Building Information Modelling (BIM) refers to a collaboration or working method based on digital models of a building/structure and will put the planning, construction and operation of buildings on a new footing. It is based on digital 3D building models and the digital information they provide, which the various trades and parties involved can use to access data at any time.

The core of the BIM methodology, especially in the planning and construction phase, is based on digital sub-models, which are given an ever higher level of detail depending on the planning status and process and, very importantly, can be viewed by the other planners so that the project-relevant information is always up-to-date and collisions can be recognised at an early stage of planning and communication errors can be avoided. In this case, we can also speak of a ‘digital twin’.

This means that BIM is not just another 3D simulation programme, but a working method that should be transparent for all parties involved in order to enable greater reliability of statements regarding costs and deadlines. Of course, this requires CAD interfaces. The market leader in this area is currently the Revit programme from AUTODESK, but other CAD programmes can also exchange BIM data.

Revit (AUTODESK) is a software package from the building construction sector for all trades with the possibility of modelling, data integration (CAD/BIM), information modelling, collision analysis/simulation, visualisation (2D, 3D) and calculation.