Women and BIM: an increasingly common combo in construction

It’s still difficult to see a woman leading or working on a construction project. The latest data recorded by the Spanish Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2019 show that only 8.4% of workers in this sector are women. Specifically, 107,639 compared to 1,176,271 men. In Latin America, the figures are roughly the same. According to reports from the NGO Corporate Women Directors International, of the 100 largest companies in this part of the American continent, only 7.3% of senior positions are led by women.

However, more and more women are leading new and large projects, and more companies are investing in their inclusion. Autodesk, a leading developer of design software for the construction sector, strives to gain recognition for the value of gender equality. The implementation of programs such as “Autodesk Women in Leadership” helps foster the personal and professional development of women in the sector through mentoring and career development programs. These programs not only focus on the company’s work but also promote access to architecture, engineering, and construction careers in Latin America.

BIM methodology as a key factor

The latest technological advances and the successive implementation of the BIM methodology, or even VDC and Lean Construction, allow for new and improved ways of working in the construction sector. Building Information Modeling (BIM) allows for cost reduction, time management, greater and more precise project control, and even more effective collaboration between workers. These multiple benefits are developed throughout the project lifecycle through an intelligent model that women have been able to adopt and leverage to perfection. 

BIM represents an update but also a challenge that requires constant development. It’s a technology in which many women specialize and work, like Rocío Gajardo, a student of Zigurat’s International Master’s Degree in BIM Calculation and Modeling of Facilities. In an interview with the institution, Rocío explains that her greatest commitment and motivation for dedicating herself to this sector is to improve and solve real-life problems. She feels fulfilled by contributing positive changes and being part of this community. And she achieves this thanks also to the digitalization of the sector with the BIM methodology and the significant benefits it offers.

She was also asked about the current trend of involving BIM in all project phases and across all disciplines, and whether this is the way forward. She replied: 

“ I’m absolutely convinced. I’m just saying that it’s happened to me and I’ve seen it on countless occasions. It’s not possible to be in direct contact with all the stakeholders as you’d like, and in that regard, the emergence of BIM is the perfect solution to this problem, as it will allow for more easily integrating all the solutions from different specialties by collaborating remotely.”

There are vast areas where construction could be improved, for example, in terms of energy efficiency. And while there’s a wide range of options, there’s a huge gap between cities and small towns. There’s also much to be done in these inland areas when it comes to infrastructure. New technologies will undoubtedly help us take positive steps and solve current problems. BIM is the perfect solution that brings it all together.

Zigurat, like Autodesk and other companies, appreciates the great talent and motivation of the female architects and engineers who are part of the team, both as faculty and alumni. It is hoped that the new BIM methodology will help increase the visibility of the sector, make it more attractive, and encourage women to continue their training to further increase their presence in construction.