Building Information Modeling (BIM) Research Paper

Building Information Modeling (BIM) - Research Paper Example Created models (BIMs), are usually files, which can be either networked or exchanged by professionals, with the aim of enhancing decision-making processes. These files are not necessarily in proprietary formats, nor do they contain proprietary data, but are visual representations of developed ideals and conceptions of a given place. Thus, utility is wide-ranging, from individuals and firm-entities, to government agencies; BIM softwares are vital in the planning, design, construction, and the eventual operation and maintenance of varying infrastructure. Essentially, it has and continues being utilized in diverse infrastructure such as roads, ports, bridges, communication utilities, waste disposal facilities to housing, warehouses and prison construction amongst others (American Institute of Architects, 2006). Historically, the BIM concept traces its roots to the 1970s with the first mentioning being in a 1992 paper by Tolman F. P and G. A. van Nederveen. The eventual popular use of the concept was only realized after the release of a white paper by Autodesk, entitled – Building Information Modeling. Afterwards, it was through Laiserin’s aid, which helped standardize and popularize the term; with regard to facilitating both the inter-operability and exchange of digitized data formats. As a digital representation of contemporary building processes, it was akin to: - the Integrated Project Models of Bentley Systems; Vectorworks/ Autodesk’s BIM, or Graphisoft’s Virtual Building concepts. Definitions do vary, with the National Building Information Model Standard Project Committee (NBIMSPC) providing the best description. Pertinently, BIM regards a representation, digitally formatted; of the functional and physical characteristics of a given utility space or place. As a concept, it pertains to the collective knowledge source of specific information/data about an existing facility. It further provides a reliable basis on which decisions are