Future of BIM

BIM is a relatively new technology in an industry typically slow to adopt change. Yet I am confident that BIM will grow to play an even more crucial role in the future. I think BIM will have the following trends.

First, we can get data from mobile technology. With the popularity of the Internet and mobile intelligent terminal, people will be in any place and at any time to obtain information. Like Junwah Ng mentioned how we could use phones to check the BIM models. I think that this is definitely possible. You will see a lot of engineers with these mobile devices can modify the design at home. Second, cloud technology -this is one of the most important concepts.  Whether energy consumption or structural analysis, you could use unlimited computing resources with the click of a mouse and check even the most complex building analysis task with virtually no delay. This can help designers compare different design solutions as soon as possible. And third is advanced control. The traditional operation and maintenance method is found where there are problems to solve. However, with BIM technology and cooperation from manufacturers, we can do pre-control cooperation by adding user behavior information, air-conditioning, security, electrical operating data and control strategy directly into our three-dimensional model. So, maintenance will be better targeted and predictable.

After reading other posts, I agreed with Jeanine Lancellotti’s idea that BIM technology courses will become mandatory in the next 5 to 10 years. We will see all students studying engineering or related fields graduating with full proficiency in the use of BIM. People who are expert in both CAD and BIM will become more valuable in the future (see Gabrielle Carpenter).  Rita Pauliushchyk’s introductions about 5D modeling technologies also catch my eyes. 5D modeling integrates time and cost. I think future 5D technology can save construction costs, shorter project time, increase project quality, reduce the risk of decision-making and improve investment returns.

As computers and software become more capable of handling more building information, BIM will become even more pronounced than it is in current design and construction projects. 

Source: http://www.buid.ac.ae/cms-websiteresearch/BIM%20Lecture.pdf