In China, the adoption and application of Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology is relatively recent. Since 2003, the engineering and construction industry has been gradually incorporating BIM, with design firms playing a leading role in promoting its use across various construction sectors.
With advances in electronic information technology, the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development issued the Outline for the Development of Construction Industry Informatization 2016-2020. This document emphasizes that informatization is a crucial part of the construction industry’s development strategy and a necessary step for transforming its development model. The goals include improving quality and efficiency, conserving energy, and reducing emissions. To achieve this, it calls for accelerating the adoption of new technologies such as BIM, fostering internet-based collaboration, enhancing informatization capabilities, optimizing the informatization environment, and deepening the integration of information technology with construction engineering management.
Before this outline was issued, BIM had already been recognized in China’s “Twelfth Five-Year Plan” in 2011, receiving significant attention from government agencies, enterprises, and individuals within the construction industry. Many companies began experimenting with BIM applications and saw positive results. Local policies and standards have since been introduced in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, fueling a surge in BIM demand.
In 2014, regional governments across China increasingly recognized the importance of BIM technology. Specific policies were introduced in regions such as Beijing, Guangdong, Shandong, and Shaanxi to strengthen BIM adoption and promote its steady development.
In June 2015, the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development issued the Guiding Opinions on Promoting the Application of Building Information Modeling. This document highlighted BIM’s significant and far-reaching impact on architecture and construction. BIM can be applied throughout a building’s entire lifecycle—covering planning, design, construction, and maintenance—allowing stakeholders to share multidimensional data and resources seamlessly. This integration enhances industry chain communication and provides strong technical support for architectural design advancement.
Moreover, BIM enables in-depth analysis and simulation of engineering environments, energy consumption, economic benefits, safety, and reliability. These capabilities help optimize project planning and decision-making. BIM also promotes greater collaboration among various disciplines, facilitating virtual construction and refined project management, which improves quality, efficiency, and sustainable environmental development in the construction industry.
The Guiding Opinions also aim to standardize BIM practices within the construction sector. By December 31, 2020, Class A survey and design institutions and special-grade construction enterprises were expected to integrate BIM deeply into their management and information systems. The goal was to achieve a 90% integration rate of BIM in survey and design processes for new projects, particularly for large- and medium-sized state-owned buildings, green ecological demonstration communities, and green buildings.
The document emphasized the importance of developing effective BIM plans, setting phased goals, allocating necessary software and hardware, and optimizing project management to support BIM applications. It also called for building enterprise-level professional family libraries, refining BIM application standards, and strengthening research collaboration, technical training, and talent introduction to elevate BIM proficiency.
Undoubtedly, BIM is set to become the mainstream technology driving the future development of the construction industry.
By elevating BIM technology to a national development strategy level, the 2016-2020 informatization outline marks a significant milestone in promoting BIM’s widespread adoption. However, challenges remain in ensuring this policy translates into sustainable industry growth and in motivating professionals to master and improve their BIM skills. Thus, the new policy presents both opportunities and challenges for advancing BIM technology in China.
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