BIM content is tomorrow’s BIM database

In 2023, the construction industry finds itself at a juncture in the journey towards digitalization. As we navigate the landscape of Building Information Modeling (BIM), it becomes evident that the anticipated leap hasn’t materialized as expected. Instead of celebrating the monumental strides we’ve taken, this article delves into the nuanced realities of BIM content adoption within the industry, painting a candid picture of where we stand.

The Landscape of BIM Content

At the heart of BIM lies its content—the information that is BIM-readable and integrated into a BIM project. This expansive concept takes on various forms and sizes, ranging from databases and Excel files to specialized plug-ins. It’s a dynamic entity that serves as the lifeblood of digital construction. However, despite the versatility of BIM content, its adoption across the industry has encountered roadblocks.

Assuming the construction industry operates predominantly at maturity level 2, as per the United Kingdom’s construction strategy, signifies a collective effort in collaboration through Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) or proprietary software ecosystems. Level 1, involving 2D and 3D documentation and the introduction of a Common Data Environment, has already been implemented to a considerable extent.

The Landscape of BIM Content

However, the reality reveals a gap in the collaborative aspect of BIM. While many professionals can seamlessly work with 2D and 3D documentation and issue IFC files, the true essence of collaboration remains elusive. The question persists: when will we transition from a coexistence of siloed information to actively engaging in collaborative construction practices?

Unmasking BIM's Dunning-Kruger Effect

Unraveling the layers of BIM’s Dunning-Kruger effect brings to light a cognitive bias wherein individuals with limited knowledge tend to overestimate their capabilities. This phenomenon has seeped into the BIM community, creating an illusion of proficiency while giving rise to the term “BIM-wash”. BIM-wash is a term often used to describe inflated and/or misleading claims about the use, delivery of BIM services or products.

On one side of the spectrum, construction professionals, primarily architects, quantity surveyors, engineers, and constructors, entrenched in BIM technology, may perceive their digital construction goals as accomplished. This perception often stems from a dismissal of enhanced digital construction methods or an overreliance on the marketing narratives of software manufacturers. These are the village BIMers—working in BIM but with limited collaboration capabilities.

On the flip side, there are architects, quantity surveyors, engineers, constructors, and consultants who transcend the connectivity challenges. These connective BIMers recognize that achieving a digital asset requires a real-world objective. Some have even moved beyond the confines of “BIM” terminology, referring to it as data that can be exported into various formats—text, graphics, print, connections, or Internet of Things (IoT).

A potent driving force pushing the industry towards effective digital collaboration is the involvement of Cities and Governments. Through mandates and procurement guides, they shape the landscape, assisting professionals in delivering BIM projects. However, they are not immune to BIM’s Dunning-Kruger effect, occasionally requesting files and information without a clear intended use. Despite this, some Cities and Governments have a clear objective for the information they seek, translating into coherent procurement policies and Employer’s Information Requirements (EIR).

To transcend the limitations described in BIM marketing literature, professionals must delve deeper into the capabilities of their preferred software. The quest for enhanced collaboration should be coupled with a keen awareness of the real-world objectives that underpin their deliverables. Making information delivery malleable entails working from a comfort zone while ensuring stakeholders are comfortable in theirs—a middle ground approach that fosters collaboration.

Information as an Asset: Unveiling Hidden Value

Moving beyond the realms of BIM collaboration, we unearth the most valuable asset BIM professionals wield: information. Often overlooked, the construction project’s design, specification, construction, and management hinge on a vast trove of information. This information must be introduced, generated, and delivered at every stage of project development. What is crucial is realizing the inherent value of this information and understanding that its configuration and definition dictate its worth.

At each juncture in project development, the need for information is accompanied by the generation of new data. A conscious effort must be made to recognize that this information holds intrinsic value. The more defined and sorted the information, the more value it carries. This principle extends to the information produced—a well-configured database, project model, deliverable files, or IFCs all contribute to the overall value.

Valuing Information: A Paradigm Shift

Imagine a scenario where less effort is required to initiate tasks within a project. The key? Requesting well-defined and sorted information. Want to save time in reviews and corrections? Ensure your information is well-defined and organized. By instilling a sense of value in the information acquired and delivered, the emphasis naturally shifts towards how that information is configured and defined.

This paradigm shift places databases at the forefront. A well-configured database becomes the linchpin of efficiency, enhancing work processes and elevating the output’s value. Access to such a database allows for smoother collaboration, as stakeholders can navigate the project’s intricacies with ease.

Overcoming the Collaboration "Blank Page" Syndrome

BIM content, akin to a precious commodity, prompts a cautious approach when venturing beyond the familiar BIM ecosystem. The “blank page” syndrome, a hesitation to explore alternative tools or methodologies in pursuit of efficiency, looms large. Yet, this very exploration distinguishes the village BIMers from the connective BIMers.

Numerous services and software options exist to catapult productivity, interoperability, and automation to new heights. The key is reaching out and asking the right questions. Initiating conversations with software vendors, immediate collaborators, employers, and product manufacturers lays the groundwork for enhanced collaboration. Specific inquiries, such as asking vendors about a particular functionality or collaborating with peers on preferred work delivery methods, are pivotal steps.

In 2023, several oases await those traversing the connectivity desert. The challenge lies in knowing where to look. The compass guiding this exploration should be the objective set to improve work practices.

Looking to link software and collaborate seamlessly?

Seeking legitimate BIM objects?

Exploring IFC files and adaptation?

For those delving into new workflows and software interactions…

Embarking on the path toward improved collaboration and information management brings intrinsic rewards. Adapting to employer criteria or workflows becomes a faster and more seamless process without disrupting individual workflows.

A Call to Product Manufacturers

Product manufacturers play a pivotal role in the BIM ecosystem. Being attuned to the information requirements of potential customers operating in a BIM environment is paramount. While BIM libraries may house comprehensive information about products, it’s good practice to ensure these are regularly updated with well-sorted and direct information. The future of building design and analysis hinges on the effectiveness of BIM content.

The Bright Horizon with Databases

Beyond the discussions of BIM level 1 and BIM level 2, a level that resonates with connective BIMers is BIM level 3. While the full realization of BIM level 3 involves all project participants, certain construction industry professionals are already equipped to operate at this level. Connective BIMers, aligning their policies for BIM content inclusion and information generation, navigate standardized and interoperable project environments.

The existence of professionals operating at BIM level 3 signifies the viability of digital construction workflows. However, it doesn’t signal a halt to industry advancements. On the contrary, the presence of these professionals underscores the need for the industry’s infrastructure to catch up with the capabilities demonstrated.

The Crucial Role of Databases

Beyond the debates about BIM level 1 and BIM level 2, one level that resonates with connective BIMers is BIM level 3, within the framework of the ISO 19650 series. A crucial element in the infrastructure journey toward BIM level 3 is the availability of databases for project development. As project information requirements evolve and multiply, the databases must align with the diverse informational needs. This doesn’t necessitate a database complete with 100% verified information; it means labeling databases with missing or unverified information, making them suitable for specific project use.

In essence, a database with incomplete or generic information still qualifies as an asset, serving as a starting point for project tasks. This holds true for BIM content, where various levels of content are available. The key is recognizing that not all content is naked for its intended use. The ultimate goal is to surpass the threshold, enabling the generation of databases and BIM content capable of operating at different levels of information maturity and across various project phases.

Navigating Toward BIM Level 3

The vision of BIM level 3 paints a future where professionals seamlessly operate in a standardized, interoperable project environment. While certain professionals are already capable of this, the industry as a whole should not rest on its laurels. The fact that some professionals operate at BIM level 3 underscores the effectiveness of digital construction workflows. However, the industry at large needs to elevate its infrastructure to this level.

Critical to this infrastructure is the availability of databases for project development. These databases must cater to the ever-evolving and diverse information requirements of projects. The challenge lies not in having a complete database with 100% verified information, but in ensuring that databases with missing or unverified information are appropriately labeled. This labeling allows for discernment in choosing the right database for a given project, fostering efficiency in project tasks.

The journey toward BIM level 3 necessitates the capability to generate databases and BIM content adaptable to different levels of information maturity and project phases. This approach ensures a surplus of databases and maintenance practices, culminating in an infrastructure that propels the industry toward greater effectiveness, practicality, and productivity.

In conclusion, the landscape of BIM in 2023 is marked by both achievements and challenges. Recognizing the intricacies of BIM content adoption and collaboration sheds light on the path forward. Valuing information as an asset, overcoming collaboration hurdles, and embracing the potential of databases pave the way for a future where the industry operates seamlessly at BIM level 3.

This journey is not without its complexities, but it holds the promise of a construction industry that thrives on collaboration, where information is a prized asset, and databases serve as the backbone of efficiency. As we navigate this digital frontier, the collective effort to bridge gaps, seek innovative solutions, and propel the industry toward greater heights defines the narrative of BIM in 2023.