Reader Response Draft 2

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 faced when implementing it. The introduction of BIM has revolutionized the building construction industry. According to Monswhite (as quoted in Jenkins, 2015) the change of use from two to three-dimensional design with BIM allows the industry to reduce construction cost and optimise space management. While BIM boast of its advantages, Jenkins asserts that BIM is yet to be widely accepted in the building 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 embrace changes and prefer to stick to conventional methods. In addition, Smithson, Coventry’s University sustainability director, states that these key players are unwilling to even give BIM a try. Therefore, Smithson and her team are operating an immersive simulation centre to showcase the benefits of BIM to industry professionals to convince them to implement BIM. However, if BIM really is the key to revolutionizing the build construction industry, there must be deeper reasons why not everyone is using it or even willing to try it.

One main reason is due to the hefty price of BIM. This is supported by Than, Singapore-listed Lian Beng Group construction director who stated in an article that it is a challenge for everyone to use BIM as it is expensive. It is true indeed as according to Autodesk official website, the software itself costs a few thousand and this is exclusive of the hardware and training charges. In Singapore, the government highly encourages the usage of BIM in projects and to show its support, the BIM fund was launched to help defray some of the incurred fees. However, according to (BCA, 2017) getting subsidized is not as straightforward as there are several requirements to be met before funding can be received. Furthermore, as BIM is a complex software, staffs will have to take time off from work to attend trainings. This will be especially taxing on firms lacking manpower. Alternatively, firms can hire BIM experts but this of course comes with a hefty price. Based on an article from The StraitsTime by (Wong, 2017) hiring an operator to work the BIM system could cost $4,000 to $5,000 a month.

Apart from financial burdens, another concern would be that in order for BIM to be implemented, the work process need to be changed as BIM requires the collaborative work of all the various disciplines. In conventional practice, each department would just have to focus on submitting their own plans. With BIM, the various departments need to interact and come out with the collaborative model together. In this case, the role of the project coordinator is chiefly critical to ensure the smooth integration of the project and this may be an issue if the project coordinator is not BIM-trained.

In conclusion, although there are many complications that could potentially hold firms back from implementing BIM but the main problem is still financial constraint. In addition, smaller firms that are unable to afford this software are facing more pressure with the increasing government contracts requiring BIM’s implementation. Thus, as the government is encouraging BIM’s implementation, they should do a better review and inspection as to why not everyone is using it even with the funding and incentives.

 

References:

Jenkins. (2015, April 13). 3D building models help bring sustainability into construction. Retrieved from theguardian: https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2015/apr/13/bim-technology-design-business-sustainability-construction

Wong Siew Ying, N. J. (2017, June 19). The Straits Times. Retrieved from http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/construction-industry-faces-tough-times:

Burger, R. (2014, August 12). How to Integrate BIM into Small Practices. Retrieved from https://blog.capterra.com/integrate-bim-small-practices/

https://www.bca.gov.sg/bim/others/BIM_Award_2016_Organisation.pdf (Construction industry faces tough times)