Building information modeling (BIM) is a process involving the generation and management of building data which includes digital representations of physical and functional characteristics of places during the life cycle of a project.
The process produces the Building Information Model (also abbreviated BIM), which encompasses building geometry, spatial relationships, geographic information, and quantities and properties of building components. This strengthens collaboration by all parties in the design process to accurately share a database of information about the project.
Throughout the life cycle of a building project, the BIM model displays the current phase and thus reflects the current knowledge level of the projects. BIM is a process to virtually construct the building by computer prior to construction. BIM also provides a full range of climate/ environmental database and analysis which inform critical environmental information of design alternatives during the early design stage.
BIM is a multidimensional model where there is a virtually unlimited amount of visual and non-visual parametric information related to the project can be added. This information can then be shown graphically and noted in the documents generated. As the project is developed increasing amounts of intelligence are added to each model element. This intelligence is captured and stored in the model and can be utilized for an infinite number of purposes.
