The term BIM seems to have been coined by Autodesk, a leading software vendor for AEC (Architecture, Engineering and Construction) applications. However, Graphisoft claims that their Virtual Building concept introduced with ArchiCAD in late 80’s was the first ever implementation of BIM concept in an AEC application [read Laiserin 15 & 19].

The development of BIM can be traced back to the initiatives of the International Alliance for Interoperability (IAI). IAI started as Industry Alliance for Interoperability in 1994 as a consortium of group of US companies. They demonstrated interoperability

In simple, BIM allows for virtual construction of a building to its full details. How this has been made possible is through the global BIM initiatives which are currently lead by buildingSMART. The background of the BIM (specifically the openBIM) technology is discussed above. Several proprietary BIM solutions are also developed to scales not yet matched by IFC (of buildingSMART) probably due to the competition and large budget allocation for R&D as a result of that. However, these developments are usually within limited scope in contrast to wider scope of buildingSMART initiatives.

Following the issuance of BIM Level 2 by 2016 mandate in 2011, the United Kingdom developed standards, procedures and protocols to address almost all aspects of BIM implementations. Key developments were popularly known as 7 pillars of BIM (or BIM wisdom). With the addition of information security standards, they are now called 8 pillars. These provide comprehensive guide for proper BIM adoption also for us. It is necessary we read all these primarily to understand what role each of us have to play in a BIM implementation. Further, it is necessary to clearly understand what role others play as BIM implementation is a highly collaborative effort.