What is the definition of BIM? What does it mean?
The definition of Building Information Modeling (BIM) varies widely, largely due to different interpretations of the three key terms: “Building,” “Information,” and “Modeling.” For instance, the General Services Administration (GSA) in its BIM Guidelines defines these terms as follows: “Building” refers to newly constructed or renovated facilities; “Information” is characterized by rich data, object orientation, parameterization, digital format, and intelligence; and “Modeling” describes methods for feedback and improvement during facility design.
Similarly, the Facility Information BIM Committee of the National Institute of Building Sciences provides a slightly different perspective in the National BIM Standard Version. Here, “Building” encompasses the entire lifecycle of a facility; “Information” highlights a digital approach and publicly available interoperability standards; and “Modeling” refers to both physical and functional characteristics.
In the Architectural Information Modeling Specification Annex (AIA Document) by the American Institute of Architects (AIA), BIM is defined as the process and techniques involved in constructing a model. Meanwhile, ConsensusDOCS 301 BIM Addendum, developed by a consortium of 23 professional organizations including the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), does not provide a direct definition of BIM. Instead, it focuses on the model itself, emphasizing the representation and embedded information within the model.
Beyond official guidelines, academic perspectives also enrich the understanding of BIM. Krygiel & Nies interpret “Building” as a construction project, “Information” primarily as parameter data, and “Modeling” as the creation and application of such data. Eastman et al. (2011) describe “Building” specifically as buildings, while defining Information Modeling as the process and technology for creating digital, machine-readable documentation.
Baidu Baike defines “Building” as the building lifecycle, where information includes geometric shapes, spatial relationships, geographic data, as well as the quantities and attributes of building components. Modeling is seen as the process of generating and managing building data. Laiserin, an early advocate for standardized information exchange formats, expands the term “Building” beyond just buildings to include construction and operational projects, though excluding software development projects unrelated to BIM. In his view, “Information” distinguishes data from simple geometry, and “Modeling” includes not only general model functions but also simulation and management capabilities.
The author believes that “Building” should not be limited to just “buildings” or “projects.” According to China’s Building Law, “buildings” are defined narrowly as structures or miscellaneous works fixed on or under land with roofs, beams, columns, or walls intended for personal or public use. If BIM’s scope were limited to this definition, it might be too narrow. Conversely, using “project” as a substitute for “Building” also has limitations, since projects tend to be short-term and often do not cover the entire construction lifecycle. Therefore, the author proposes that “Building” should refer to the lifecycle of newly constructed or updated facilities.
Regarding “Information,” terms such as “digitalization,” “parameterization,” and “interoperable public standards” are crucial. “Modeling” refers to the process or technological simulation that dynamically describes the physical and functional characteristics of a facility entity throughout its lifecycle.
In summary, BIM is the process or technology of dynamically representing the physical and functional characteristics of newly built or updated facilities by leveraging digital, parameterized, object-oriented, and interoperable publicly available standard information. This approach serves the diverse needs of stakeholders throughout the entire lifecycle of a facility.
What is the definition of BIM? What does it mean? That’s all for now. I hope this article has been helpful to everyone!
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