BIM. Building Information Modelling/Building Information Model/Building Information Management. All these terms are commonly used under the heading of BIM but which one is correct?
Starting out in BIM was confusing to me and it didn’t become any clearer when I started talking to other people in the industry about – it seemed all these terms applied!
Here I will break down the acronym for the newbies jumping into the BIM world so that you can ‘build’ a strong foundation to work from.
So, what is the ‘official’ term for BIM?
BIM officially stands for “Building Information Modelling”. According to ISO19650, (the International standard for Information Management using BIM) this is the globally accepted terminology, but I think it is confusing. Hear me out. “Building” to me sounds like a structure, a high-rise building, a shopping centre or a hotel, and “modelling” evokes thoughts of a 3D model. You may have thought it was just this but let’s keep digging.
Let’s break it down
The B in BIM is “building”, but what does this really mean? When we refer to building, we’re not talking about the noun—a building—we’re talking about the verb to build or construct. So maybe the acronym should be CIM instead? Construction Information Modelling. This isn’t quite right either as it sounds like a physical construction site. We need to consider that BIM is trying to create a digital record, a digital twin, a digital representation of what is being constructed or what has been constructed for use from planning though to design, construction and operation. What do you think the first letter should be?
The M in BIM is “modelling”. You may think modelling means a 3D model (I know I did at first) and yes, that would be a fair assumption to make, and it is what a lot of people think BIM is! But what if I told you that you can do BIM without a 3D model? That’s because the term is “modelling” not “model”.
Model does refer to a 3D model, but “modelling” refers to modelling information and the management of that information across a project or asset’s lifecycle.
So, BIM can include:
- 3D – Geometry
- 4D – Time/program
- 5D – Cost
- 6D – Sustainability/asset data
- 7D – Facilities
And BIM is the management of that information.
This leads me to the I in BIM – “Information”. We’ve established it means Building Information Modelling so why do I hear people say Building Information Management? Well, information management is part of information modelling.
The Management is where ISO19560 comes into play. ISO19650 is less about ‘how’ you model something but focuses more on how information is organised, shared and managed so the right people, have the right information at the right time.
Managing the information is about:
- collaboration
- naming
- processes
- workflows
- the status and the quality of information
- how you manage the data
- understanding the appointing parties (the asset owners or clients) needs.
Let’s piece it all together
As you can see BIM isn’t just a 3D model. Yes, it can include a model but that by itself is just a 3D model, not BIM. BIM is what is also linked to that model. It’s all the data that goes together to build a digital picture, a “Digital Twin” and a story of what is being or has been built. Data that can be used during design, construction and long after the project has ended and is in operation. It’s 2D data, drawings, schedules, reports. It’s visualisations, clash detection, processes and collaborative ways of working to make sure the right people are seeing the right data at the right time in a clear and efficient way.
You can see how it’s hard to group all of that into one term, and why it can be confusing in the beginning, especially when it encompasses Building Information Modelling, building information models and building information management.
The key thing to remember is that every project or asset owner needs to define the BIM expectations or scope, and the level of detail required to deliver the project.
If you want to understand more on the information management side of BIM, then have a read of the ISO19650 Standards or do a course like Operam Academy.
Please reach out to us if you’re seeking support to meet your BIM requirements.