Built on BIM Technology, the architectural collaboration platform aims to enable seamless sharing and transformation of building information models among designers from various departments and specialties throughout a building’s entire lifecycle. This approach fosters true collaboration in the field of architecture. But what essential features should a BIM-based building collaboration platform include?
(1) Building Model Information Storage
At the heart of collaboration among multidisciplinary designers lies the ability to share and convert building information models efficiently. This is the core foundation of BIM technology. As such, BIM-based building collaboration platforms must offer robust storage capabilities. Currently, most building information models in architecture are stored as files, which proves inefficient when handling large, frequently modified data sets. Moreover, this file-based approach makes it challenging to centrally store engineering information across multiple projects.
In contrast, database storage technology, widely used in information technology, offers significant advantages. Databases provide large storage capacity, high efficiency in data input, output, and query, and facilitate easy information sharing—making them ideal for BIM model storage.
(2) Graphic Editing Platform
Designers from various disciplines working within a BIM-based collaboration platform need tools to edit, convert, and share building information models stored in the BIM database. This calls for a graphic editing platform integrated with the BIM database. Such a platform not only delivers an intuitive, visual representation of building models but also enables professional designers to perform necessary modifications directly within the system.
Additionally, when the BIM database encompasses an entire city’s building information, it can be combined with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), transportation data, and other relevant information. Displaying this integrated data through the graphic editing platform creates the foundation for a fully realized digital city.
(3) Architectural Application Software
The construction industry is inherently multidisciplinary. During the design phase, collaboration is required among architects, structural engineers, HVAC specialists, electrical engineers, plumbing engineers, and more. This diversity necessitates the use of various specialized software tools, such as structural performance analysis and lighting calculation applications.
Therefore, a BIM building collaboration platform must include architectural application software that supports these professionals in designing and analyzing building performance efficiently.
(4) Building Collaborative Platform Based on BIM Technology
Effective management is critical, given the involvement of multiple professionals throughout a building’s lifecycle. A BIM-based collaboration platform should provide appropriate permission controls for designers across different disciplines. It must also enable efficient management of functional software, coordinate design workflows, and regulate information transmission timing and content.
By doing so, the platform maximizes the benefits of BIM technology, ensuring smooth collaboration and coordination. The implementation of BIM technology thus lays the essential groundwork for such a platform.
In summary, as explained above, what functions should a BIM technology building collaboration platform have? With this preliminary understanding, it is clear that the goal of BIM Technology is to support collaborative work throughout a building’s entire lifecycle. Only by establishing a BIM-based collaboration platform can building information models be truly shared and transformed among departments and specialized designers, thereby achieving genuine collaboration in architecture.
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