Seven professional bodies covering design, construction, operation and management in the built environment are supporting NBS, part of RIBA Enterprises, in its development of a free-to-use digital BIM tool for the BIM Task Group.
BIFM, CIBSE, CIOB, ICE, The Institution of Structural Engineers, RIBA and RICS are providing cross-industry support and technical advice to the project, which is a key enabler of the move to deliver Level 2 BIM on central government procurement from April 2016.
The free online tool will help collaborative project teams define, manage and validate who is responsible for what at different stages of the asset lifecycle. Supporting this will be a pan-industry classification system, well defined levels of graphical detail and system information as well as a comprehensive set of product information templates.
Richard Waterhouse, Chief Executive of RIBA Enterprises, said “This initiative was always about doing something which helps the entire industry, so to have these organisations as part of our project steering group will be a fantastic support and will help ensure we have essential pan-industry engagement’.
Anne Kemp, Chair of ICE’s BIM Action group, said: “ICE’s aim is to develop and support the world’s best digitally enabled civil engineers and provide thought leadership and direction to the way BIM is implemented throughout the industry. We are delighted therefore to be playing a part in developing a modern, relevant digital tool which facilitates a more consistent approach across the industry. We look forward to continuing this collaboration, helping to ensure the tool reaches - and is embraced by - all those at the forefront of BIM.”
Eddie Tuttle, Public Affairs and Policy Manager for The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) commented: “CIOB is pleased to be involved in a project that is at the vanguard of the approach to be taken in ensuring that we have a collaborative movement to BIM for the good of the wider industry. “
Sarah Fray, Director: Engineering & Technical Services for The Institution of Structural Engineers said: “The Institution and its members are delighted to support the BIM toolkit project. Broad industry engagement will be a critical element in delivering a free-to-use digital tool to help structural engineers bring about a BIM enabled industry. We are looking forward to seeing real benefits delivered to all through collaborative project work across the industry.”
Mark Powell, Executive Director at RICS commented: “RICS is delighted to be involved in the development of such an important project; we see this as a major step forward in helping project teams to collaborate to achieve level 2 BIM. For the first time, project teams will have free access to a best practice design management toolkit and a common classification system that, where possible, will help link design objects with our existing measurement standards and industry benchmarked cost data from our BCIS products.”
Nick Mead, CIBSE President Elect said: “As the professional body for energy using systems in buildings, CIBSE supports the development of the digital BIM tool to cover all aspects of buildings and the wider built environment. For the tool to successfully support the delivery of Level 2 BIM for the whole built environment it is vital that the professional institutions continue to work together to ensure that the tool is fit for purpose for all our respective members.”
Gareth Tancred, CEO, BIFM commented: “BIM can play a crucial role in bringing together the professional silos that currently exist within the built environment. We look forward to working with our colleagues within the other partner organisations as this project develops.”
Adrian Dobson, Director of Practice at the RIBA, said: “The RIBA is delighted to be part of the team of major companies and professional institutes working with NBS to develop the new national digital BIM Tool. This exciting project offers a unique opportunity to tackle some of the remaining barriers to BIM progression, including a common classification system and levels of definition for BIM outputs.”
NBS also plans wider engagement with the industry via other professional bodies and institutes. Discussions, workshops, presentations and beta testing sessions will be happening over the coming months.
