication techniques along with effective data exchanges. However, high cost involved in making software and lack of trained professionals may hinder the growth of the market to some extent. Recent technological advancements that helps in the management of data at a remote server along with improved user inter-coordination enabled through cloud based solutions have created vast growth opportunities in the market.

Recent Developments & Factors Boosting BIM architecture

The BIM market occupies a major share in North America region, driven by significant technological benefits and considerable budget savings. BIM policy has already kicked in the countries such as in the U.S. and the U.K. It has been more than five years since, Paul Morrell, the then United Kingdom’s chief construction advisor, announced the mandate to require all government contractors to become compliant with Level 2 Building Information Modeling (BIM); the Level 2 BIM is a basic and collaborative level, enabling all parties on construction project to exchange information suing standard common file formats, such as Construction Operations Building Information Exchange (COBie) or Industry Foundation Class (IFC). The move as contended by industry experts will rev up efficiencies across various stages of the BIM construction project life cycle. Though the move have been very slow in terms of adoption experts opine that government has been proactive in conducting a strong outreach effort on the successful adoption of BIM mandate. Contractors in the construction industries and concerned stakeholders across the United States have taken a cue from this and government agencies started implementing BIM across the lifecycle of construction projects. Federal agencies such as the General Services Administration, Coast Guard, Army Corps of Engineers, Department of Veterans Affairs, and Smithsonian Institution have already begun the process at some initial level. Irrespective of what the level of implementation of the platform is, the construction and architectural activities would gain tangible business benefits—containing budgets, timely completion of projects with less errors.

BIM market prospects

BIM is fast emerging as an ideal alternative to traditional CAD software, owing to its enhanced cost management, handling of raw data & timely information and superb alignment of processes associated with construction projects.  As per a recent report published by Allied Market Research titled, “World Building Information Modeling (BIM) Market”, the world BIM market would garner a revenue of $11.7 billion by 2022, growing at a CAGR of 21.6% during 2016 - 2022. The commercial and infrastructure construction industries would continue to be the leading consumers of BIM and would constitute approximately 63% of the global market by 2022. Cloud-based deployment BIM model dominates and would remain so driven by cost effectiveness and easy accessibility.

As market analysts assert that BIM is more of a cultural shift than just a technology shift, and the successful implementation of BIM would need few things to be in place: buy-in from major organizations, a collaborative spirit between the parties, and realistic expectations of gradual and steady adoption; these will offer realistic benefits across AEC industries. 

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