In the article “3D building models help bring sustainability into construction”, Jenkins (2015) discusses the effectiveness of building information modelling (BIM) as well as the challenges of implementing it. The introduction of BIM has revolutionized the building and construction industry. According to Monswhite (as quoted in Jenkins, 2015), the change of use from two to three-dimensional design with BIM enables the industry to reduce construction cost and optimise space management. While BIM boast advantages, Jenkins asserts that BIM is yet to be widely accepted in the building and construction industry. This is supported by Charlton, chief of consultancy Space Group, who argues that majority of the key players in the project lack collaboration and refuse to accept changes due to their preference towards traditional methods. In addition, Elise Smithson, Coventry’s University sustainability director, states that these key players are unwilling to explore the functions of BIM. Therefore, Smithson and her team operates the immersive simulation centre to educate industry professionals the uses of BIM and its benefits.
Since BIM is the crucial key to revolutionizing the build construction industry, there must be more concerns as to why not everyone in the industry are switching to BIM.
In Singapore, the government has recognized BIM as the crucial key to improve productivity in building construction and also an essential tool to integrating various disciplines together and are encouraging all construction firms to switch from their traditional methods to BIM. As a form of encouragement, annual awards are also given to organizations that uses BIM for their projects.
However, Than, Singapore-listed Lian Beng Group construction director, states that it is a challenge for everyone to use BIM due to its high cost. Thus, the government has shown its support of BIM by setting up a BIM fund for companies to implement BIM in their projects. But, the funds might not be enough. According to the report by Wong & Ng from (The StraitsTime, 2017), hiring an operator to work the BIM system could cost $4,000 to $5,000 a month and this does not include the software license fee and training fee. Hence, it may appear like some people are just stubborn and refusing to technologize their methods of doing this but the truth may be more than what it seems. Firms that cannot afford the software may be facing more pressures with government contracts increasingly requiring its implementation. While the richer firms get to enjoy the benefits that BIM brings about, the smaller firms are suffering as they get lesser projects and may face the fear of closing down.
In conclusion, although using BIM can help reap a lot of benefits but it also brings about threat to smaller firms that cannot afford it.
References:
http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/construction-industry-faces-tough-times
http://blog.capterra.com/integrate-bim-small-practices/
No comments:
Post a Comment