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In the ever-evolving world of architecture and construction, the integration of Building Information Modeling (BIM) stands out as a cornerstone for future advancements. In a recent engaging conversation with Vaughan Harris, also known as the Baron of BIM, we peeled back the layers to understand the intricacies and future of BIM. Here’s what we uncovered.
Exploring the World of BIM: Conversations with the Baron of BIM
In this enlightening and expansive interview, we delve into the innovative world of Building Information Modeling (BIM) with a conversation between Stephen Drew from the Architectural Social and Bona Harris, the self-proclaimed Baron of BIM. This blog post encapsulates the valuable insights and forward-thinking perspectives shared during this discussion, exploring BIM’s role in the architecture and construction industries, and the importance of evolving with digital technologies.
Introduction to the Baron of BIM
From the outset, Stephen Drew introduces Bona Harris as a distinct figure in the architectural and construction industries. Known as the Baron of BIM, Harris stands out with his self-proclaimed title and unique viewpoints on BIM management and its global impact. Despite his ‘royal’ moniker being self-imposed, the Baron of BIM quickly dispels any literal connection to royalty, emphasizing his roots in South Africa where he drives efforts to improve construction standards across the continent.
The Journey and Impact of BIM
The Baron of BIM shares his journey, starting with the inception of the BIM Institute five years ago in South Africa and the subsequent establishment of the BIM Academy Africa. His efforts aim to advance digital media usage and embrace social media as tools for sharing valuable lessons in the architecture industry. Harris emphasizes the necessity of social architecture groups, fostering communities that passionately engage with digital transformation in construction.
Unpacking BIM: A Technical Insight
A major portion of the discussion revolves around BIM as a transformative tool in the construction industry. Harris elaborates on the importance of standards like ISO 19650, highlighting how various stakeholders, including architects and estimators, must collaborate effectively to leverage the full potential of BIM. He critiques the current practices, advocating for a standardized, rigorous approach to data classification and quantity takeoff processes that can ensure smoother project execution.
BIM, Education, and Gamification
The conversation transitions into an exploration of educational approaches in BIM learning. The Baron of BIM talks about his initiative, Exceptional BIM, which offers a unique, gamified learning platform for students. This setup allows participants to engage in an interactive, tiered learning process where achievements and learning progress are shared via social media. Harris stresses the significance of developing leadership skills among participants, enabling them to understand and apply BIM standards in real-world scenarios.
The Role of Quantity Surveyors in BIM
Harris specifically addresses the role of quantity surveyors (QS) in the BIM ecosystem, urging them to understand and utilize design software to improve communication and data exchange with architects. He notes a persistent technical skills gap among QS professionals, calling for a collective industry-wide effort to upskill and embrace the transformative potential of BIM technologies, thereby avoiding obsolescence.
A Personal Reflection and a Glimpse into the Future
Wrapping up the interview, Stephen Drew and Bona Harris delve into personal stories, with Drew reflecting on the culture of online learning certifications and Harris sharing his background in special forces and filmmaking. These anecdotes serve as a reminder of the multifaceted nature of professionals in the BIM field and the diverse experiences that shape industry leaders.
Towards an Exceptional Future
The session concludes with the Baron of BIM sharing his vision for 2021 and beyond. He urges individuals and organizations to embrace exceptionalism, learning continually and adapting to the ever-evolving digital landscape. Harris highlights the availability of free learning opportunities and encourages professionals to choose paths that align with their aspirations in the new world of construction and architecture technologies.
This conversation not only provides an in-depth look at BIM’s technical and educational aspects but also offers a narrative on personal growth and adaptation in a rapidly changing industry. It’s a compelling call to action for all engaged in shaping the future of construction and architecture.
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