In architecture and construction, a successful project depends not only on good design but also on delivering the right information at the right time. Every decision made throughout the building’s lifecycle directly affects safety, cost, sustainability, and user experience. For this reason, BIM (Building Information Modeling) has become the digital backbone of the modern construction industry.
BIM is not a software tool, as many assume; it is a holistic, data-driven process that functions independently of software. It centralizes the information produced during design, construction, and operation in a single digital model, ensuring that all stakeholders access consistent and reliable data.
What Is BIM Modeling?
The concept commonly referred to in the industry as “BIM modeling” is not merely drawing a model; it encompasses structural information, relational logic, and standardized data management. Technically, the term “BIM modeling” is not entirely accurate—since BIM already stands for “Building Information Modeling,” the phrase becomes a redundancy, implying “Building Information Modeling–modeling.”
A more precise explanation is that BIM modeling refers to the object-based digital modeling approach enabled by BIM-capable software. This method offers far more than a geometric representation of a building. BIM integrates geometric, text-based, numerical, and relational attributes—essentially all information attached to building objects—into one unified data system.
In BIM, a wall is not merely a drawing; it contains layered information such as material composition, performance characteristics, energy behavior, fire resistance, and maintenance requirements. Therefore, BIM digitalizes not only the building’s geometric components but also the information behind those components.
Thanks to this structure:
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changes are automatically reflected throughout the model,
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interdisciplinary coordination improves,
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clashes can be detected before construction begins,
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design decisions can be validated early in the process.
Which Programs Are Used in BIM?
BIM defines a methodology for creating, classifying, sharing, and managing data throughout a building’s lifecycle. Tools such as Revit, ArchiCAD, Tekla, Solibri, and Navisworks support the BIM process—but they are not BIM itself. BIM’s true power lies in ensuring interoperability among these tools. The most critical component that enables this interoperability is the IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) standard.
What Is IFC?
IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) is the open, vendor-neutral, and standardized digital representation of the built environment, including buildings and infrastructure assets. As an international standard under ISO 16739-1:2024, IFC operates independently of any specific software or manufacturer and forms the foundation of the openBIM approach. Developed by buildingSMART International, the IFC schema is one of the most essential technical components in the BIM ecosystem.
The IFC data model defines the identity, attributes, and relationships of building components in a consistent structure. Beyond physical elements like columns or slabs, it also covers performance data, cost logic, assembly and operation processes, and project stakeholders. Supported by more than 100 BIM software applications, IFC has become a reliable and mature open data standard.
BIM and Artificial Intelligence
BIM represents the first major step toward future digital construction technologies. Construction remains the second least digitalized industry after agriculture; therefore, there is still a long path ahead for digital transformation. The next stages of this journey include digital twins and AI-driven systems.
Digital twin platforms integrate real-time data collected from physical assets via sensors with a validated BIM-based digital model. While AI algorithms can operate on traditional 3D models, achieving reliable, automated, and scalable building-level analysis becomes challenging without the standardized, object-based, and relational structure offered by BIM. When combined with sensors and AI, BIM becomes the foundation that enables predictive maintenance, performance optimization, and automated decision-making.
The Strategic Value of BIM in Facility Management and Its Impact on the Building Lifecycle
The longest and most critical phase of a building’s lifecycle is facility management. While design and construction are limited periods, the operational phase continues throughout the building’s life and carries all responsibilities related to performance, safety, and sustainability. Therefore, BIM’s true value becomes most visible during facility management.
A validated and standardized BIM model serves as the foundational data source for operations. This model includes essential information such as equipment history, warranty durations, maintenance plans, material specifications, and energy performance. However, by its nature, BIM is a static information model and does not include real-time data flows from the physical asset.
This is where the second stage begins: the digital twin. When a BIM-validated model is integrated with real-time data from IoT sensors and building automation systems, it evolves into a dynamic operational environment. Facility management teams can then monitor not only scheduled maintenance tasks but also performance fluctuations, energy consumption trends, and early signs of system failures.
This approach ensures that maintenance decisions rely on verified data rather than assumptions. While planned maintenance improves, unexpected downtime due to failures decreases. As the model is continuously fed with real-life usage behavior, predictive maintenance, energy optimization, and performance enhancements become achievable.
Türkiye’s Role in the Ecosystem: buildingSMART International & buildingSMART Türkiye
The adoption of BIM culture relies first on raising sector-wide awareness and then on enabling access to accurate and reliable information.
Globally, the development, maintenance, and dissemination of BIM and IFC standards are led largely by buildingSMART International. In Türkiye, buildingSMART Türkiye plays a crucial role in promoting the openBIM vision, offering trainings, organizing technical working groups, and facilitating collaboration among industry stakeholders.
Conclusion: BIM Is the Universal Language of Modern Construction
BIM is a powerful digital method that connects design, construction, and operation processes. It is a key enabler of sustainability, efficiency, cost management, and artificial intelligence integration—shaping the future of the construction industry. BIM is not only the standard of today but also the working method of the future.
As experts in BIM (Building Information Modeling), we provide professional consultancy services and we are proud members of buildingSMART Türkiye. If you would like expert support for your projects, you may contact us through the Contact page on our website.
References
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İTÜ SEM. (n.d.). BIM Certification Program Lecture Notes. Istanbul Technical University Continuing Education Center.