Using building information modelling for a commercial building in Beijing, China

An eight-storey commercial building was successfully constructed in Bejing, China, in 2018 using building information modelling (BIM). The adoption of BIM was initially driven by a need to redesign the mechanical and electrical services in the basement following a decision to increase the number of underground floors from three to four but with reduced headroom. However, many other benefits accrued, resulting in the project being completed 4 months early and £180 000 under budget. This paper describes the hardware, software and organisation of BIM on the project and the many efficiencies and improvements it delivered.