Is it difficult to self-study BIM technology, and how should you get started?
Before diving in, ask yourself: Do you truly have the time to learn it systematically? Are you aware of the time commitment and challenges involved in self-learning? And are you prepared for these hurdles?
Getting Started with Self-Studying BIM
1. Build a Solid Theoretical Foundation
Some people believe that learning BIM simply means practicing with the software. I used to think the same way, but I soon realized this approach creates significant difficulties later on. Without a theoretical foundation, you might subconsciously assume BIM is just modeling software. This mindset limits your thinking.
In design, this narrow view can reduce quality by focusing only on immediate tasks. During construction, it can hinder collaboration between teams, causing everyone to work in isolation. For operation and maintenance, sticking to traditional methods and lacking BIM understanding reduces efficiency.
Therefore, studying BIM theory is essential for effective self-learning. Every technology and concept is rooted in theory. BIM theory is the soul of BIM thinking. Without it, even the best technology cannot deliver its full potential.
2. Use Books as Your Guide
Reading books is crucial when self-learning BIM. For theory, I highly recommend Guan Pei’s “BIM Overview” and “What is That Thing Called BIM”, as well as Chuck Eastman’s “BIM Handbook” (available in Traditional Chinese).
For technical skills, especially if you’re focusing on Revit, resources like Mars Classroom offer comprehensive books covering beginner to advanced levels. Combined with hands-on software practice, these materials provide a solid foundation.
3. Learn Through Videos
Currently, there are many BIM learning videos available online. However, most are either too basic or of poor quality. Many are created by students or trainees with limited real-world experience. While these videos may be fine for beginners, they won’t help much when you face complex problems or engineering challenges later on.
If possible, I recommend investing in high-quality paid video courses. They usually cost around 300-500 RMB. Beware of very cheap or huge free video collections on sites like Taobao, as their quality is often low.
Some reputable platforms offering good BIM courses include:
Yimi Online School, Zhulong, and Zhucheng Online School.
That’s all for my introduction on how to start self-learning BIM technology. I hope this article helps you on your journey!
Must log in before commenting!
Sign Up