The old UK BIM (Building Information Modelling) standards became obsolete in 2018, yet we still see a lot of the construction industry using out-of-date terminology.  

If you’re still talking about BIM “level 1” or “level 2”, you might need bringing up to date on the latest BIM standards.  

But, don’t worry, we’re here to break it down for you in the first instalment of our BIM Basics series.  

Below, we outline some of the key differences between the old and latest standards, plus link to some resources that will bring your knowledge up to scratch.

But first, what is BIM?

Short for Building Information Modelling, BIM is an information management process.  

A common misconception is BIM is all about 3D modelling, but it’s so much more than that.  

In fact, our resident BIM expert Dave Peacock often explains it as “Better Information Management”.  

It’s about making the right information available to the right person at the right time. 

BIM is a process for defining, creating and delivering structured data and documentation. This allows everyone involved in the project access to the right information at the right time. 

From 2007, the UK adopted its own BIM standards (BS1192 and PAS1192), but this was replaced by a globally focused set of standards in 2018, known as ISO 19650.

The transition from the old UK BIM standards to the latest ISO standards reflects a shift towards global standardisation and collaboration across borders.  

The aim is to have a global framework that can be applied universally across different countries and regions.  

1. Structure – the structure and format of ISO 19650 are standardised to facilitate this worldwide adoption. 
2. Interoperability – the aim is to enable seamless information exchange, so the latest standards establish common principles, terminology, and methodologies.

The construction industry isn’t known for being a beacon of innovation. I’m sure they would forgive us for saying that.

But there’s always room for new technology and we know one local company leading the way.

Operance, founded by Ian Yeo and Scott Pilgrim, are a software and consultancy provider specialising in Building Information Modelling or BIM as it’s commonly known.

We spoke to Ian about how tech like theirs is changing how buildings are built everywhere. It has the potential to save lives and increases efficiency throughout the construction process.

They’re a C4DI success story and to top it off they make a pretty good claim to having one of the best offices in the building.

Before we go any further, you’re probably wondering, what exactly is it that Operance (formally known as Bimsense) do?

Well, in Ian’s own words, “BIM is an acronym for Building Information Modelling. This has quite a few components. So, a 3D model created by an architect or an engineer, is one part of BIM. It’s a real central core part of BIM. But it’s also about information and making that information digital, throughout the construction process.”

“So, you will have an architect’s model. But you can also have, say, an Excel spreadsheet that becomes part of that overall model of a building.”

Thanks Ian. BIM has the potential to be a complete digital footprint of a building, its components, uses, specifications and more.

Operance don’t just do BIM – they offer other services too. They originally formed as a consultancy service for contractors and large estate owners, which is still part of what they do, but they also have an increasing range of software tackling facilities management, operations, and maintenance.

Tying it all together is an exciting concept known as the Golden Thread.

Simply put the Golden Thread is ‘the ability to track decisions throughout the life of a project.’ In other words, Operance empowers users by ‘identifying a thread all the way through design, construction, and the use of the building to know what’s happening to the material of the building and the products.’

Dublin-based architectural practice ODT was chosen unanimously as the winner for the 2,000m2 new build and remodelling of the UoLiv School of Architecture. The existing School currently comprises two buildings, one built in the 1930s and the other in the 1980s, which – as recognised by the brief – have a “lack of cohesion, missing social spaces and public core”. UoLiv required a “meaningful reorganisation” but stressed the need to retain all the existing fabric to represent the history of the School. Meanwhile, the contemporary extension – a “flagship project” – needed to represent the future.

Accurate, considerate Building Information Modelling (BIM) was needed to help the architects enhance cohesion and coordination of the historic buildings’ many parts. ODT needed an in-house Information Manager to create and develop a data-rich, fully-coordinated model so that their designers could concentrate their focus on getting back to doing what they do best, design.

Operance has reviewed and enhanced ODT’s existing BIM processes and procedures, providing value across the group and encouraging uniform BIM standards. Our team has analysed existing documentation and made suggestions for improvement, giving ODT a toolkit that they can use to refine and develop their project methods across the wider group and for future projects.

Our Building Collaboration Format (BCF) tool has combined individual issues into easy-to-digest summarised topics, making BIM easier to view and track the information and coordinate and collaborate as a team. A monthly graphical architectural check has developed a cohesive architectural design, incorporating both old and new elements of the School.

“Recent industry studies suggest that the use of Information Management could secure £5.10-£6 of direct labour productivity gains for every £1 invested and £6.90-£7.40 in direct cost savings.”

To ensure both client and ISO 19650 standards are met, we are performing regular model data checks, helping the design team coordinate and collate information. Developing a fully classified model and establishing clear data requirements, we have coordinated the creation of accurate, structured information for ODT.

Operance has worked closely with the ODT principal designer throughout the project to lead the wider design team and ensure BIM standards whilst overseeing quality control and the Common Data Environment (CDE). Regular BIM workshops conveyed project standards and eliminated any issues swiftly. We also carried out routine CDE audits to prioritise any support where it was needed the most.

By working with Operance BIM, ODT has been able to produce better quality coordinated designs and quality data. Moreover, the team has improved productivity by reducing the amount of design rework generally expected on a project of this nature. As a result, we have helped our client to reduce expenditure and maximise profits.

£1 of productivity gain in design, construction and maintenance of newly built assets enabled by IM could translate into an additional £3.70 in annual UK GDP in 2051.

Our award-winning Operance BIM team continues to work with ODT as their Information Manager to help tender and deliver projects and further evolve their BIM capabilities. We are supporting ODT:

• With their Pre-Qualification Questionnaires (PPQ) and Invitation to Tender (ITT) submissions in respect of BIM content.
• Work with their clients to help define their BIM requirements and project deliverables.
• With project BIM coordination and Information Management.
• To develop a design-team-friendly ‘next generation’ CDE.

Don’t fret and waste time on BIM, concentrate on design and hire in the BIM CoPs!

If you work within an architecture business that would rather their designers concentrate on design and have award-winning experts manage your projects data deliverables and model coordination, give Operance a call today for a brief chat to discuss your needs and our bespoke BIM Call-off Partnerships (BIM CoPs). We’ll develop and provide a no-obligation proposal within 48-hours.