Among all project participants, the greatest beneficiary of BIM technology is undoubtedly the owner. This advantage can be seen in several key areas:
1. Early Project Analysis and Design Optimization: Using BIM technology from the early stages allows for various analyses, simulations, and comparisons of different building schemes. This helps identify the best-performing design solutions. Additionally, BIM’s integrated coordination capabilities ensure drawing accuracy, significantly reducing errors and the need for design changes.
2. Enhanced Construction Planning: By simulating the construction process in four dimensions, BIM improves construction personnel’s understanding of engineering drawings and workflows. This leads to fewer on-site mistakes, lower project costs, shortened construction timelines, and higher overall project quality.
3. Long-Term Operational Benefits: While design and construction phases typically last only a few years and represent about 25% of the total lifecycle cost, the operational phase can span decades and account for 75% of total costs. BIM bridges the virtual and real worlds to support smooth operation and maintenance, offering the greatest long-term value to owners.
BIM technology also plays a significant role in attracting investment, especially in real estate. Traditional sales methods rely on floor plans, architectural renderings, and advertisements, which can limit communication between salespeople and buyers. With BIM-powered virtual reality and real-time walkthroughs, potential buyers can explore digital model homes, experience living spaces firsthand, and access real-time information about room details and layouts. They can even virtually visit community spaces or enjoy views from balconies, enhancing their understanding of the finished development.
A practical example is the main platform project of a train station in Munich, where Allplan software utilizing BIM technology was employed. During construction, the owner used the 3D design-phase model to showcase the station’s appearance to customers, providing a detailed real-time virtual tour of the station’s spaces and facilities, thereby supporting investment planning.
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