The BIM Building Training Network has previously reviewed various policies implemented by provinces across China to promote BIM. From a policy standpoint, it appears that the era of BIM development has arrived in the country. However, it is important to acknowledge the challenges and obstacles faced during BIM promotion. So, how can we overcome these hurdles? I will share my perspective thoughtfully.
First, there is the issue of application software. As mentioned earlier, BIM-based software in developed countries is already quite advanced, and most of these programs have entered the Chinese market. However, relying solely on foreign software is insufficient. On one hand, these programs do not fully meet China’s design standards. On the other hand, it is crucial for China to develop application software with independent intellectual property rights. This not only creates new economic growth opportunities but also prevents reliance on external entities. As noted before, the Eleventh Five Year Plan has included research on such application software within its support initiatives. It is essential to highlight the importance of developing BIM technology in national industrial policies to encourage its growth within Chinese enterprises.
Next, we must address the issue of standards. Currently, the IFC standard has become the internationally recognized BIM data standard, and building on this, the United States has introduced the NBIMS standard. In the U.S., the significance of these standards is somewhat diminished because large software developers like Autodesk provide comprehensive software suites that enable direct data exchange. However, since BIM data is applied throughout the entire lifecycle of construction projects—often spanning 50 years or more—relying on data standards tied to a single vendor is not a sustainable long-term solution. For China, lacking major software developers like Autodesk, encouraging more software companies to participate in developing BIM-based applications is necessary. Issuing data standards ensures interoperability across different software. To date, China has adopted only the platform portion of the IFC standards, and research into international standards remains limited. There is a gap in expanding standards tailored to China’s unique construction projects. Moreover, it is important to recognize that practical applications require not just technical data standards like IFC, but also higher-level application standards—such as 3D building design standards—to better support BIM use. Universities and research institutes should prioritize this work, and relevant government agencies must offer strong support.
Finally, there is the issue of application methodology, which can be viewed from two angles: technical approach and implementation scope. Technically, BIM application tends to fall into two extremes. One extreme is limiting BIM to specific aspects of construction projects, such as collision detection. This narrow focus fails to fully leverage BIM’s benefits or the potential for sharing 3D model data. The other extreme involves attempting to solve all challenges across the construction phase—and even the entire building lifecycle—with one or a handful of software solutions, which is both unnecessary and unrealistic. Nothing is perfect, and no single solution can dominate the entire field. The key is practical application: as long as a solution meets real-world needs, it can be effective technology.
Regarding application models, the Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) model is a successful example. IPD brings together owners, designers, general contractors, and subcontractors, using BIM technology to achieve positive outcomes in construction projects. Internationally, IPD’s success was supported by the development of corresponding contract templates, facilitating its adoption. In China, it remains uncertain whether IPD will deliver the expected results. Even if BIM’s technical challenges are addressed, promoting IPD requires substantial effort, as China’s contracting methods, regulations, and policies differ from those abroad. Nonetheless, with courageous experimentation and persistent effort, it is entirely possible to develop more effective application models suited to China’s unique circumstances.
While addressing these challenges is no small feat, where there is a will, there is a way. I firmly believe that through the combined efforts of the government, industry, and relevant organizations, we can usher in a true springtime for BIM in China.
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