Although Building Information Modeling (BIM) has seen rapid development in China, its widespread adoption still faces several challenges. The main factors hindering the popularization of BIM are outlined below:
1. Inconsistent Mechanisms
The implementation of BIM introduces not only technical risks but also changes to existing design workflows. As a result, designers’ use of BIM software can temporarily impact both individual and departmental interests. Typically, designers do not receive additional compensation for adopting BIM, making it unrealistic to enforce BIM adoption within organizations or departments without practical technical support and effective management systems.
Moreover, since current design outputs are still primarily delivered as 2D drawings, BIM technology encounters procedural limitations and non-standard practices when producing these 2D documents. Therefore, it is essential to enhance the 2D drawing capabilities of BIM software. Simultaneously, relevant national authorities should consider updating traditional design delivery methods and drawing standards to align with technological advancements—potentially moving towards using 3D BIM models as the primary medium for design deliverables.
2. Project Risks
In China, project design schedules are often tight with short cycles. During the initial phases of BIM software adoption, technical obstacles are common, which can jeopardize timely completion of design tasks.
3. High Usage Demands and Challenging Training
While leading BIM software vendors emphasize ease of learning and use, in reality, BIM training remains more complex compared to traditional 2D design. For some designers, mastering BIM technology presents a significant challenge. Additionally, creating complex BIM models often requires architects to have strong mathematical skills and some programming knowledge, or collaboration with CAD programmers, further increasing the difficulty of implementation.
4. Insufficient Technical Support
BIM software providers often fail to offer long-term, comprehensive technical support. The most effective support usually comes from mutual learning among users within a well-established application environment, which takes time and effort to cultivate. Therefore, each design firm should establish its own BIM technology center to provide reliable, ongoing support. This approach is already common among leading design institutes and companies. As the industry increasingly values specialization and collaboration, BIM technology centers will become essential support departments.
5. Incomplete Software Ecosystem
Currently, BIM software exhibits certain shortcomings: limited localization, incomplete job coordination features, insufficient detail levels, and a lack of support from local third-party software. Localization efforts are crucial—not only for original developers to add region-specific features but also to integrate local third-party software effectively. For example, in 2D design, various disciplines such as architecture, structural engineering, and equipment design in China rely heavily on domestically developed third-party tools based on the AutoCAD platform. These tools have significantly enhanced design efficiency, and BIM promotion efforts should learn from these successful experiences.
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