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A model for emerging economies

Building information modelling (BIM) brings vast benefits for the delivery of infrastructure.

Project BIM pathfinder programme, Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, Mexico, Peru, Vietnam

Client UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

Expertise Programme management, capacity building

Data-rich 3D models allow for supreme optioneering which streamlines the delivery process and brings efficiency savings in materials, time and costs to the construction process.

We set out our global BIM strategy in 2010 and we use the technology widely.

Now, our Smart Infrastructure team is working with the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to grow BIM capability in six middle-income countries, transferring knowledge from lessons learned from using BIM in the UK and to share global examples of best practice.

We’ve developed a maturity index to help each partner country plot their BIM journey. Ten months on from the start of the project, Vietnam is implementing its BIM strategy, Colombia has established a BIM working group, Peru has published a BIM-specific decree, and Mexico is working towards implementing ISO 19650, the international BIM standard.

BIM supports the efficient design, delivery and maintenance of infrastructure and well-designed projects raise economic growth. The BIM pathfinder programme is supported through the UK government’s Prosperity Fund, which aims to remove barriers to growth and promote sustainable development in middle-income countries, where 59% of the world’s poor live and 60% of global growth will occur by 2030.

middle-income countries are building BIM capacity

Greater access to clean water and sanitation, energy supplies and public transport systems often benefit the poorest most. By reducing the costs of designing, delivering and maintaining infrastructure, BIM improves financial viability, freeing up investment for additional projects.

Encouraging BIM as way of working and collaborative digital project delivery, will help partner countries to develop and construct more resilient and inclusive buildings and infrastructure, from education and health facilities to transport, energy and communications networks.