Three exciting aspects of the BIM approach
Everyone is talking about BIM, but what is being said? More efficiency, more quality, more transparency at all levels. Building Information Modelling (BIM) is almost undisputed in the public debate as the panacea for exploding costs and delays, a method for better collaboration and communication between all project participants throughout the entire lifecycle of a building. As more and more experts realise that BIM will slowly but surely find its way into the entire property sector, many editorial teams are devoting themselves to the topic. A closer look reveals General issues such as benefits and risks are being considered. The conclusion: BIM will revolutionise the industry, but few know exactly how. BIM consultancy 'Die Werkbank' has therefore scoured the press landscape and collected the 3 most interesting BIM articles of the past 12 months that provide added value. Enjoy browsing.
"The construction industry wants to take off with digitalisation"
We start with an article from the Neue Zürcher Zeitung (NZZ) of 8 May 2018. It is not the positive tone that makes this text worth reading, as it should be clear to experts by now that BIM can sometimes make construction processes more efficient in terms of workflows. What is exciting, however, is the aspect that suppliers in particular can be better integrated into the processes on the construction site. The pioneering role of pharmaceutical giant Roche and SBB, as described above, should also be highlighted. Roche is currently using BIM to build Switzerland's tallest building in Basel. We believe that more recognition is needed for companies that consistently implement projects using BIM and thus set an example for the entire industry. SBB plans to use BIM to design all its investment properties in the coming years. Thumbs up!
"Please with BIM"
The article in the Süddeutsche Zeitung of 14 February 2019 provides a contrast, focusing primarily on the reasons for the still sluggish implementation of the method. The article is enlightening: Thanks to BIM, planners and architects have more time for the creative part of their work, because much of the day-to-day business, such as measurements, contracts and tenders, is automated. According to a study by the Bavarian Industry Association, 29 percent of players in the construction industry are using BIM. PwC's figure is just eleven percent. And that, according to the article, is where the problem lies. 'As long as only individual players work with BIM, the benefits of the method will not pay off.' There is also a lack of standards, a shortage of skilled labour and, above all, a glut of BIM-enabled software solutions that do not work together.
"Implementing BIM: A Systemic Approach to Change Management"
In the 6 February 2019 issue of Architekturzeitung, there is plenty of input for engineering and architectural firms. Unlike many other fact-based technical articles, the editor focuses on the internal processes and hurdles that need to be overcome within a company to successfully make such a major transition from analogue to BIM. For design firms, the question of what requirements need to be met is likely to be an exciting one: Key message: A planned change is needed that involves the entire organisation at all levels. The Architekturzeitung succeeds here in providing those responsible in companies that are in the midst of the change process or are still facing it with successful tips for the concrete introduction of BIM.