Building Information Modelling Design Ecologies: A New Model?

This paper considers the barriers to BIM adoption and demonstrates they are symptoms of existing problems in the Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Operations (AECO) industry. When current external pressures are considered, a varied and complex set of problems emerge that require a significant paradigm change if they are to be resolved sustainably. It is argued that Building Information Modelling (BIM) does not represent a paradigm change on its own and the concept of the design ecology is presented as a framework within which BIM can act as a catalyst for change. Specific affordances of this model are presented in terms of responding to the challenges presented in the Low Carbon Construction report (Innovation and Growth Team, 2010) and to the general characteristics of the original problems identified. Examples are presented to demonstrate that this is already emerging in practice and some suggested areas of further investigation are suggested.