A Step Closer to BIM? NIBS and AIA Working toward Centralized Building Information Resource

Let’s face it,  the virtually singularly low rate of productivity of the AECOO (architecture, engineering, construction, operations, owner) sector for the past several decades is due to our CULTURE.

As a group, we are kings of the “not invented here” syndrome… or the “my way is the better way” syndrome.  Also, the “let’s keep the Owner in the dark” or the “let’s not work together”, and the “bid low and make it up in change orders” , or “let’s accept the lowest bid and hope for the best” approaches to ruin.

As I’ve previously noted, the altered world economic and environmental landscapes will force CULTURAL change in our industry.  Architects, Engineers, and Contractors new motto will be “our best customer is a smart customer”.  Why?  It’s simple, collaboration and improved “cradle to cradle” facility life-cycle management approaches will be required for survival.  Furthermore, cloud computing and proven collaborative construction delivery methods such as Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) and “IPD-lite”, also known as Job Order Contracting, the latter for facility repair, renovation, sustainability and minor new construction, will converge to enable knowledge sharing among all facility stakeholders.

The signing of an agreement between The American Institute of Architects and the
National Institute of Building Sciences to Work Together on Promoting Building Industry Research and Knowledge is just one indication of the our “changing AECOO landscape”.  It demonstrates the two organizations’ mutual interest in the design, construction, operations and maintenance of high-performance buildings and the desire… no better yet the recognized NEED TO COLLABORATE on issues surrounding these topics.

A primary initial goal of the “partnership” is the joint development of an on-line portal for building industry research and knowledge.   It’s amazing how many in our industry are not even aware of NIBS or Smart Building Alliance.  The march toward BIM, and recognizing its true potential as “efficient building life-cycle management support by technology and standardized processes, taxonomy, etc.” vs. “pretty 3D pictures” will know hopefully gain traction and momentum.

Building Information Management Framework - BIMF

via http://www.4Clicks.com – premier software for cost estimating and efficient project delivery – JOC, SABER, IPD, SATOC, MATOC, IDIQ, POCA, MACC, BOA ….

BIM Business Process / Strategy

Collaborative BIM projects require fundamental changes in business practices among architects, builders, owners, business product manufacturers (BPMs), users, and all other facility stakeholders.

BIM required adoption of many principles existent in LEAN/integrated project delivery methods such as IPD for major new construction, and JOC (job order contracting) for repair, renovation, sustainability projects for existing buildings and minor new construction.

Traditional exchange barriers, common with design-bid-build and design-build must be removed.

1. Project goals must be clearly defined by the Owner, and acceptable to all constituents.
2. Project participants have an adequate level of  competency in BIM and associated project delivery methods, as well complementary knowledge domains.
3. Collaboration, communication, transparency, and shared risk/reward must be common components, and a life-cycle perspective employed vs. “single project/engagement” or “hit and run” mentality.

While emphasis to date has been upon “model-based” planning, in reality, “management-based” planning or process-based planning is the important aspect relative to BIM.  Building Information Modeling, should have been defined as Building INFORMATION MANAGEMENT, with collaborative project delivery methods and complementary knowledge domains (CAFM, CMMS, CPMS, BAS, and GIS… to name a few…  appropriately integrated.

A view of the BUILDING INFORMATION MANAGEMENT, or better yet a BUILDING INFORMATION MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK, is should below.
is also shown.

via 4Clicks.com – a leader in construction cost estimating and project management software of integrated project delivery methods.

Images 1 and 2 from “Change Agents AEC Pty, LTD 2011”