BIM, the Chinese way
Rebecca De Cicco of global training provider Digital Node turns her attention to the world’s most populous nation, China
Hong Kong moves ahead
As China considers what BIM means for its AEC sector, many there are closely observing how other countries have developed and implemented BIM processes and standards, and continue to do so. Since the UK is considered advanced in its level of maturity, the Chinese are particularly interested in lessons that can be learned and adapted from the British to suit their requirements.
The fact that Hong Kong was under British rule for 156 years before reverting to Chinese sovereignty on 1 July 1997, we believe, has some bearing on the opinion held in China that British standards can be considered ‘best practice’ and should be replicated in China today in digital construction. And while the country as a whole is certainly moving towards the roll-out of BIM, it is in Hong Kong that we can see its most advanced adoption, with many government departments in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) now requesting that training be focused on UK BIM Level 2 standards.
Take for example, Hong Kong’s Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD); this is the government body department responsible for inspection and enforcement of operation and safety of electricity and gas installations, railways and trams, lifts and escalators and amusement rides, among other machinery. In December 2017, Digital Node partnered with the UK’s University of Nottingham and BSI to deliver training to EMSD aligned to the UK government’s definition of BIM Level 2.
Despite cultural barriers, and many differences in terminology, a basic knowledge of the UK methodology (for example, PAS 1193 Parts Two and Three) were successfully provided.
Partnership potential
In fact, we see significant opportunities for companies driving BIM and BIM Level 2 in the UK to partner with Chinese companies in order to tender for largescale building and infrastructure projects as BIM knowledge and adoption grows in the region.
This will not be without its challenges: after all, the UK has its own skills shortages in this area and while it may have an excellent BIM framework that marks it out as an exemplar to other nations, that framework still faces its own issues. In short, it’s not as easy as saying any one country can simply adopt British standards – this is why international BIM standards are crucial to a more consolidated approach.
China, along with other countries, needs to take the best bits that the UK has to offer and create its own framework. BIM on a global scale is achievable, but only if we all work together and share our skills, knowledge and expertise. That way, we can bring strength to the industry worldwide and create huge opportunities for growth.
Source: https://aecmag.com/comment-mainmenu-36/1577-bim-the-chinese-way-bim-aec