Building Information Modelling Implementation in Practice: Lessons learned from a housing project in the Netherlands

Abstract

Real-world implementations of BIM can serve as use cases to demonstrate BIM implementation strategy in practice. This paper presents the findings from a case study of BIM implementation on a housing project in the Netherlands. It describes how BIM approach was used to facilitate the delivery of the project. The benefits and challenges encountered are discussed. The role of BIM process management, BIM activities and key enabling technologies are examined as well as the impact of procurement on BIM implementation. The paper highlights how BIM activities was structured to deliver the project faster (time), cheaper (cost) and better (quality and performance). The analysis is based on project documents and interview with those involved in managing the BIM process. One of the major implications of the findings is that: BIM implementation is a set of interrelated activities and processes. Organisations seeking to work using BIM approach need to actively engage with the process and, in an ongoing basis, learn from their experiences as well as improve based on the lessons learned.