Editorial

The Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industries have long sought techniques to decrease project cost, increase productivity and quality, enhance safety, and reduce project delivery time. Building Information Modeling (BIM) offers the potential to achieve these goals. BIM simulates the construction project in a virtual environment. With BIM technology, an accurate virtual model of a facility is digitally constructed. When completed, the computer-generated model contains precise geometry and relevant data needed to support the programming, fabrication, procurement, construction, and post-construction activities. It can be used by project stakeholders for planning and decision making throughout the project life cycle. BIM represents a new paradigm within AEC, one that encourages integration of the roles of all stakeholders on a project. It has the potential to promote greater efficiency and harmony among players who, in the past, saw themselves as adversaries.