This conference seeks to attempt to unravel the complexities of introducing Building Information Modelling (BIM) into a construction industry that is both fragmented and conservative in its use of innovative technologies. The organisers hope to attract papers that will address the difficulties and challenges that will help in creating an environment for BIM to deliver improved project outcomes.

The specific objectives of the conference seek to:

  • Exchange knowledge about the challenges faced and strategies adopted to support BIM in international construction regions.
  • Learn how BIM can be aligned to support national programmes that are aimed at delivering greater efficiencies and serve overall societal needs.
  • Provide clarity to the industry, particularly SMEs, of the guiding principles, benefits and challenges that BIM can bring to their businesses.
  • Raise awareness of the importance of education and training to ensure that a consistent message is delivered to both the demand and supply chain on how to best implement BIM.
  • Promote the importance of adopting collaborative and co-operative procurement and contractual frameworks that work with BIM.
  • Hear experiences and lessons learned from case studies where BIM has been deployed.
  • Align the virtues of BIM with lean methodologies and practice.
  • Learn how BIM can support the management of information needed in design and construction of sustainable buildings.
  • Hear about how BIM standards assist in the collaborative production of architectural, engineering and construction information that leads to a greater consistency in the development, organization and management of production information for the construction industry.

Conference Categories

GLOBAL BIM

Governments across the globe are increasingly recognising the efficiencies that can be gained with the use of digital technologies in the design and construction of public built assets. Learning from international professionals who are embarking on this transformational journey will provide an opportunity to share knowledge and experiences between countries at different levels of BIM maturity.

BIM for Government

Governments throughout the world are challenging industry to raise the quality of data gathered and shared in digital models though their respective BIM programmes. The challenge for all governments is to align this challenge to address competing governmental programmes, such as, smart cities, delivering infrastructure, transport, energy efficiency, planning, building control, housing, health, education etc… The conference organisers are particularly keen to hear from jurisdictions that require planners, regulatory bodies, local government, government agencies and departments to require the use of BIM protocols and open standards on all or specific centrally funded projects.

BIM for SMEs

It is apparent in many jurisdictions that the larger design and construction corporations are embracing BIM and winning work as a direct result. There is also evidence that these organisations have chosen to work routinely with BIM even in instances where BIM is not a project requirement. There is, however, a clear need for the SME community to embrace BIM, as it is likely that larger corporation will require their supply chain to work with BIM in the future. The conference organisers are particularly keen to hear from SMEs that are currently embracing BIM in their daily business.

BIM Education and Training

Adoption of BIM across the world is increasing rapidly. There is a serious challenge to upskill and equip graduates and industry to prepare for this transition. Whilst Higher Education Institutes are responding and there is a proliferation of training courses available to upskill industry, there is a significant gap in the knowledge that client organisations possess. There is a need for both industry and government clients to ask for BIM in a more consistent and knowledgeable way. The conference organisers would like to hear about education and training initiatives, in particular those programmes that are designed to upskill client organisations in specifying and in use of BIM.

Procuring with BIM 

Efforts have been made internationally to align or adjust the contractual procurement methods in the light of the requirements for more collaborative work-practices. This requires a review of managing risk, intellectual property, insurance and warranty requirements for clients, consultants and constructors. This is perhaps one of the most significant challenges in respect to working with BIM. The conference organisers would like to hear about procurement changes introduced to create a business environment where BIM can work and provide adequate contractual protection for all project stakeholders.

BIM Case Studies

Hearing the experiences and lessons learnt from project teams continues to be the best way for industry to identify with the opportunities that BIM can bring to their businesses. The conference organisers would like to hear about small or large-scale projects or simply a corporate message on a BIM journey that seeks to provide an inspirational message for delegates.

Lean and BIM

There is a worldwide trend towards off-site construction and pre-fabrication, based on manufacturing and lean construction principles. On-site construction is costly, wasteful and poses higher health and safety risks. BIM is beginning to change the way one builds, the way buildings look, the way they function and the way buildings are maintained and managed. The conference organisers would like to hear about the linkage and alignment of BIM and LEAN and how these compatible methodologies are been embraced by construction and engineering businesses.

Sustainability and BIM

Aspects of Sustainable BIM include building performance, environmental, economical, and social impacts, sustainable design and Life Cycle (LC) management of buildings. Creating more sustainable design and construction solutions requires new types of information compared to that traditionally generated. This requires the support of efficient information-technological solutions. The conference organisers would like to hear how BIM should also be used sustainably to support the supply, integration and management of information throughout the building LC.

BIM Standards

The sheering volume of BIM standards available can be confusing. There are a growing number of standards from various organizations in every country where BIM is becoming popular. Standards will also differ slightly depending on the BIM software used. Without standards a BIM project can start to be derailed as information starts to become difficult to interpret and responsibilities begin to blur. The conference organisers would like to hear about international developments and innovations in the use of BIM standards both at project and corporate levels.

Digital Technologies Supporting BIM

BIM is the first truly global digital construction technology and will soon be deployed in every country in the world. While BIM is a ‘game changer’ to be successfully deployed it shouldbe used alongside compatible technologies and digital processes, such as, virtual reality, laser scanning, 3D printers, cloud computing, Enterprise Resource Planning, knowledge management, ecommerce etc .. The conference organisers are particularly keen to hear about current developments and further technologies that are compatible and supportive of BIM.

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