Building Information Modelling (BIM): Australian perspectives and adoption trends

Following on from our earlier report, which introduced BIM concepts and revealed the state of art in BIM on the global stage, this report focuses on BIM in the Australian context. It reveals that contrary to the perceptions of many in the industry, Australian BIM practitioners are in the vanguard of global practice, engaging in ambitious demonstration projects of the highest magnitude of complexity. They are also active in the field of research and development, both in terms of basic research undertaken by universities and applied research driven by industry/research collaborations. These have progressed well beyond the stage of problem identification, where solutions are being developed for industry deployment. It is increasingly the case that education and training is being seen as the impediment to further BIM adoption, though a number of Australian professional bodies, TAFEs and universities are now developing highly relevant programmes. Widespread adoption of BIM is not without its challenges: issues of best practice guidance, standardised information libraries, process and data exchange, together with an overarching regulatory framework need to be developed. However these challenges are being currently addressed, with ever-increasing urgency as experienced practitioners are placing increasing demands for solutions upon those charged with their development. In short: widespread adoption of BIM in Australia is no longer an "if" so much as a "when". Forward thinking firms and practitioners are adjusting their strategic mindset to this new paradigm, recognising the potential for sustained competitive advantage arising out of the marriage of new technologies and new methods of working.