BIM (Building Information Modelling) is a smart 3D model-based procedure that provides the Architect, Engineer, Builder and Designer the understanding and relevant tools to more efficiently plan, design, build, and maintain buildings and infrastructure.
BIM was brought to our attention in 2011 when published in the UK Government Construction Strategy published.Since then the BIM Task Group has been developing standards and requirements to enable BIM adoption. Like most things, some were quick to embrace it and others not so. For building product suppliers and manufacturers like my business OnLevel BIM ‘ready’ product information was identified as an urgent and essential requirement.
It’s been quite a few years now since BIM was first muted in the industry. From day one of Launching OnLevel UK I was keen to ensure that all our products were ‘BIM Ready’ and the BIM files easily accessible online for our customers; Architects, Designers and Builders alike, to download on demand’ and incorporate into specifications and building portfolios.
Building Information Modelling (BIM) is defined by the National Building Specification (NBS) in the following paragraph:
‘’BIM or Building Information Modelling is a process for creating and managing information on a construction project across the project lifecycle. One of the key outputs of this process is the Building Information Model, the digital description of every aspect of the built asset. This model draws on information assembled collaboratively and updated at key stages of a project. Creating a digital Building Information Model enables those who interact with the building to optimize their actions, resulting in a greater whole life value for the asset.’’
In April 2016 we saw BIM level 2 mandate coming into action. The Government 2011 Construction Strategy (GCS) requires that: Government will require fully collaborative 3D BIM (with all project and asset information, documentation and data being electronic) as a minimum by 2016. This refers to all centrally procured Government projects.
The majority of HM Government departments have already met the requirements for BIM Level 2 and the remaining departments are on target to meet the 2016 mandate. The task now is to consolidate and embed BIM Level 2 throughout departmental processes (Reference: http://bim-level2.org)
Although BIM isn’t currently required for every project, it is being taken on and certainly on the increase in use (only public-sector construction projects have been delivered using BIM, since 2016). Here at OnLevel we are keen to embrace innovation and appreciate intention of BIM’s ethos to improve value, operational efficiency, reduce cost and improve the quality of customer outcomes. These are all core aims of OnLevel and our approach to business.
