Abstract:
Building Information Modeling is a term representing a new process or approach that is being widely implemented in the architecture, engineering and construction industry. If one works in this industry and has not yet heard the term, it is reasonable to expect it will not be the case much longer. The adoption of this approach to designing and managing projects is catching on at a phenomenal pace in the US and in Europe and it will not be long before it takes over the South African building industry. The firms that have been early adopters of BIM are realizing its benefits and enjoying a competitive advantage as they work to secure and perform new projects in a much more efficient manner, from the conceptual design stage through project completion, and the operation and maintenance of the building. BIM continues to overcome the initial hesitancy among architects, designers, engineers, contractors and owners, by proving it to be a powerful data management system and time saver. BIM is in its early stages of development and the tools that support BIM are being improved each year. The building industry will continue to reap the rewards as the tools and processes of BIM are fine-tuned.
