BIM is set to bring many changes in the future. The BIM Architecture Training Network highlights two major transformations BIM will introduce: collaborative design and 3D design thinking.
First, let’s discuss the advantage of collaborative design. Traditionally, architectural work has often been fragmented and unilateral, lacking comprehensive coordination. However, the BIM workflow enables collaborative design, a possibility that was previously unattainable due to various limitations. For instance, our institute has been involved in energy-saving ecological analysis and green design projects, demonstrating this collaborative potential.
From a collaborative standpoint, our institute partners with American firms on projects in the United States. Recently, over 50% of American firms have indicated that BIM adoption will increase this year. Despite the financial crisis in 2008, we completed several design projects in the US prior to that year, marking our participation in global design efforts. American architects upload their models online, which we access as well. Using software like Revit, once the model is complete, it can be shared online for better communication, making project collaboration much more efficient.
Secondly, there is a significant shift in design methodology. In the past, architects relied on hand-drawn sketches, requiring strong imagination and expressive skills. The introduction of computer-aided design (CAD) marked a major advancement. Building Information Modeling (BIM), which offers three-dimensional, information-rich modeling, represents a leap forward compared to traditional hand or computer drawings. This evolution is unavoidable and necessary for the industry to progress.
Moreover, BIM brings a change in conceptual thinking. Previously, design problems were approached through two-dimensional models. However, with the increasing maturity of 3D and virtual reality technologies, architectural education and design processes are likely to evolve. Technological advances are reshaping how architects think and approach design, presenting long-term and profound challenges. Expanding one’s mindset is crucial in adapting to these changes.
From this perspective, the two key changes BIM will bring—collaborative design and 3D design thinking—are highly significant. I believe the continuous deepening of BIM applications in China will drive even more transformations in the future.
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