For the past six months we have seen a huge increase in noise about Building Information Modelling (BIM). This has largely been caused by the recent report from the Government setting out their construction strategy which indicate the adoption of BIM over the next five years.

At _space group we have been an ambassador of such an approach since we first were presented with parametric software in 1999. A potential of linking multiple objects within a single database seemed to have huge potential in industry. The days of changing drawings manually are now a distant memory.

The eureka moment for us in the adoption of 3D design was the parametric (linking all elements into a single model) aspects of the drafting exercise. Removing a door for example, the plans, sections, elevations and schedules were all updated at the same time.

Since this revelation back in 2000 BIM has been formed and the potential now is far greater than the original benefit.

We are seeing the benefits of standardised components, energy modelling, visualisation and many many more aspects. The speed which information can now be produced is considerably faster than before and considerably more accurate.

_space group have been on this journey for some time and it does feel like we are on a hockey stick curve of adoption. For ten years there has been slow and steady progress and adoption whilst the technology developed. Since the release of the Governments construction strategy BIM has been legitimised and we are now heading into the steep curve of the hockey stick. We are now in a position of not if BIM is adopted but when.

Over the next 12 to 18 months it is likely we will see frantic activity from the industry as it looks to understand what BIM means for their business and what they will need to do to maintain their position.

There will always be those who are looking for the reasons not to engage with a plethora of barriers being put in place. The first issue is usually fear closely followed by resistance to change. With some organisations there obviously is a reluctance or inability to invest the time and resources into such a change management programme.

Those that are and have adopted BIM are seeing the benefits and putting pressure onto those doing things in a more traditional way.

In the months ahead we will see the polarisation of organisations into those who do BIM and those that do not.