Can we talk about a milestone in the implementation of Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology in Poland? Specialists and popularizers of this technology pondered this question at a panel discussion during the 4 Design Days Fair in Katowice. In the panel session entitled #4DEVELOPMENT. MEANINGFUL INNOVATIONS. On the digital tracks of BIM participated Piotr Buśko, Grzegorz Kłoda, Bohdan Lisowski, Marek Salamak, Kamil Stolarski and Maciej Zuber, moderated by editor Justyna Łotowska (dobrzemieszkaj.pl).
What is BIM technology?
This is a broad view of the construction industry. BIM (Building Information Modeling) technology is based on the electronic recording of full knowledge and data about a building object for use in the design, construction and subsequent use of the object. It connects users with investors, public entities, designers, and general contractors.
BIM breakthrough in Poland
The Ministry of Development and Technology reports a breakthrough on the road to the digitization of the construction process in Poland. In March 2022, a working group on BIM building information modelling was established at the ministry. The created group is an advisory body and can directionally suggest to the Ministry of Development and Technology the construction of applicable law in the space of spending public funds on public investments.
The established group at the panel discussion was represented by Bohdan Lisowski (architect, member of the working group on BIM, president of SARP in 2019-2022), Marek Salamak (professor, Department of Mechanics and Bridges, Faculty of Construction, Silesian University of Technology ) Kamil Stolarski (legal counsel, managing partner of SMW Legal, Association buildingSMART Poland). The primary task of the group is to provide support to the Minister in activities related to the implementation of BIM in Poland and to develop strategies for the implementation of BIM in Poland. Preparing architectural and construction administration and construction supervision to implement investment projects in the construction industry by the BIM methodology. In addition, the Group prepares proposals for legislative actions regarding the implementation of investment projects in construction by the BIM methodology, including public procurement.
BIM implementation strategy in Poland
The goal of BIM implementation in Poland is to integrate all users of the construction process – this is the most important aspect, as BIM is not just for designers. In implementing BIM, the idea is to develop new working standards and achieve the goal of integrating industries most synergistically.
BIM in public procurement and the competitiveness
Kamil Stolarski – legal counsel – points out the development of BIM in the context of foreign markets. In Scandinavian countries, Germany or the USA, BIM technology is already known and used. As a result, in Poland, we can learn from foreign experience and adjust the implementation to Polish realities.
The purpose of BIM - the architects' perspective:
Architects Maciej Zuber-architect (Archas Design Maciej Zuber) and Piotr Buśko (Studio Arkada) also spoke during the panel.
BIM is a broad spectrum of activities. A building created with this technology is spatially designed and inter-industry coordinated. This is the scope of BIM which is a “must-have” for architectural studios that deal with medium and larger projects. Unfortunately, currently, the reality of implementing projects with this technology is such that offices are not ready for digital versions of projects.
The goal of BIM from an architect’s perspective is to save money while maintaining the quality of the object and the architecture created. The result should not only be the design, but also the implementation, i.e. the price of the building’s life – the so-called life cycle.
BIM is green
Life-cycle cost of a building – is a criterion that could be a key one in public procurement. An example of countries that implemented BIM technology is Norway and the Netherlands. It’s not just the design that’s important, it’s how the building will live for the next 50 years. This is the green approach to design and construction.
How should we approach BIM?
The goal of BIM is to improve the quality and efficiency of construction processes. This is made possible by automation and robotics. It is the first step in the digitization of construction processes. It is the future of the construction industry, of which architects as designers are an important link. BIM should be a useful tool for architects to create beautiful buildings.
