The Industrial and Construction revolution as a result of the recent breakthrough of technology has fundamentally improved life, businesses, construction industry in a lot of countries. It is a fusion of advances in artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, the Internet of Things (IoT), 3D printing, genetic engineering, quantum computing, and other technologies.

Considering how far behind we are on the construction revolution (Construction 4.0), we are endorsing a change in the current way of design and construction by transitioning to Building Information Modelling (BIM).

What is BIM?

Architects, Engineers and Contractors have been using hand drawings to design, document and build for thousands of years until the introduction of AutoCAD in 1982. Today, we are experiencing another revolutionary transition from 2D plans into the world of 3D modelling and BIM.

Simply stated, the idea of BIM is that you would have a digital copy of the physical building, one that would contain all the relevant information you need to design, operate, maintain, and transact in a digital, searchable, accessible, accurate database. It is far easier to develop and maintain the information of a building within this environment, compared to trying to maintain thousands of separate documents, drawings, or schedules.

BIM will help Architects, Civil Engineers and Contractors have better insight into projects therefore make more informed decisions, improve design workflow, overview changes, and reduce errors. BIM facilitates effective rework allowing convenience to communicate, collaborate, coordinate, and better assess projects.  It also helps to reduce cost, risks and wastage during the project timeline, ultimately giving higher quality output.

How other countries are implementing BIM

Many governments around the world have or are in the process of implementing BIM for the modernization of government-funded infrastructure. European Union, Singapore, UAE, China and Australia are in the lead on developing BIM policies or standards — and demonstrating real value on behalf of their constituencies. The British government introduced a new policy requiring all construction firms bidding for central government contracts to have Level 2 BIM status.

Nanjing International Youth Cultural Centre by Zaha Hadid Architects is the first completely top-down/bottom-up tower construction in China – starting at street level and building upwards and downwards in tandem – constructed in only 34 months using ZHA’s expertise and experience in 3D digital BIM.

Randselva Bridge in Norway is the world’s longest bridge built entirely without drawings — not even a single PDF. 95% of all information, including over 200 pour phases, is transferred to the contractor with IFC files, saving time and eliminating errors. Parametric design was used to model about 70% of all the objects, enabling easy revisions and quick changes.

Here’s why we are implementing BIM

• Implementing BIM will revolutionize the construction industry in the Maldives.
• Construction projects will be done in a shorter time with greater operational efficiency thereby getting better end results.
• Implementing BIM means to automate tasks to reduce design time and improve handoff, deliver sustainable projects with high-quality building and infrastructure projects that exceed performance requirements.
• BIM can also help in occupational safety and health.

As the country’s main urban development corporation, we are steadily motivated towards innovation and adapting to new technology that enhances our workflow efficiencies. BIM will enable us to formulate and design projects to achieve our sustainability and economic goals, meanwhile achieve implementation milestones timely and effectively. This is a step that will help keep us on track and fast moving towards the completion of Hulhumalé, Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi masterplan.