The Future of BIM

“We’re really at the tipping point in seeing BIM being adopted by architectural firms, and downstream by engineering and contracting firms as well,” observes Sarah Hodges, senior industry marketing manager for Autodesk. BIM has completely revamped the design process by optimizing designs, shortening construction schedules or reduced change orders, and providing 3D visualization that allows owners to easily toggle through a number of aesthetic design options to choose the most appealing look. All the advantages that result from the use of BIM have caused more and more demand for the required use of BIM in projects. With the extremely rapid advances in technology that we see today, it is obvious we will see great advances in hardware and software in the future. Junwah's post describes a few examples of these technological advances; “estimating cost faster, rendering 3D models quicker, and improving the infrastructure of communications such as data sharing between stakeholders.”

Besides the technological advances, I think the biggest change we will see in the future is the organization of communication technologies involving the use of BIM. Leo Scalce predicts, “More companies will focus on forging new relationships fused by common workflows and technologies in order to operate under a more holistic approach that better serves the bottom line.” Just as most engineering firms have established a book of CAD standards and requirements, I believe we will see standards for BIM modeling and sharing become more and more prevalent. Kayleigh's blog even discusses the possibility of a future creation of a specific position within companies to ensure the all BIM standards are meet.

Another change I think we will see more and more in the future is the rise in graduating college students educated in the use of BIM. We are already starting to see this change take place.  At the beginning of the term Dr. Mitchell surveyed how many students had experience with Revit. Most students had very little experience, if any, and a few were advanced in the subject. This is because, currently, taking a course that teaches BIM techniques is optional. I believe this will change in the future. BIM technology courses will become mandatory and 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.

Sources:

http://www.structuremag.org/article.aspx?articleID=1433

http://www.edcmag.com/articles/88814-continuing-education-unit--the-bim-revolution