BIM is a process, not a thing and not software, even though certain BIM software vendors would like you to think that their products ARE the only true way to BIM. The term is Building Information Modeling, not Building Information MODEL. It is a verb – Modeling for Building Information.

Therefore, if an architect uses the BIM process to derive faster, more accurate, complete and integrated CDs, than he is leveraging the BIM process by creating a “virtual building model” to deliver his part of the design/build/operate process – and in most cases that includes paper drawings. But more and more owners and contractors want the virtual building model from which the CDs are derived. And yes, one day I believe we will be submitting BIMs to building departments to get approval; it will happen. The process of electronic code checking and BIM quality validation is already possible today, with software like Solibri. For now, we need paper….but my point is, architects can at least get to paper information better and faster via the BIM process.

Contractors want the virtual building model from the BIM process primarily for MEP Coordination and if they don’t get it from the architects, they will often pay thousands of dollars to a third party to create a “constructability” model from 2D drawings, since MEP Coordination in 2D using light tables is a HUGE headache (meaning it wastes time and money) for contractors. Contractors are also beginning to use the constructability model for construction sequencing (4D building “dress rehearsals” e.g practicing building the building and doing virtual “what ifs”) and project management, making them flawless when it comes time to really build the building. Extracting accurate estimates from the virtual building model follows as third priority in the contractor’s use of BIM.

At this stage in the Building Industry transformation, I suggest we focus on how any or all stakeholders can leverage models from the BIM process however they can. Even though there are many models now, one day we will reach the Holy Grail of one integrated Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) model that travels downstream and picks up the necessary level of detail (LOD) as it chugs down the design/build/operate track. Then, we will not need to talk about BIM anymore, because we will all be doing it!

Right now, all stakeholders are doing the best they can to leverage a virtual building in any way they can, and as we progress it will all become even more integrated, as IPD and design/build becomes the norm. 

Until that time, BIM continues to be a verb, and it is progressing!

About the Author
John Stebbins, Associate AIA, is the founder and President of two virtual design and construction companies: Digital Vision Automation, Inc. and 3D VirTec in Irvine, CA. He has been one of the leaders in transitioning the building industry toward Building Information Modeling (BIM) systems since 1989.