Welcome to the BIM ThinkSpace blog! This is where new models and BIMei Community insights are first released into the public domain. It also publishes key contributions from invited Guest Authors. Make sure to subscribe to our mailing list to receive updates.


Featured image for “Episode 26: Effects of Disruption on Performance”
Jul. 09, 2025

Episode 26: Effects of Disruption on Performance

The article introduces the Effects of Disruption on Performance model, which enables organisations to: – Define a performance disruption as a measurable event or change (innovation, shock or stress) that causes performance to diverge from a baseline. – Classify disruptions by polarity (positive/negative) and origin (external/internal). – Deploy a Disruption Response Matrix with four response types – Performance Elevation, Stagnation, Decline and Recovery-illustrated with construction-industry examples. – Assess disruption likelihood and preparedness levels via dedicated matrices. – Act through a three-step workflow: classify scenarios, apply the response framework, and build adaptive capacity. Three examples are provided covering BIM implementation, LLM integration, and blockchain-based asset registries, demonstrating how the model turns potential setbacks into sustained performance gains.
Featured image for “Episode 25: Redefining Competence, a five-component model for digital transformation”
Nov. 06, 2024

Episode 25: Redefining Competence, a five-component model for digital transformation

The construction industry is undergoing a digital transformation driven by new technologies and standards. At the core of this change are the individuals—architects, engineers, constructors, and more—who need to adopt these innovations. To succeed, each practitioner must be digitally competent and adaptable to new, information-rich environments. This BIM ThinkSpace post introduces a model to clarify and improve individual digital competence across the construction sector. Discover the five components of competence—Knowledge, Skill, Experience, Intelligence, and Attitude—that form the foundation for effective performance.
Featured image for “The BIMe Initiative”
Mar. 18, 2017

The BIMe Initiative

This post introduces the BIMe Initiative, a community-based effort to improve the performance of the construction industry through high-impact research and open knowledge sharing. The BIMe Initiative is supported by clear knowledge structures, a network of international subject matter experts, and an expanding modular language.
Featured image for “Global Trends in BIM Research”
Sep. 28, 2016

Global Trends in BIM Research

This post provides an overview of Global BIM research trends by analyzing a large number of BIM-focused publications. The simple methodology adopted, shear extent of review effort and visual nature of analysis provide an excellent overview of BIM research coverage. The approach taken represents a solid basis for researchers to expand this study by analyzing more publications and identify the knowledge gaps to be addressed in the BIM domain.
Featured image for “Data Aggregation and Information Search in AEC/FM Industry”
Sep. 07, 2016

Data Aggregation and Information Search in AEC/FM Industry

In this guest post, Mehmet Yalcinkaya and Vishal Singh summarise the information management challenge faced by the construction industry. Based on their quality academic research, they introduce a number of principles and a digital solution to visually address this challenge.
Featured image for “The Many Faces of ‘LOD’”
Jul. 19, 2016

The Many Faces of ‘LOD’

This guest post by Marzia Bolpagni provides a comprehensive review of the ‘LOD’ term and its many nuances from across the world. It includes comparative tables and detailed charts.
Featured image for “Translations”
Mar. 27, 2016

Translations

This page provides a list of translated BIM ThinkSpace episodes and other translated material referenced in these episodes. All translations are contributed by highly-experienced practitioners and specialist researchers. Many of these contributions have been peer-reviewed prior to publication. I am indebted to all contributors and reviewers them for their generosity and excellent efforts. Translated Episodes The below table provides links to all translated
Featured image for “El rol que (pueden) juegan los Responsables de Formular la Política en la adopción de BIM”
Dec. 18, 2015

El rol que (pueden) juegan los Responsables de Formular la Política en la adopción de BIM

Raramente pasa una o dos semanas sin que oigamos hablar de una nueva iniciativa BIM en un país u otro. Está claro que el ritmo de adopción de BIM se ha acelerado considerablemente en los dos últimos años y la nueva oleada de implementación tiene por objetivo la Europa continental. Se detectan continuos esfuerzos en Alemania, Francia y España y
Featured image for “Difusión BIM Descendente, Ascentente o Radial”
Nov. 12, 2015

Difusión BIM Descendente, Ascentente o Radial

BIM diffusion within organizations and across markets is typically understood to be either top-down or bottom-up. However, there is a third and quite powerful dynamic that needs to be acknowledged.
Featured image for “The Tin Jubilee”
Oct. 29, 2015

The Tin Jubilee

Ten years is a long time…that’s how long this blog has been running! On Oct 29, 2005, the first post was published and, since then, a few more. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank those who subscribed or commented. Also, my sincere appreciation to all colleagues who contributed their thoughts as guest authors, translated posts into their native
Featured image for “BIM ThinkSpace in Italian”
Oct. 16, 2015

BIM ThinkSpace in Italian

A number of BIM ThinkSpace Episodes are now available in Italian. These translations follow a collaborative effort with Mr Lorenzo Nissim and his colleagues at the Institute for BIM Italy (iBIMi). I truly appreciate their efforts in sharing the BIM Episodes with a wider international audience. Please note that both Italian and Spanish translations cover all Figures (images) and are true
Featured image for “Comparación de la madurez BIM de los países”
Oct. 16, 2015

Comparación de la madurez BIM de los países

Which country leads the world in BIM adoption? Is it Singapore, the UK or the US? Maybe it is Australia or one of the Scandinavian team? This post discusses an ongoing investigation to identify and compare the BIM maturity of countries using specially developed metrics.
Featured image for “Episode 24: Understanding Model Uses”
Sep. 09, 2015

Episode 24: Understanding Model Uses

Episode 24 introduces ‘Model Uses’, the intended or expected deliverables of using 3D models on projects. This peer-reviewed article clarifies the term from an information management perspective. It then delivers a comprehensive Model Uses List that can be used to populate project protocols and facilitate performance assessment.
Featured image for “BIM for Project Managers, a UK perspective”
Aug. 25, 2015

BIM for Project Managers, a UK perspective

In this guest post, Ralph Montague offers his insights into the changing role of the Project Manager in the UK following the Government’s BIM requirements. To assist PMs to fulfil their BIM role, Ralph introduces five basic questions that they need to ask in every project meeting. He offers multiple references to applicable standards, protocols and templates, and provides a quick BIM Level 2 checklist for PMs to include into their project’meeting agendas.
Featured image for “Comprender el maquillaje BIM”
Jul. 20, 2015

Comprender el maquillaje BIM

El maquillaje BIM (BIMwash en inglés) es un término que describe una reivindicación desmesurada – y a veces engañosa – del uso o prestación de productos o servicios BIM. Una organización que lleva a cabo un maquillaje BIM generalmente se dedica a promover sus reivindicaciones de capacidad BIM injustificada a través de su equipo, página web, ofertas y/o material comercial.
Featured image for “El índice de madurez BIM”
May. 26, 2015

El índice de madurez BIM

Después de haber presentado las diferencias básicas entre Capacidad BIM y Madurez BIM en el Episodio 11 y de haber tratado brevemente sobre los muchos y relevantes modelos de madurez en el Episodio 12 (aún no traducido), este post introduce una nueva herramienta especializada para medir el desempeño BIM: el Índice de Madurez BIM (BIMMI).
Featured image for “Episode 23: Stakeholders’ Role in Macro BIM Diffusion”
May. 06, 2015

Episode 23: Stakeholders’ Role in Macro BIM Diffusion

BIM ThinkSpace Episode 23 identifies industry stakeholders sharing the responsibility of leading, supporting or – at least – participating in macro BIM diffusion. The a new model is introduced with Player Groups, Player Types and unique BIM Players; each can be assessed against Macro Maturity Components using a simplified Player Role index. By identifying industry stakeholders as a network of actors, the post calls for the development of a comprehensive, structured and coordinated BIM diffusion strategy within countries and across international markets.
Featured image for “La diferencia entre Capacidad BIM y Madurez BIM”
Apr. 23, 2015

La diferencia entre Capacidad BIM y Madurez BIM

La historia Empezaremos contando una breve historia. Había una vez dos organizaciones de arquitectura e ingeniería que decidieron adoptar BIM. Ambas organizaciones eran de tamaño medio, operaban en el mismo mercado y tenían los mismos departamentos. Las dos eran capaces de abordar grandes proyectos de diseño y construcción de presupuesto superior a $200m, en el sector de la Sanidad. Y
Featured image for “Efecto del BIM en las fases del ciclo de vida de un Proyecto”
Mar. 24, 2015

Efecto del BIM en las fases del ciclo de vida de un Proyecto

This post (in Spanish) discusses how BIM will first blur the lines separating different project lifecycle phases: Design Construction and Operations. As model-based collaboration takes hold, lifecycle players start moving into each other’s territory until finally, as network-based integration becomes the norm, lifecycle phases overlap extensively causing major changes within industry.
Featured image for “Episodes published in Spanish”
Mar. 24, 2015

Episodes published in Spanish

I am pleased to announce that a number of BIM ThinkSpace episodes will be published in Spanish. The first to be published is Episode 10: Efecto del BIM en las fases del ciclo de vida de un Proyecto (Effects of BIM on Project Lifecycle Phases, first published Nov 24, 2008). Note: Link updated May 5, 2016 The second is Episode
Featured image for “Episode 22: The Wedge and the S-Curve”
Feb. 10, 2015

Episode 22: The Wedge and the S-Curve

BIM ThinkSpace Episode 22 compares the UK BIM Maturity Model (Bew-Richards) with the BIM performance models developed as part of the BIM Framework (Succar). The comparison highlights the benefits of separating country-specific strategy models from country-agnostic performance models, and how both are needed in every market.
Featured image for “Episode 21: The Eight Components of Market Maturity”
Jan. 27, 2015

Episode 21: The Eight Components of Market Maturity

BIM ThinkSpace Episode 21 introduces the Macro Maturity Components model which can be used to: (a) assess a country’s current BIM diffusion policy, (b) compare the BIM maturity of different countries, and (c) assist policy makers in developing a comprehensive BIM national initiative or diffusion policy. The model includes eight components (e.g. Legal Framework, Education, and Technology Infrastructure), each assessed using specialised metrics at five levels of maturity.
Featured image for “Episode 20: The role policy makers (can) play in BIM adoption”
Jan. 16, 2015

Episode 20: The role policy makers (can) play in BIM adoption

Episode 20 introduces a set of actions a policy maker can take to facilitate BIM adoption across a market. A Macro Adoption Model is presented to describe three main implementation activities (communicate, engage and monitor) that can be conducted at three levels of intensity (passive, active and assertive). Policy makers can use the model to assess international efforts and develop their own country-specific BIM diffusion policy.
Featured image for “BIM Scope Creep”
Aug. 20, 2014

BIM Scope Creep

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is an essential part of the construction procurement process. However, when BIM deliverables are indiscriminately injected into the scope of services of project players, or across the construction supply chain, a BIM scope creep will occur…By guest author Rexter Retana.
Featured image for “Episode 19: top-DOWN, bottom-UP and middle-OUT BIM diffusion”
Jul. 12, 2014

Episode 19: top-DOWN, bottom-UP and middle-OUT BIM diffusion

BIM diffusion within organizations and across markets is typically understood to be either top-down or bottom-up. However, there is a third and quite powerful dynamic that needs to be acknowledged.
Featured image for “Episode 18: Comparing the BIM Maturity of Countries”
Aug. 15, 2013

Episode 18: Comparing the BIM Maturity of Countries

Which country leads the world in BIM adoption? Is it Singapore, the UK or the US? Maybe it is Australia or one of the Scandinavian team? This post discusses an ongoing investigation to identify and compare the BIM maturity of countries using specially developed metrics.
Featured image for “Episode 17: Individual BIM Competency”
Aug. 09, 2012

Episode 17: Individual BIM Competency

Episode 17 continues the discussion on BIM Capability/Maturity assessment and focuses on the BIM competency of individuals engaged in managing, facilitating and delivering model-based projects. What are Individual BIM Competencies and how are these defined and then measured?
Featured image for “Episode 16: Understanding BIM Wash”
Jun. 06, 2011

Episode 16: Understanding BIM Wash

BIM Wash is a term describing the inflated – and sometimes deceptive – claim of using or delivering Building Information Modelling products or services. An organization which commits BIM Wash is typically engaged in promoting its unwarranted claims of BIM capability through its staff, website, project submissions and/or marketing material. Not all BIMwash is of the same intensity. Mild forms of unwarranted BIM claims can be harmless to a degree while others can be malicious and severely disruptive. To help combat BIMwash, this post identifies its four different levels: Confusion, Inexperience, Exaggeration and Illusion.
Featured image for “Episode 15: Initiating a Collaborative BIM Project”
Feb. 02, 2011

Episode 15: Initiating a Collaborative BIM Project

A collaborative BIM project is not a simple undertaking. This is especially true if the project in question is a large facility (e.g. a high-rise building or a major hospital), the project participants lack the necessary experience, or the BIM requirements are not clearly defined. This episode will discuss three main criteria for the primary consultant, the project manager or the independent facilitator to consider when initiating a collaborative, model-based process.
Featured image for “Episode 14: Industry Leadership vs. BIM Benefits”
Sep. 04, 2010

Episode 14: Industry Leadership vs. BIM Benefits

This post briefly explorers the intriguing relationship between two industry-level parameters: BIM Leadership (innovation, investment, etc…) and BIM Benefits (reduced errors, fast-tracking, etc…).
Featured image for “The Five Components of BIM Performance Measurement”
May. 18, 2010

The Five Components of BIM Performance Measurement

This post links to a conference paper introducing a ‘conceptual tool’ to assess Organisational BIM using a performance management lens. The paper introduces five complementary components and a simple workflow to assess BIM capability and maturity of individuals, organisations and teams in a consistent, systematic and certifiable way.
Featured image for “BIM Framework, Research Focus Group Sessions”
Apr. 13, 2010

BIM Framework, Research Focus Group Sessions

This page is NOW CLOSED. If more data is required, new dates and locations will be added to the table below. Thank you to all those who participated; your feedback has been invaluable! To the kind attention of BIM subject matter experts: You are kindly requested to consider participating in the BIM Framework research project, part of my PhD candidacy
Featured image for “Episode 13: the BIM Maturity Index”
Dec. 18, 2009

Episode 13: the BIM Maturity Index

This post introduces the BIM Maturity Index (BIMMI), a new specialized tool to measure BIM Performance. The five Maturity Levels constituting BIMMI are briefly described and a sample organizational assessment – using both Capability and Maturity metrics – is provided.
Featured image for “Episode 12: BIM performance measurement”
Sep. 27, 2009

Episode 12: BIM performance measurement

If BIM implementations by teams and organizations are to achieve the much touted increase in productivity, these implementations need to be measured, compared against some sort of industry benchmarks and – most importantly – independently certified. Without measurement, organizations offering design, construction or operations’ services have no basis on which to improve their processes and deliverables. Without benchmarks and certificates, clients aiming to employ these organizations have no consistent way of understanding their BIM competencies.
Featured image for “BIM Episode 11: The difference between BIM Capability and BIM Maturity”
Jun. 03, 2009

BIM Episode 11: The difference between BIM Capability and BIM Maturity

Let’s start with a short story about two AEC organisations that – once upon a time – decided to adopt Building Information Modelling. Both organisations were mid-sized firms, operated within the same market and had the same mix of disciplines. Both were able to undertake large Design and Construct (Design and Build) projects of value exceeding $200m within the Health
Featured image for “The BIM Framework: an Academic Perspective”
Mar. 19, 2009

The BIM Framework: an Academic Perspective

Many of ThinkSpace’s readers are academically-oriented and may be interested to know that the BIM Framework has now been published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Automation in Construction (Volume 18, Issue 3).  The Framework is the basis of most BIM episodes published so far and has allowed the generation of many BIM implementation and evaluation tools (more about that in
Featured image for “Episode 10: Effects of BIM On Project Lifecycle Phases”
Nov. 24, 2008

Episode 10: Effects of BIM On Project Lifecycle Phases

This post discusses how BIM will first blur the lines separating different project lifecycle phases: Design Construction and Operations. As model-based collaboration takes hold, lifecycle players start moving into each other’s territory until finally, as network-based integration becomes the norm, lifecycle phases overlap extensively causing major changes within industry.
Featured image for “Episode 9: BIM Steps”
Jun. 04, 2008

Episode 9: BIM Steps

The adoption of BIM by an organisation will not happen unintentionally and definitely not in a single giant leap. In fact, it will be deployed through intentional decisions passing through major milestones referred to as BIM Stages. These stages – if well defined – are very useful to understand BIM concepts and visions but are – on their own – not usable in implementation. Further subdivisions are needed: smaller incremental changes that each organisation can make to reach each major Stage, mature within it and then attempt to reach another. These ‘feetstones’ or micro objectives are called BIM Steps. The difference between BIM Stages and Steps is that stages are radical or transformational changes while steps are incremental/evolutionary changes or maturity levels.
Featured image for “BIM News Bits – Interesting Developments”
May. 24, 2008

BIM News Bits – Interesting Developments

I try not to to blog industry news but sometimes it feels ‘irresponsible’ not to do so. However, I’ll follow the three BIM Nodes logic in my reporting: On the Technology front: the emergent Microsoft Live Mesh technology deserves some attention… Would an enterprise version enable a different approach to BIM Integration (Stage 3) alongside Model Servers and what I
Featured image for “BIM and the Process Improvement Movement”
May. 02, 2008

BIM and the Process Improvement Movement

It gives me pleasure to introduce a guest author to BIM ThinkSpace – Sohail Razvi. Through the wonders of web-based professional networking, I met Sohail and we started a discussion that continues to date. This is Sohail’s first web contribution into the topic and I’m delighted he’s chosen BIM ThinkSpace for his well-thought piece. The below article explores a new
Featured image for “Episode 8: Understanding BIM Stages”
Feb. 18, 2008

Episode 8: Understanding BIM Stages

While BIM Stage 1 only needs a BIM application and a champion and Stage 2 needs two players and the will to collaborate, Stage 3 needs much more than that. The Integrated Practice will need a systematic understanding followed by systematic consolidation of all relevant Technologies, Processes and Policies…It may be a long deployment road ahead of us but it’s surely a scenic one
Featured image for “Episode 7: Understanding BIM Nodes (BIM Fields)”
Feb. 02, 2008

Episode 7: Understanding BIM Nodes (BIM Fields)

The confusion in BIM discussions and implementations can be dramatically reduced by systematically analysing the larger-than-life concept. We’ll do that by subdividing Building Information Modelling into its basic components and then relate them back to each other in a – hopefully – meaningful and useful way.
Featured image for “Episode 6: A systematic understanding of BIM”
Jan. 20, 2008

Episode 6: A systematic understanding of BIM

Building information Modelling can be a very difficult topic to define. Just try to discuss it with a colleague and – more probably than not – you’ll end up discussing endlessly overlapping topics. For example, you start to discuss BIM’s effcts on industry and you end up comparing software solutions. Or, the topic starts with how to collaborate around the
Featured image for “SMARTcodes – the shape of things to come…”
Nov. 19, 2007

SMARTcodes – the shape of things to come…

Building Information Modelling has promised a lot of added-value automation out of a well-constructed object model. After a few years of inflated expectations, it is good to start witnessing an increase in the availability of industrial-quality (as opposed to research-quality) tools targeting the rich data embedded within models. One of these ‘tools’ is SMARTcodes, an initiative by the International Code
Featured image for “From 2D to 3D – a sound advice”
Oct. 19, 2007

From 2D to 3D – a sound advice

I have read this entry and found the advices provided in it sound and succinct – a good chance for me to ease into public blogging again. Gary Lamit – a mechanical CAD consultant – helps companies migrate from 2D to 3D. Below is the most relevant part of what he had to say (emphasis added): “I think the overall
Featured image for “BIM standards…a reminder”
Mar. 14, 2007

BIM standards…a reminder

The emergent National (US) BIM Standard is an excellent effort by NIBS and the IAI and serves as a reminder for reluctant industry players to accelerate their BIM investigations and implementation efforts. The existence of a standard, arguably incomplete, is a strong indication of the rapidly maturing nature of BIM processes and policies (refer to the press release below). Make
Featured image for “Digital Project® – first impressions”
Mar. 10, 2007

Digital Project® – first impressions

I have decided to undertake the advanced training necessary to understand Digital Project – Frank O. Gehry’s digital platform for design and construction. So over the past few weeks, I submitted myself to an intensive training regime which turned out to be very challenging yet highly rewarding. FIRST let me share with you that I am more than impressed from
Featured image for “Episode 5: BIM Data Sharing Methodologies”
Feb. 07, 2006

Episode 5: BIM Data Sharing Methodologies

BIModellers can share little or much information available across desperate industry domains. The optimal BIModeller would have the ability to display, calculate and share all data necessary between disciplines without loss or workflow conflicts  This ability, or lack of, is a function of the technology used, the process deployed and the parties (knowledge workers) involved. This episode is available in
Featured image for “Episode 4: BIM vs. Partial BIM”
Jan. 07, 2006

Episode 4: BIM vs. Partial BIM

Adopting the graphical language of Figure 3.1 (Episode 3), a Building Information Model is sprung into digital existence whenever the object-based model includes different data colours; inter-disciplinary information generated in two or more disciplines or domains. That lacking, the model can only be labelled as a partial BIM.   This episode is available in other languages. For a list of all
Featured image for “Episode 3: Focus on Information”
Dec. 23, 2005

Episode 3: Focus on Information

“Architecture does not create buildings but creates information that creates buildings” BIModellers do not depict nor encode the full scope of industry knowledge even within individual sectors (Architecture, Engineering or Construction). To express the matter differently, we first need to decipher what is really meant by ‘information’ within Building Information Modelling: This episode is available in other languages. For a list
Featured image for “Episode 2: Focus on Modelling”
Dec. 18, 2005

Episode 2: Focus on Modelling

Not all models or modellers qualify as BIM.  Although there are neither clear definitions nor umbrella agreements of what constitutes a Building Information Modeller, researchers and software developers alike allude to a lowest common denominator.  This episode is available in other languages. For a list of all translated episodes, pleaser refer to https://bimexcellence.org/thinkspace/translations/. The original English version continues below: This non-declared denominator is
Featured image for “Episode 1: Introduction”
Dec. 09, 2005

Episode 1: Introduction

The BIM Episodes Exploring the boundaries of Building Information Modelling We all may have read various definitions of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and most do not provide a comprehensive understanding of the evolving term. This article is no different; it is yet another attempt to define and understand the ever changing boundaries of the BIM concept as well as the
Featured image for “Welcome to BIM ThinkSpace”
Oct. 29, 2005

Welcome to BIM ThinkSpace

There are accelerating changes affecting the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) Industry; changes that are caused by technology, emerging standards and process changes. The amount of movement and its witnessed effects are potent, exciting and wide ranging. This BIM ThinkSpace is for those interested in discussing Building Information Modelling (BIM), Interoperability, Process Integration, nD Modelling and related topics. I hope