Building Information Modelling (BIM) for UK Housing: Exploring Potential Drivers and Opportunities to Deliver Better Customer Experience

Abstract

The digitization of the built environment using building information modelling (BIM) is claimed to providing a more effective and efficient solution for meeting customer expectations. This paper seeks to explore the opportunities of BIM and digital construction for the housing sector. A review of current practices and initiatives used to deliver customer experienceis conducted, emphasising the need to clarify elements/factors affecting that experience, and what impact they impose on the
housing developmentin the UK. A workshop was setup by various UK industrial partners to demonstrate the opportunities for BIM using a residential scheme. BIMbased applications and some analytical tools were subsequently used to demonstrate the opportunities to improve planning, fabric regulation and control, customer experience and supply chain management. Feedback from participants was obtained during the workshop highlighting the practical implications of using BIM. The paper concludes by illustrating the areas in which BIM can play a pivotal role in the development of the UK housing industry. Future work is also recommended to
investigate the use of BIM to form an integrated framework for promoting better collaboration in the UK housing industry.