Fostering e-services in architecture and construction using the building information model

The Building Information Model (BIM) may be created by the design team by assembling the building object by object, system by system, in a digital environment. This not only allows the designers to visualize three dimensional representations at any point during design, it enables the design and construction team to extract, almost instantly, much richer information than they could get from two or three dimensional (2D or 3D) presentation drawings. Developing a Building Information Model instead of 2D CAD (Computer Aided Design) drawings to a contractor, local building official, or client will require a major change in process and a shift in responsibility and liability. This has been a major obstacle to adoption of BIM in the construction industry. The BIM can help deliver on the longstanding promise that the use of computers in architecture and construction can be more productive and effective. More importantly, the automation of drawings coordination and building information management can provide architects and engineers with more time to do what they like to do and what they hopefully do best, that is designing and creativity. This paper articulates the concepts, dimensions, benefits, practices and software tools of BIM in the AEC (architecture, engineering and construction) industry. The paper addresses the necessity of having an appropriate development of BIM as a basic infrastructure in paving the road to e-services in the AEC industry.