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2.15. Building Information Modeling (BIM)
Building Information Modeling covers the object-based digital representation of a building and the data-centric workflows built around it: authoring and parametric modeling, multidisciplinary coordination, construction and facilities-management integration, and the standards, regulations, and emerging AI-driven automation that govern BIM practice across a project's full lifecycle - from early design through construction, operation, heritage documentation, and infrastructure.
2.15.1. BIM/BIM Fundamentals and Authoring (Core Tier1: 1 hr, Core Tier2: 1 hr) ↑ Back to top
Covers the foundational concepts of Building Information Modeling: object-based parametric modeling, authoring tools, level of development (LOD), and open data-exchange standards.
Topics:
Core
- Core BIM concepts: object-oriented modeling (walls, doors, windows with embedded data), parametric relationships (hosting, constraints), and the difference between BIM and conventional 2D/3D modeling
- BIM authoring tools: Revit (project-based, family editor), ArchiCAD (virtual building model), Vectorworks, and their respective modeling philosophies and interoperability
- Level of development (LOD) specification: LOD 100 (conceptual), 200 (schematic), 300 (detailed), 350 (construction-ready), 400 (fabrication), 500 (as-built)
- Data exchange standards: Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) as openBIM exchange format, IFC schema (IfcWall, IfcDoor, IfcWindow, IfcSpace), and vendor-neutral model interoperability
Learning Outcomes:
Core:
- Describe the core concepts of BIM: object-based modeling, parametric relationships, LOD, and data exchange via IFC, and explain how BIM differs from traditional 2D CAD [Familiarity]
- Develop a BIM model of a small building at LOD 200-300, producing plans, sections, elevations, and a simple schedule directly from the model, and export the model to IFC format [Usage]
- Evaluate a BIM model for appropriate LOD, correct parametric relationships, and clean IFC export, identifying modeling errors that would impede downstream coordination or data exchange [Assessment]
2.15.2. BIM/Parametric Modeling and Visual Scripting for BIM (Core Tier1: 1 hr, Core Tier2: 1 hr) ↑ Back to top
Covers the authoring of parametric BIM content and the use of visual programming to extend and automate BIM authoring tools beyond their standard interface.
Topics:
Core
- Parametric family and component authoring: creating custom BIM families with parametric constraints, formulas, and type/instance parameters (Revit families, ArchiCAD GDL objects)
- Adaptive and generative components: adaptive component modeling for non-standard geometry, nested and shared parameters, and parametric array/pattern-based component placement
- Visual programming for BIM automation: Dynamo and Grasshopper-to-Revit workflows for geometry generation, data extraction, and model auditing
Non Core
- Integrating computational design with BIM: round-tripping geometry between parametric-design environments and BIM authoring tools, and managing model complexity and file size
Learning Outcomes:
Core:
- Describe the difference between a standard BIM family or component and a parametric or adaptive one, and identify when visual scripting is an appropriate tool for a BIM modeling task [Familiarity]
- Author a parametric family or component with meaningful parametric constraints, and use a visual-scripting tool to automate a repetitive BIM modeling or data-extraction task [Usage]
- Evaluate a parametric BIM family or visual script for robustness, reusability, and appropriateness to the design problem it addresses [Assessment]
2.15.3. BIM/Multidisciplinary Model Coordination (Core Tier1: 1 hr, Core Tier2: 1 hr) ↑ Back to top
Covers the coordination of federated, multidisciplinary BIM models to identify and resolve conflicts before construction, and the shared data environment that governs model and document exchange.
Topics:
Core
- BIM coordination and clash detection: federated model assembly, hard and soft clash detection in Navisworks or Solibri, clash resolution workflows, and the reduction of RFIs
- IFC and open BIM standards: the IFC schema for vendor-neutral model exchange, BCF (BIM Collaboration Format) for issue tracking, and openBIM coordination workflows across authoring platforms
- Common Data Environment (CDE): shared, work-in-progress, published, and archive states for model and document management; naming conventions and version control in a multi-party project
Learning Outcomes:
Core:
- Describe the role of model coordination in a multidisciplinary project, including federated models, clash detection, and the Common Data Environment [Familiarity]
- Apply BIM coordination tools to detect and resolve clashes in a federated building model, documenting issues through a Common Data Environment workflow [Usage]
- Evaluate a model-coordination protocol for a construction project, assessing federation strategy, clash-detection coverage, and CDE governance [Assessment]
2.15.4. BIM/4D BIM and Construction Scheduling (Core Tier1: 1 hr, Core Tier2: 1 hr) ↑ Back to top
Covers the integration of BIM elements with construction schedules to simulate, communicate, and review the sequencing of construction work over time.
Topics:
Core
- 4D BIM and construction scheduling: linking BIM elements to Gantt chart activities in Synchro or Navisworks TimeLiner
- Construction sequencing simulation: visualizing phased construction, logistics, and site congestion through 4D animation for stakeholder communication and constructability review
Learning Outcomes:
Core:
- Describe the concept of 4D BIM and explain how linking model elements to schedule activities supports construction planning and communication [Familiarity]
- Link a BIM model's elements to a construction schedule to produce a 4D sequencing simulation for a building project [Usage]
- Evaluate a 4D construction sequencing simulation for its accuracy, clarity, and usefulness in identifying logistics or site-congestion problems [Assessment]
2.15.5. BIM/5D BIM and Cost Estimation (Core Tier1: 1 hr, Core Tier2: 1 hr) ↑ Back to top
Covers the extraction of quantities from a BIM model and their use for real-time, model-linked cost estimation throughout the design and construction process.
Topics:
Core
- Model-based quantity takeoff and cost estimation: automated schedule extraction from BIM elements, level of development (LOD) requirements for cost estimation
- 5D cost modeling: linking BIM quantities to unit costs for real-time budget tracking across design iterations, and change-order cost impact analysis
Learning Outcomes:
Core:
- Describe how BIM-based quantity takeoff supports cost estimation, and explain the relationship between model LOD and estimate accuracy [Familiarity]
- Extract quantities from a BIM model and link them to unit costs to produce a model-based cost estimate for a design option [Usage]
- Evaluate a 5D cost model for completeness and accuracy, identifying quantities that are missing, duplicated, or misclassified [Assessment]
2.15.6. BIM/BIM for Structural and MEP Coordination (Core Tier1: 1 hr, Core Tier2: 1 hr) ↑ Back to top
Covers the use of BIM to coordinate the architectural model with structural analysis software and MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) systems routing.
Topics:
Core
- BIM-based structural workflows: structural analysis model from architectural BIM (Revit, Tekla), data exchange via IFC or CIS/2
- MEP systems coordination in BIM: routing and clash-avoidance for HVAC ducts, plumbing, and electrical conduit within a federated model; spatial coordination with structural and architectural elements
Learning Outcomes:
Core:
- Describe the BIM-based workflow for exchanging a model between architectural, structural, and MEP software, and explain the role of IFC/CIS2 in that exchange [Familiarity]
- Coordinate a federated model's structural and MEP elements, identifying and resolving spatial conflicts between systems [Usage]
- Evaluate a structural/MEP-coordinated BIM model for spatial conflicts, data-exchange integrity, and coordination completeness [Assessment]
2.15.7. BIM/BIM for Sustainability Analysis (Core Tier1: 1 hr, Core Tier2: 1 hr) ↑ Back to top
Covers the use of BIM models as the data source for energy, daylight, and material-sustainability analysis throughout the design process.
Topics:
Core
- BIM-integrated energy analysis: gbXML export from BIM authoring tools to energy-simulation engines, and iterative design-stage energy performance feedback
- BIM-integrated daylight and solar analysis: linking BIM massing and material data to daylight simulation (Insight, IES-VE) and solar-access studies
Non Core
- Embedding sustainability data in BIM objects: embodied-carbon data (EPDs) and material-passport information attached to BIM elements for lifecycle assessment
Learning Outcomes:
Core:
- Describe how BIM models can be exported or linked to energy, daylight, and sustainability-analysis tools, and explain the data requirements for each [Familiarity]
- Export a BIM model's geometry and material data to run an energy or daylight analysis, and use the results to inform a design iteration [Usage]
- Evaluate a BIM-based sustainability analysis for data accuracy and the appropriateness of its design recommendations [Assessment]
2.15.8. BIM/BIM for Facilities Management (Core Tier1: 1 hr, Core Tier2: 1 hr) ↑ Back to top
Covers the handover of a construction BIM model into a facilities-management and operations environment, and its evolution into an operational digital twin.
Topics:
Core
- BIM handover and facilities management: COBie data for asset management, as-built BIM models, digital twin seeding from construction BIM
Learning Outcomes:
Core:
- Describe the BIM-to-FM handover process, including COBie data requirements and the role of as-built models in facilities management [Familiarity]
- Prepare a COBie data set and as-built BIM model for handover to a facilities-management team [Usage]
- Evaluate a BIM-to-FM handover package for completeness and usability, identifying missing asset data or model discrepancies [Assessment]
2.15.9. BIM/BIM Execution Planning and Standards (Core Tier1: 1 hr, Core Tier2: 1 hr) ↑ Back to top
Covers the planning documents and international standards that define how BIM is used, exchanged, and governed across a project team.
Topics:
Core
- BIM Execution Plan (BEP): project goals for BIM use (clash detection, 4D/5D, facility management), LOD matrix by discipline, model sharing protocols
- ISO 19650 framework: information management using BIM across the delivery and operational phases of assets, information requirements (EIR, OIR, AIR), and the information-delivery cycle
Learning Outcomes:
Core:
- Describe the purpose of a BIM Execution Plan and the ISO 19650 information-management framework, and explain how they structure a project's BIM deliverables [Familiarity]
- Draft a BIM Execution Plan for a project, specifying BIM goals, LOD matrix, and information-delivery milestones aligned with ISO 19650 [Usage]
- Evaluate a BIM Execution Plan for a design project, assessing its LOD specifications, exchange protocols, and BIM use cases for adequacy and clarity [Assessment]
2.15.10. BIM/Collaborative BIM Workflows (Core Tier1: 1 hr, Core Tier2: 1 hr) ↑ Back to top
Covers the collaborative, cloud-based workflows that let multiple disciplines work on a shared BIM model in real time.
Topics:
Core
- BIM collaboration: federated models, clash detection and resolution, model-based quantity takeoff for estimating
- Cloud-based BIM collaboration platforms: real-time multi-user editing (BIM 360/ACC, BIMcloud, Trimble Connect), permissions, and worksharing
Learning Outcomes:
Core:
- Describe how cloud-based BIM collaboration platforms support real-time, multi-user, multidisciplinary model development [Familiarity]
- Develop a BIM collaboration protocol for a project, specifying model sharing standards, clash detection frequency, and meeting rhythms [Usage]
- Evaluate a project's BIM collaboration setup for its effectiveness in supporting multidisciplinary, real-time teamwork [Assessment]
2.15.11. BIM/Heritage BIM (HBIM) (Core Tier1: 1 hr, Core Tier2: 1 hr) ↑ Back to top
Covers the adaptation of Building Information Modeling for heritage documentation and management: Heritage BIM (HBIM), parametric modeling of historic elements, and digital twins for conservation planning and monitoring.
Topics:
Core
- Heritage BIM (HBIM): object-oriented modeling of historic buildings using non-parametric (discrete) and parametric libraries
- Scan-to-BIM workflow: processing point clouds from laser scanning to create 3D models with semantic decomposition (walls, vaults, windows)
- Semantic enrichment for heritage: adding conservation data (material type, decay grade, past interventions, monitoring history) to BIM objects
- Digital twins for heritage: integrating real-time monitoring sensors (cracks, displacement, humidity, temperature) with HBIM
Non Core
- HBIM standards and guidelines: ICOMOS HBIM Guidelines, CIDOC CRM for cultural heritage data, and the integration of HBIM with conservation management plan data fields
Learning Outcomes:
Core:
- Describe the concept of Heritage BIM (HBIM) and explain how it differs from conventional BIM in terms of geometry representation and semantic data [Familiarity]
- Create an HBIM model of a historic building element (vault, window, wall) from laser scan data, enriching it with semantic data (material, decay condition, past interventions) [Usage]
- Evaluate a proposed HBIM workplan for a heritage project, assessing the level of detail required for documentation and the compatibility of data schema with monitoring needs [Assessment]
2.15.12. BIM/BIM for Infrastructure and Urban Modeling (Core Tier1: 1 hr, Core Tier2: 1 hr) ↑ Back to top
Covers the extension of BIM methods beyond vertical buildings to horizontal/civil infrastructure and city-scale urban information models.
Topics:
Core
- BIM for horizontal/civil infrastructure: roads, bridges, and utility networks modeled with alignment-based and corridor-modeling tools (Civil 3D, InfraWorks), distinct from vertical-building BIM authoring
- City Information Modeling (CIM) and urban digital twins: integrating building-scale BIM with city-scale GIS data (CityGML, 3D Tiles) for planning and infrastructure coordination
Learning Outcomes:
Core:
- Describe how BIM methods extend to horizontal infrastructure and city-scale modeling, and identify the tools and data standards specific to each scale [Familiarity]
- Model a piece of infrastructure (road segment, utility corridor) using alignment-based BIM tools, and integrate it with an urban-scale GIS dataset [Usage]
- Evaluate an infrastructure or city-information model for data interoperability between building-scale BIM and city-scale GIS systems [Assessment]
2.15.13. BIM/AI-Assisted BIM Automation (Core Tier1: 1 hr, Core Tier2: 1 hr) ↑ Back to top
Covers the use of artificial intelligence and scripted automation to generate, check, and optimize BIM content and workflows.
Topics:
Core
- AI-assisted BIM automation: generative design for structural and MEP routing, automated code compliance checking, NLP-based specification extraction
- BIM automation and scripting: automating repetitive tasks (door and window schedules, room data sheets), generative layout for bathrooms and parking
Non Core
- AI-assisted code compliance checking: NLP for parsing building-code provisions, automated rule checking of BIM models against applicable codes
Learning Outcomes:
Core:
- Describe how AI and scripted automation can generate, check, and optimize BIM content, and identify tasks that are good candidates for automation [Familiarity]
- Automate a repetitive BIM task (schedule generation, code-compliance check, or layout generation) using a scripted or AI-assisted tool [Usage]
- Evaluate an AI-assisted or scripted BIM automation tool for its accuracy, reliability, and actual time savings over manual methods [Assessment]
2.15.14. BIM/BIM Standards, Policy, and Contracts (Core Tier1: 1 hr, Core Tier2: 1 hr) ↑ Back to top
Covers the policy frameworks that mandate or incentivize BIM adoption, and the contractual mechanisms that allocate risk, authorship, and liability for shared model data.
Topics:
Core
- National and regional BIM adoption mandates: policy frameworks requiring BIM on public infrastructure projects (e.g. Peru's Plan BIM Perú, UK BIM Mandate, EU BIM Task Group), and their implications for permit submission and interdisciplinary coordination
- BIM in contracts and risk allocation: BIM Execution Plans as contract exhibits, model-authorship and liability clauses, and intellectual-property considerations for shared model data
Learning Outcomes:
Core:
- Describe the major national and international BIM policy frameworks, and explain how BIM Execution Plans and authorship clauses are used to allocate contractual risk [Familiarity]
- Identify the BIM mandate or policy applicable to a given project's jurisdiction, and draft a contract clause addressing model authorship and liability [Usage]
- Evaluate a project's compliance with applicable BIM mandates and the adequacy of its contractual provisions for model authorship and liability [Assessment]