BIM from Design Stage – Are Hong Kong Designers Ready?

Abstract

The Hong Kong Government plans to implement BIM in all public housing projects starting from 2014. There is a pressing need to review the current use of BIM. From a questionnaire survey with 52 design firms in Hong Kong, their usage pattern and barriers to BIM adoption were identified. Although the majority of the respondents had installed BIM, their application of BIM in projects was noticeably low due to the lack of qualified staff and lack of client demand. To encourage the use of BIM, the government has to take a lead to demand the use of BIM in her projects. Besides, the government should collaborate with the industry to establish clear standards and guidance on the use of BIM and to provide more tailored training to practitioners and future students. Although the study is conducted in Hong Kong, the results contribute practical insights to the subject in other countries.