The Limitations of Bim in the Architectural Process

Building Informational Modeling has been suggested by some as the panacea to address the interdisciplinary inefficiencies in the construction industry. In many cases the adoption of BIM has numerous potential benefits. But when considering individual disciplines within the construction industry the question is how will BIM integrate with their business process? The term business process here is used to refer to project development in an architectural organization. Although both practice management and project management are also considered. BIM is an enabling tool within the construction process. According to Lean principles tools should only be used where they are applicable to the tasks and tangible benefits can be demonstrated. When applying a new technology such as BIM it is critical to understand the core activities to which the technology is being applied. This paper sets out a framework of actions and interactions that occur within architectural practice. Through this understanding the role and potential of BIM adoption as a basis for re-engineering can be evaluated. The particular understanding of architectural practice and the adoption of BIM has been gained through action research undertaken as part of a knowledge transfer partnership project. The knowledge transfer partnership was set up between the University of Salford and John McCall Architects.