BIM (Building Information Modelling)

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is the practice of designing, coordinating and managing a building through a shared digital model that carries both geometry and non-geometric information such as materials, quantities and responsibilities.

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Building Information Modelling (BIM) is the practice of designing, coordinating and managing a building through a shared digital model that carries both geometry and non-geometric information such as materials, quantities, phasing and responsibilities. It replaces the drawing set as the primary record: drawings become views of the model rather than the model of record. Exchange between software packages usually goes through the open IFC format.

In practice

A BIM model is authored for design coordination and quantity take-off, not for machine control, so it is rarely print-ready. Element geometry is typically idealised, wall layers are represented as abstract build-ups, and tolerances are not modelled. Before printing, the relevant elements are rebuilt or refined in a modelling environment that can hold the actual printed section, the nozzle width and the wall thickness that results from it. The value of the BIM link is mostly in the other direction: quantities, element identifiers, sequencing and clash detection stay coordinated with the rest of the project while the printed parts are developed separately.

Related terms

  • Parametric modelling — rule-driven geometry, often the bridge between a BIM element and a printable shape.
  • Slicing — converting a solid model into layers and machine instructions.
  • Digital fabrication — the broader practice of driving machines directly from digital models.

Related

Construction AutomationConstruction automation covers prefabrication, robotics, gantries and digital workflows. Why it lags manufacturing and where it actually pays today.Parametric Design for 3D PrintingParametric design turns rules into geometry. How computational modelling, toolpath generation and print constraints shape 3D printed concrete elements.Parametric modellingParametric modelling is geometry defined by rules and parameters, so that changing a value regenerates the model instead of requiring a redraw.SlicingSlicing is the conversion of a solid digital model into horizontal layers and machine instructions describing how each layer is to be printed.