State of the AEC Industry: BIM implementation slow, but inevitable

摘要

PERHAPS BECAUSE I'M SO CLOSE to the AEC industry, I often think that architects and engineers are more aware of industry trends than they really are. It amazes me how often I get a blank stare when I mention BIM (building information modeling) and information extraction. True, the AEC industry has moved to CAD, but that's really only electronic drafting. Few have pursued full 3D modeling with great vigor, and even fewer have embraced BIM and information extraction, even though the AEC software industry has spent much time and capital creating and promoting BIM software. I attribute this lack of adoption to the fact that 2D CAD systems are capable drafting tools and many know how to use them well. BIM software, on the other hand, is much more complex. Though it's more challenging to use BIM software, once mastered, BIM software solutions increase productivity immensely. They provide visualizations, sections and elevations virtually free, and incorporate information that can be culled for use downstream in the construction process.