Building Information Modeling

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is the process of generating and managing building data during its life cycle[1]. Typically it uses three-dimensional, real-time, dynamic building modeling software to increase productivity in building design and construction.[2] The process produces the Building Information Model (also abbreviated BIM), which encompasses building geometry, spatial relationships, geographic information, and quantities and properties of building components. Source: Wiki

Introduction page

Dr. Burcin Becerik-Gerberin the article 'The value of building Information Modeling' mentions:At the recent BIM CON ! FAB 2009 symposium hosted by the University of Southern California, architecture, engineering and construction practitioners described how their firms have effectively used Building Information Modeling (BIM) in their projects—their BIM processes, and the benefits they believe they have found. With the increasing number of case studies on the topic of BIM in practice, anecdotal evidence suggests that the use of BIM makes the building industry more efficient and effective. However, these case studies can only provide insight into singular situations; they fail to provide a complete and comprehensive list of benefits and associated costs and they rarely assign quantitative values. The question still remains: is BIM really lowering costs and making the building industry more productive? The intuitive answer is ‘yes’ but what is really needed are models for establishing metrics and benchmarks, so the benefits of BIM can established more definitively. 

See AEC bytes