High hopes – why BIM does not pay off (yet)
Recently, BIM (Building Information Modeling) had been implemented in a rising number of projects. Marketing by software vendors and administrations initiatives, respectively, lead to the consideration of using BIM in almost every new project. In some countries BIM is already mandatory for public construction project, in many others this will be the case soon. First trial projects have been finished, and enthusiasm has given way to a more sober assessment. Great improvements could not be achieved as expected or even promised. This report shows how false hopes had played an important part during the implementation of BIM, and why these expectations could not be met. BIM with its transparent processes, its need for open communication and a new culture of failures stands in opposition to the governing situation within the construction industry. A description is given to the extent how BIM as a technology should have solved problems that are of a social or even cultural nature, and describes requirements for a successful implementation.