The construction industry recognizes that Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology is not a one-size-fits-all solution but there is growing evidence of its significant benefits. The use of BIM can provide project stakeholders with accurate information and better understanding, particularly through improved data and visualizations that can be shared between different teams working on a project.

Accuracy is crucial for complex construction projects; even the smallest mistake can cause major problems. To mitigate errors and minimize the need for rework, BIM has become an invaluable asset.

BIM is a collaborative process that uses 3D digital models of the physical and functional characteristics of buildings and infrastructure assets. It aims to support decision-making throughout the life cycle of an asset, from inception to demolition. The core of BIM is the creation, use and exchange of these digital models between stakeholders.

Upward trajectory

The latest BIM software market report from UK-based Cambashi predicts it will grow to a value of USD 30.7 billion (€28.2 billion) by 2027. The research firm reveals that the market will was growing at a double-digit CAGR of 11.5% from 2022 to 2027, growing revenue by approximately $12.9 billion (€11.8 billion) over that period.

Joe Brooker, industry analyst at Cambashi, said: “BIM design, construction and operations saw positive growth during the worst of the lockdowns caused by the Covid pandemic – showing strong growth in 2021 and peaking in 2022.

“In 2023, a struggling global economy will slow the growth of BIM software. However, BIM Operate software will prove resilient as building management and maintenance are ongoing needs that cannot be postponed indefinitely.”

Currently, the BIM industry is witnessing remarkable growth in the Asia-Pacific region, becoming the global market leader, says Spherical Insights & Consulting.

This can be attributed to the rapid urbanization and infrastructure development of the region, creating an increase in construction projects and fueling the demand for effective project management and coordination through BIM.

In addition, there is a growing emphasis on sustainable and environmentally friendly construction practices in Asia-Pacific, which amplifies the use of BIM for energy efficient design and construction purposes. Technological advances, increased awareness of the benefits of BIM and supportive government initiatives also play a critical role in driving its adoption.

Stefan Kaufmann, product manager for BIM strategy and new technologies at global BIM solution provider AllPlan (Photo: AllPlan

Stefan Kaufmann, product manager of BIM strategy and new technologies at global BIM solutions provider AllPlan, believes that "the significance of BIM in the construction industry is tremendous."

Kaufmann adds that “It provides a coherent, comprehensive and easily communicated representation of a building or asset, enabling the efficient management of information about that asset throughout the construction lifecycle.

“BIM not only helps to visualize the building before it is constructed, but also helps in better coordination, resulting in higher accuracy, efficiency, sustainability and profitability. BIM data is machine-readable and, unlike 2D plans, can be directly used in further use cases.”

A world without BIM

But of course there was a world without BIM – as Dr Jonathan Ingram recalls. Ingram is recognized as the "Father of BIM", creating and developing early BIM systems such as Sonata and REfLEX.

He also taught the first BIM courses at Harvard University and won the Prince Philip Gold Medal from the Royal Academy of Engineers for his work. Ingram spoke at Construction Briefing earlier in the year about why BIM has become so important to construction.

“There were a number of problems with construction before BIM. One was information coordination.

“You would have separate plans, elevation drawings and quantities done by different groups of people in different offices and there was no physical connection between them. This could lead to costly errors. For example, the windows being in the wrong place. This information had to be coordinated."

Ingram goes on to note that BIM provides consistent information in terms of drawings and physical data. “Data is not duplicated in a true BIM system. You have only one source of data that is correct.”

As interest in BIM continues to grow, Ingram looks back at its early adoption and how construction is not to blame for its slow progress. “It was too difficult and to some extent too specialist and difficult for your average designer.

“It's been 40 years and it was a very hard sell in the early days, believe me. When you have multiple people using a system, it's very easy to get the next person to use the system. When no one uses it, then fine Convincing people to use a system that is designed for sharing is hard.”

Ingram points out that BIM needs a good rewrite to bring it into the modern environment and make it easy to understand, intuitive and powerful.

What is the potential of BIM?

Since Ingram's first systems, BIM has made considerable progress, and many decision makers have probably considered its usefulness to their companies. It is well known that it is able to simplify the planning stages of a project, but can technology overcome this?

"Absolutely," says Kaufmann. “The BIM value chain extends far beyond project planning. BIM is revolutionizing the design, execution and operation of buildings in a multitude of ways.

“For starters, it enables better context capture and accelerated conceptual design techniques, providing an integrated view of the project early in the planning stages. This enables proactive problem detection, leading to fewer design revisions, lower project risks and overall cost savings.”

But that's not all. During the execution phase, BIM is said to have the potential to improve construction planning and delivery through improved coordination, minimizing construction errors and material waste.

Organizations looking to benefit from BIM may face challenges such as the need for upfront investments in software and hardware, a learning curve for staff and an initial drop in productivity.

Despite this, Kaufmann emphasizes that the key to overcoming them is an organization-wide commitment and a phased implementation strategy. An effective data management and exchange system is crucial to meet these challenges.

Says Kaufmann: "By integrating project data across different types of assets—for example, buildings, roads, and bridges—and throughout their entire lifecycle, organizations can ensure data consistency and interoperability."

As companies strive to increase their sustainability efforts and adopt innovative technologies to support this goal, Kaufmann emphasizes that the capabilities of BIM should not be underestimated.

“BIM provides accurate data and metrics, which enables optimization of resources and materials,” he says. "For example, by enabling early identification of potential problems and efficient management of resources, BIM can reduce wasted materials on site and unnecessary expenditure."

In addition, BIM could have the potential to help design teams make informed decisions about how a building will perform in operation. It enables accurate analysis and simulation of energy consumption, helping to design more energy efficient buildings. It can also allow the owner or end users to better visualize the completed building so that any adjustments can be made before construction begins and materials are wasted.

Successful BIM integration

When it comes to implementing BIM for the first time, construction companies should start with a clearly defined vision and strategy, according to Kaufmann. This includes gaining an in-depth understanding of their business needs and goals.

Equally important is investing in employee training and ensuring top-down commitment.

"We recommend that companies explore platforms that can automate processes and reduce manual work," says Kaufmann.

"Furthermore, solutions that promote interoperability and facilitate collaboration between different stakeholders – in other words, an open BIM approach – will ensure interoperability and data exchange across different software platforms, contributing to overall project efficiency and success."

The key is that organizations looking to adopt BIM must consider it a comprehensive process change rather than a simple replacement for 2D CAD systems.

“BIM requires more than learning to use your chosen platform – it is a collaborative and integrated approach to design and construction that brings together various AEC disciplines,” says Kaufmann.

Therefore, fostering a culture of interdisciplinary cooperation will not only improve the overall design and construction process, but also maximize the benefits derived from BIM.”

Effective data management is also key to harnessing the full potential of BIM. Organizations should ensure that they have robust systems and protocols in place for handling and sharing BIM data throughout all phases of the construction lifecycle.

"This, of course, results from good management," says Kaufmann.

“This support is another significant influence on the success of BIM adoption. When the leadership team engages in this process, it motivates the entire organization to embrace the changes that come with BIM.”

While some might see investing in BIM as an all-or-nothing approach, Kaufmann says that doesn't have to be the case.

"Organizations can start small, perhaps with a pilot project, and gradually expand their use of BIM as they become more comfortable with the processes and tools," he says.

"Through a strategic, patient and iterative approach, organizations can effectively navigate the transition to BIM, reaping significant efficiency rewards, cost savings and improved project outcomes."