Short answer

Integrate BIM as a holistic process from the outset of a project, ensuring data continuity and relevance for asset and facilities management throughout the building's entire lifespan, not just during its construction.

Field: Innovation & Design
Source: Academic Publication (2018)
Method: Mixed-methods research, including literature review, comparative case studies (traditional vs. BIM approaches).
Evidence: Strong effect

Treating Building Information Modelling (BIM) as a comprehensive process, rather than solely a design software, unlocks its potential for effective asset and facilities management throughout a building's lifecycle. This innovation & design research insight is drawn from a 2018 study published in Academic Publication. Using Mixed-methods research, including literature review, comparative case studies (traditional vs. bim approaches)., researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Integrate BIM as a holistic process from the outset of a project, ensuring data continuity and relevance for asset and facilities management throughout the building's entire lifespan, not just during its construction.

Study

Innovation & DesignHigh ImpactStrong effect

BIM as a Process, Not Just Software, Enhances Lifecycle Asset Management

Academic Publication · 2018

Key Findings

01BIM is often misunderstood as design software rather than a process.
02Current BIM adoption in the AEC industry heavily favors pre-construction phases (LOD 300) with limited focus on operational stages (LOD 500).
03A BIM process, when properly defined with necessary data inputs, can significantly improve asset and facilities management.
04There is a positive opportunity to elevate BIM's profile in asset and facilities management.

Application

Design takeaway

How to apply

When initiating a design project involving buildings, establish a clear BIM strategy that defines data requirements for operational and maintenance phases from the project's inception. Collaborate with facilities management teams early to ensure the BIM model serves their needs effectively.

Project actions

01Clearly define the purpose of your BIM model beyond just visualization.
02Consider how the information you create will be used by others after the design phase.

Method & Evidence

AimTo explore the necessary data inputs for a Building Information Modelling (BIM) process to effectively support the operational and maintenance lifecycle of a building.

MethodMixed-methods research, including literature review, comparative case studies (traditional vs. BIM approaches).

ProcedureThe study involved a comprehensive review of existing literature on BIM and asset management. It then compared traditional methods of asset and facilities management with approaches utilizing BIM, focusing on the data requirements and outputs for operational stages. The research was conducted within the context of New Zealand.

ContextArchitecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry, specifically focusing on asset and facilities management.

Variables

IVBIM as a process vs. BIM as software

DVEffectiveness of asset and facilities management

CVIndustry context (AEC), project lifecycle stage

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

+Highlights the process-oriented nature of BIM.
+Addresses a gap in current BIM adoption by focusing on operational phases.

Limitations

The complexity of implementing full lifecycle BIM can be challenging within the scope of a typical design project.

Reliability & validity

The reliability of findings may depend on the depth of company case studies and the consistency of data collection across different 'traditional' and 'BIM' approaches. Validity is strengthened by the literature review and the focus on a specific industry context.

Think critically

How can the 'Level of Development' (LOD) stages of BIM be adapted or expanded to better serve the needs of facilities management throughout a building's operational life?

Design Principles

"Design for the full product lifecycle, ensuring data and processes are maintained and transferable from creation through operation and disposal."

Many design and construction projects focus on BIM's capabilities during the initial design and construction phases. However, its true value can be significantly amplified by extending its application into the operational and maintenance stages, leading to more efficient building management and reduced long-term costs.

What This Means for Your Design

Think of BIM not just as a drawing tool, but as a system for managing all the information about a building throughout its life, from building it to running it.

How to use in your project

1.When discussing your design process, explain how you considered the long-term management of your design, potentially using BIM principles.
2.If you used BIM software, articulate how you planned for the data to be used in the operational phase.

Add to My Project

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

This design project acknowledges the importance of Building Information Modelling (BIM) not merely as a design software but as a comprehensive process. By considering the data requirements for operational and maintenance phases, as explored in research by Haddock (2018), the design aims to facilitate more effective long-term asset management, moving beyond the common pre-construction focus.

Source

Academic Publication

Building information modelling for asset and facilities management

journal · 2018

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about bim as a process, not just software, enhances lifecycle asset management?: Integrate BIM as a holistic process from the outset of a project, ensuring data continuity and relevance for asset and facilities management throughout the building's entire lifespan, not just during its construction. Evidence: Academic Publication (2018).
Why does "BIM as a Process, Not Just Software, Enhances Lifecycle Asset Management" matter for design?: Many design and construction projects focus on BIM's capabilities during the initial design and construction phases. However, its true value can be significantly amplified by extending its application into the operational and maintenance stages, leading to more efficient building management and reduced long-term costs.
How can designers apply this research?: Integrate BIM as a holistic process from the outset of a project, ensuring data continuity and relevance for asset and facilities management throughout the building's entire lifespan, not just during its construction.
What were the main findings?: BIM is often misunderstood as design software rather than a process.. Current BIM adoption in the AEC industry heavily favors pre-construction phases (LOD 300) with limited focus on operational stages (LOD 500).. A BIM process, when properly defined with necessary data inputs, can significantly improve asset and facilities management.. There is a positive opportunity to elevate BIM's profile in asset and facilities management.
What research method was used?: Mixed-methods research, including literature review, comparative case studies (traditional vs. BIM approaches)..
How strong is the evidence?: Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2018 journal from Academic Publication.
What should I do differently in my next project?: When initiating a design project involving buildings, establish a clear BIM strategy that defines data requirements for operational and maintenance phases from the project's inception. Collaborate with facilities management teams early to ensure the BIM model serves their needs effectively.
What are the limitations?: The study was conducted within the specific context of New Zealand, and the findings may vary in different geographical or regulatory environments. The research focused on the 'necessary inputs' but did not quantify the exact amount of data required for each specific element.