Abstract: In the SOHO project, BIM is being implemented for operation and maintenance management. This approach integrates BIM with energy management systems, building automation systems, parking management, and more within the operation and maintenance framework. The BIM-based platform is designed to provide comprehensive property management services for building owners.
By leveraging IoT technology centered around BIM, buildings can achieve three-dimensional visualization of their information models. This technology empowers all building components and devices with sensing capabilities and dynamic responsiveness, elevating building operation and maintenance to the level of smart building management.
—— Chen Lei
Beginning with Galaxy SOHO and Wangjing SOHO, this efficient energy-saving management system, based on BIM for property management, is planned to be deployed across all ongoing and future projects under SOHO China. We look forward to collaborating with outstanding partners to create buildings that are energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, and contribute to healthier, better living.
—— Pan Shiyi
As the global construction industry grows in scale, complexity, and pace, BIM (Building Information Modeling) technology is maturing and gradually gaining wider adoption. However, BIM’s current use primarily focuses on early design and construction phases. After building completion, the valuable BIM data often remains underutilized. This article explores how SOHO projects apply BIM in the operation and maintenance phase to maximize its potential.
Since June 2013, Borui Shangge and SOHO China have pioneered the integration of BIM with energy management systems, customizing a 3D energy efficiency management platform tailored for SOHO China. Over time, additional systems have been incorporated into the BIM operation and maintenance platform in SOHO projects, enhancing property management capabilities. This marks a significant milestone for Borui Shangge in BIM-based operation and maintenance, as well as a pioneering effort in the broader market.
The current applications in SOHO projects represent only the beginning of BIM platform capabilities. We continually strive to integrate more systems and functionalities into the platform. Looking ahead, BIM will expand beyond property management to encompass commercial management. I am confident that soon, BIM operation and maintenance platforms will unify all building information and applications across construction and operational management, becoming a leading trend in the construction industry.
iSagyBIM: A BIM-based Property Management System
SOHO China, a prominent real estate group in China, is dedicated to integrating new technologies into architecture to enhance commercial value and improve customer experiences. In June 2013, SOHO China initiated energy management systems for Galaxy SOHO and Wangjing SOHO. Concurrently, Borui Shangge pioneered the integration of these systems with BIM technology, delivering a more valuable and comprehensive property management solution.
This BIM-based solution combines spatial information with real-time data, enabling property managers to intuitively and clearly understand building data, energy usage, and related conditions through a 3D platform. The system successfully evolved from a 3D energy efficiency management tool to a full-fledged BIM operation and maintenance management platform. This innovation promises a revolutionary impact on the full lifecycle management of public buildings.
Figure 1
This project represents a comprehensive integration of BIM technology, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things. It encompasses property management systems including information overview, hydraulic balance, mechanical ventilation, sensing, lighting, elevators, temperature distribution, video surveillance, and more. These systems are crucial for managing building information throughout operation and maintenance phases.
Mechanical Ventilation
Figure 2
Integrating BIM technology with the mechanical ventilation system provides a clear and intuitive 3D representation of equipment, pipelines, and valves. The system classifies and layers this information, enabling detailed spatial analysis for specific floors, zones, or individual devices (see Figure 2).
Through the BIM operation and maintenance interface, management personnel can monitor air and water volume balances, as well as the status of each air outlet. When combined with ambient temperature data, air and water flow can be adjusted in real-time based on on-site conditions, delivering visible and immediate effects. Maintenance is simplified as the BIM system clearly maps pipeline conditions, eliminating confusion and enhancing efficiency.
Vertical Transportation
Figure 3
The 3D elevator model accurately depicts the spatial positions and attributes of actual elevators, including entrances, central locations, and accessible floors. Attributes such as elevator type, model, size, and capacity are represented visually — solid shapes for straight elevators and escalators (see Figure 3).
The BIM platform displays real-time elevator usage and energy consumption, allowing property managers to monitor performance intuitively. Analyzing pedestrian flow and movement patterns helps optimize elevator system strategies.
Temperature Monitoring
Figure 4
The BIM platform provides access to temperature data from multiple measurement points within the building (see Figure 4). It can also integrate data on humidity, carbon dioxide levels, illumination, and air quality.
Temperature distribution is visually represented using colored spheres across public areas. Users can filter measurement points based on temperature ranges and review historical trends. This allows property managers to quickly identify areas with abnormal temperatures and adjust HVAC systems accordingly for optimized indoor comfort.
Water Balance
Figure 5
Through integration with water meters, the BIM platform offers clear visualization of the building’s water network, enabling effective water balance monitoring. It analyzes pipeline data to quickly detect leaks and facilitates timely repairs, reducing waste. When renovating water systems, property personnel benefit from comprehensive pipeline location information, eliminating uncertainty (see Figure 5).
Tenant Information
Figure 6
The BIM platform manages tenant information alongside their energy consumption and costs (see Figure 6). This functionality extends to commercial data management. Integrated with mobile devices, tenant activity, promotions, locations, and reviews can be directly pushed to customers, enhancing tenant engagement and creating added value.
Basement Equipment
Figure 7
The platform clearly displays the status and location of basement equipment (see Figure 7). Typically, equipment rooms and power rooms are located in basements. Through BIM, managers can oversee equipment operation, spare parts, and maintenance records. When integrated with intelligent parking systems, the platform also displays parking availability, assists customers in finding parking spaces and vehicles, and supports unified garage management.
Video Surveillance
Figure 8
Integration with the video surveillance system enables precise mapping of each camera’s location. Clicking camera icons streams live video feeds. Multiple videos can be displayed simultaneously and cycled through continuously, functioning much like a traditional security system but with enhanced location clarity and video retrieval capabilities (see Figure 8). This significantly improves the original system’s effectiveness.
Data Analysis
Figure 9
The data analysis module breaks down Galaxy SOHO’s energy consumption into a hierarchical model, examining energy use and costs across various dimensions such as time and categories. It supports comparative analysis of subcategories, helping managers extract meaningful insights from detailed visual data (see Figure 9).
The BIM operation and maintenance platform’s applications extend far beyond these features. It serves as a top-level hub, connecting diverse building systems and spanning property and commercial management. With BIM’s high visualization capabilities, even minor technological innovations can deliver superior user experiences.
Imagine a future where customers no longer worry about finding parking, keeping track of children in malls, or choosing stores — instead, they focus on the experiences offered by merchants, creating increased attention and value for businesses.
In ongoing discussions with SOHO management, we continually seek to elevate building management and enhance building value. Integrating energy management, building automation, and parking systems is just the first step in building a comprehensive BIM operation and maintenance platform. Future integrations may include tenant information management (events, location, promotions), customer services (lost child alerts, childcare), equipment records, and system operations management.
BIM is a highly visual and integrated platform that, when combined with traditional systems, significantly enhances existing capabilities. Incorporating positioning and information systems creates even richer user experiences. The application of BIM in SOHO projects represents an initial attempt at BIM-based operation and maintenance. Moving forward, this technology will expand to more public facilities such as commercial centers, offices, airports, and museums, offering improved management methods and experiences for building operators worldwide.
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