China is generating an impressive variety of world-class projects throughout the country and increasingly applying innovative processes using Building Information Modeling (BIM) that both enhance design and improve construction productivity. Since 2007, Dodge Data & Analytics has been tracking the business impacts of technology advances through its SmartMarket Report series, with a particular focus on how BIM is transforming the design and construction process in Asia, Australia, North America and Western Europe.
This report analyzes survey data collected from Chinese-based architects and contractors who are currently using BIM on projects, and also from those who have not yet become involved with BIM. Among BIM users, the report examines their level of involvement, benefits, investments, perceived value and future plans for building information modeling. Among non-users, it explores their reasons for non-adoption and triggers that will initiate adoption. Among the key findings:
- Implementation Growth: The percentage of organizations that are at a high BIM implementation level (at least 30% of their projects involve BIM) is projected to double in the next two years (89% growth for architects and 108% growth for contractors) – these are sure signs that China is committed to building information modeling usage.
- BIM Benefits: Chinese architects and contractors enjoy the same powerful business benefits from BIM as their peers around the world. They are global leaders when it comes to using building information modeling to generate faster client approval cycles, with 64% reporting receiving this benefit at a high level. Faster client approval cycles can have a dramatic impact on reducing overall project delivery schedules and more effectively engaging owners in project design and construction.
- Non-user Attitude: Results of this research are encouraging for continued growth of BIM in China, where nearly 90% of non-users express a positive attitude about BIM, and none say that they have used it and decided to not use it again. China can expect significant continued expansion of building information modeling adoption and implementation.
This is a very exciting era for the design and construction economy in China. As exceptional projects proliferate throughout all regions, owners, architects and contractors can leverage new model-based technologies and processes to improve design, productivity, efficiency, quality, safety and their own competitiveness.