BIM (Building Information Modeling) is a technology that enhances the conceptualization, design, construction, delivery, and operational phases of a project by creating detailed, readable information models for each building component and piece of equipment. These models are maintained throughout the entire project lifecycle, with family files and geometric shapes refined and developed according to the specific requirements of different projects.
BIM is more than just the integration of various data types; it also involves the practical application of this data for digital construction and management. This approach suits comprehensive management across engineering and construction projects. By adopting BIM technology, construction projects can significantly boost efficiency, reduce process risks, and increase the likelihood of successful completion.
Who is required to purchase BIM design services?
This question can also be framed as: Who is responsible for paying design firms for the added technological value brought by BIM design services?
Government – Construction Management Departments: In China, government bodies typically set policies requiring construction parties to register BIM models and meet entry and procedural standards. These mandates are enforced through compulsory administrative measures without exceptions. For example, the planning and management department of Nanning city has begun requiring BIM models to be submitted with project proposals during the application stage, aiming to develop a comprehensive “full BIM information city model.”
Construction Parties: When government construction departments mandate the submission of BIM design deliverables for official filing, compliance is mandatory and the relevant services must be purchased without delay. Given current national trends, the establishment of a BIM design achievement filing system is becoming standard practice.
However, construction parties face challenges because their BIM management software throughout the project lifecycle often differs from the Revit software used by design firms. Even if design teams provide complete BIM design results, construction parties cannot seamlessly convert these into usable construction BIM models. As a result, they must reconstruct the construction BIM model based on the design reference or foundation, either by designing it themselves or subcontracting the work at their own expense. Consequently, the BIM design results from design firms offer limited direct value to construction parties, and it is unreasonable to expect construction parties to bear significant costs for this conversion.
Supervision Parties and Construction Subcontractors: Their situation is largely similar to that of the construction parties described above.
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