Dear colleagues,

A Building Information Model (BIM) is a digital representation of physical and functional characteristics of a facility. It is one of the most promising developments in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industries. It exploits the potential of digital modeling technologies to provide a new way of designing buildings and managing the design and construction processes. This approach brings together geometry (lines and surfaces) and rich non-geometrical information (intelligent descriptions of components, materials etc.) in a single data environment. BIM during the design and construction phases of a project has the potential to create an ‘as-built’ virtual model of the building, a digital asset that can be exploited throughout the operational life of the building. At the heart of a

BIM process is collaboration. BIM is a rapidly evolving collaboration tools that facilitate integrated design and construction management. Working as a collaborative team requires the development of better and more efficient ways of working to achieve shared goals. It brings about many advantages for the construction industry, such as improved communication and understanding, leading to greater productivity, quality and cost certainty. Ultimately collaboration results in better outcomes. Further BIM enables multidimensional models including space constraints, time, costs, materials, design and manufacturing information, finishes, etc., to be created and even allows the support for information-based real-time collaboration. The section provides a platform for different researchers or groups of researchers, practitioners, and educators around the world to share their research work and develop concepts surrounding BIM in a multidisciplinary fashion.

There are many potential areas for BIM contributions. Owners can use a building information model to Increase building performance, reduce the financial risk, shorten project schedule, obtain reliable and accurate cost estimates, assure program compliance, and optimize facility management and maintenance.