The Realities of Building Information Modeling for Collaboration in the AEC Industry

In this paper, we will report on how the introduction of a new technology, Building Information Models (BIM), is in the process of changing collaboration among architects, engineers, and builders. Using a multi-method study of comparative case studies and triangulation interviews, we have observed two building projects over an eight-month period, interviewed architects, engineers, general contractors and subcontractors, and we are able to create generalizable grounded theory about technology-supported collaboration. This rich ethnographic data enables the analysis of the ramifications of the existing frameworks of standards of practice and occupational boundaries for collaboration, and allowed us to identify the potential of new technology to change these frameworks. Technology is always embedded in a social context, and its successful adoption depends upon that context. Some in the building design and construction industry are pushing for new technological advancements along side collaborative delivery methods, but there remain a number of organizational questions that must be addressed, particularly in how to engage second and third tier consultants, suppliers and subconstractors who are not part of the primary architect-owner-contractor agreements. Where delivery methods alone will not address the inter-organizational challenges, strategies such as co-location support a stronger team orientation to the project through informal communication.