In 2007, the Building Information Modeling (BIM) industry-wide adoption rate was only 28%. By 2012, over 70% of architects, engineers, contractors and owners reported that they have become engaged with BIM on their projects. Previously, architects were the main users of building information modeling, but in 2010 contractors became the leading users of BIM, with 74% of all contractor firms adopting its use. Engineers have historically been the most skeptical to building information modeling use, as they often have run into issues regarding content and technical analysis. However, they have closed the adoption hap significantly, with nearly 70% of engineers reporting participation by 2012, especially among mechanical, electrical, plumbing and structural disciplines.
These increasing adoption rates all point to one key takeaway: BIM, which has been an innovative approach to design and construction for pioneering early adopters for years, has now taken its place firmly in the mainstream of the North American construction industry. Building Information Modeling is maturing, much like other major technologically-oriented processes. BIM has emerging standards and best practices, growing attention from professional organizations and an increasingly skilled user base incorporating its functionality into daily workflows. BIM also helps drive innovation by expanding its use to new tasks and integrating its rich data with many other vital technology tools.
In addition to updating our previous research on BIM adoption, implementation and value in North America, we have included for the first time:
- Included user ratings on over fifty BIM activities and processes
- Developed four indexes (Engagement, Frequency, Value, Difficulty) that will provide a baseline of the current status of BIM in greater detail, help track its future growth, and better isolate and understand the unique dynamics of individual BIM users, activities and processes