Although Autodesk introduced the term BIM in 2002, the concept has gradually evolved over the past 40 years. BIM technology originated from the need for digital representation in the construction process. In essence, BIM is an extension of CAD technology. Since its inception in the late 1950s, CAD technology has undergone three major phases: traditional CAD, 3D CAD, and Object-Oriented CAD (OOCAD). However, within the construction industry, CAD had yet to fully realize the capabilities of OOCAD technology. True OOCAD only became achievable with the advent of the BIM era.
While CAD technology overcame the limitations of traditional hand-drawn drawings, it introduced new constraints and challenges. According to Zhao Ang’s research, the main shortcomings of traditional CAD include several key points. First, the reliance on 2D lines restricts architects’ spatial imagination and creativity, making it difficult to focus purely on design. Second, design modifications require substantial effort. Third, there is often a gap between rendered visuals and the actual design. Fourth, effective communication with clients remains challenging.
The biggest limitation of 3D CAD is that the 3D models it produces are purely geometric representations without building construction attributes. These models only convey architectural form but do not support architects and engineers in detailed analysis or decision-making. Although traditional CAD and 3D CAD have automated and digitized architectural drawing, they fall short of the full potential implied by “Computer Aided Design,” essentially remaining at the level of “Computer Aided Drawing.”
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