Arup welcomes UK Goverment decision to push forward with Building Information Modelling.
The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) has published a report for the Government Construction Client Group outlining the strategy to implement plans for the use of Building Information Modelling on all public sector building projects.
These plans for a phased five-year development follow the recent announcement that all suppliers involved in these projects will be required to use Building Information Modelling tools and techniques from 2016.
The strategy aims to drive improvements in value, cost and carbon performance through a more integrated approach to design, construction and operation of facilities within the built environment.
Arup Associates director Michael Beaven welcomed the move, saying:
“For our clients adopting this approach can help them achieve better quality and better performing buildings, but also potentially cheaper buildings, built faster and with less waste. It allows us to design and deliver buildings which previously we could only imagine. The industry is at an early stage of adopting BIM and there is a way to go before its full potential can be realised.
“But Building Information Modelling is easily misunderstood. Arup has been pioneering this way of working for some time, collaborating with partners including contractors and architects. But many in the industry still need to engage with this approach, and these announcements raise the bar for everyone. For those, this document will be received as a wake-up call driving necessary change.
“The report also introduces a number of themes not directly related to Building Information Modelling, such as a move away from the current walk-away nature of handover and procurement, and reinforcing the green agenda.
“While the changes apply particularly to the public sector, we see the changes as having the same relevance to the private sector – indeed many of our projects have already used a Building Information Modelling approach. Those of our clients who have not yet adopted this approach already could see significant benefits in their projects.
“One of Arup’s most celebrated projects which used Building Information Modelling techniques and tools was the award-winning Water Cube with PTW Architects, built for the Beijing Olympics. Without the collaborative systems adopted on the project from the design process, to manufacture, construction and operation, this striking design simply wouldn’t have been realised.”