BICP Industry Consultation Workshop
Prepared by
Dr. Barry McAuley, Post Doctorate Researcher, DIT and CitA Dr. Alan Hore, Principal Researcher, DIT
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EXCUTIVE SUMMARY
The BICP Consultation Workshop took place on Monday 28th November 2016 with representatives from 12 different organisations. This included a diverse representation from professionals within the Architectural, Engineering, Contracting, Legal, Surveying, Consulting, Training and Client sectors. Items under discussion included establishing strategies to increase the value proposition of BIM to clients, establishing current legal impediments, identification of pathfinder projects, current reference for BIM standards and BIM education. A focus group methodology was applied as it enabled the researchers to draw upon respondents' attitudes in a way in which would not be feasible using other methods. Some of the key findings included that Clients are only requesting BIM because they think they should ask for it. There was broad agreement within the group about the importance of BIM accreditation. From a legal standing the CIC BIM protocol and EIR are important sources of documents in providing a legal framework for the execution of BIM services. The PAS suite of documents is widely seen as the most suitable standards due to their impeding ISO accreditation. The drafting of local BIM guidelines was also seen as an important task moving forward. It was evident that the group was particularly keen to see a requirement to upskill senior management and ensure future graduates can collaborate successfully with other professions. The results from the workshop will form part of a larger BICP Irish BIM study which is to be published in April 2017.
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Table of Contents 1.
INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................... 4
2.
WORKSHOP ATTENDEES .................................................................................... 5
3.
METHODOLOGY .................................................................................................... 6
4.
PRIVATE CLIENT ENGAGEMENT ..................................................................... 7
4.1
How can we persuade more private clients to engage with BIM? .............................. 7
4.2
Is there an awareness programme required for these clients? ..................................... 8
4.3
Are clients finding that there is capability in the market to deliver BIM? .................. 8
5.
CONTRACTS AND PROCUREMENT .................................................................. 9
5.1
Are you using BIM as part of your contracts/projects presently? ............................... 9
5.2
How was BIM facilitated in the contracts? ................................................................ 10
6.
PATHFINDER PROJECTS ................................................................................... 10
6.1
What is the purpose of pathfinder projects in this context?....................................... 11
6.2
Are you aware of any potential project candidates? .................................................. 11
7.
NATIONAL BIM GUIDELINES ........................................................................... 12
7.1
Should Ireland develop its own guidelines or use international guidelines? ............. 12
7.2
Who should draft these guidelines? ........................................................................... 12
8.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING ............................................................................ 13
8.1
What training packages could be designed to increase overall awareness and understanding by key stakeholders? .......................................................................... 13
8.2
How do we design programme to facilitate a consistent approach to BIM service delivery? .................................................................................................................... 14
9.
SUMMARY .............................................................................................................. 15
10.
FUTURE STUDY .................................................................................................... 15
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1. INTRODUCTION The BICP Consultation Workshop took place on Monday 28th November between 12.00-14.00 with representatives from 12 different organisations. This included a diverse representation from professionals within the Architectural, Engineering, Contracting, Legal, Surveying, Consulting, Training and Client sector. The workshop attendees represented some of the industry leaders in Ireland who have been active in the promotion and practice of BIM within their organisation. The workshop sought to provide an opportunity to feed into the National BIM Programme for Ireland by eliciting experiences, aspirations/future directions of owners, designers, constructors and building operators/managers in respect to a future requirement for the use of BIM on Irish public and private sector projects. Items under discussion included the nature of economic and industry constraints to BIM adoption, as well as the identification of business strategies and models that may support adoption of BIM in the architecture, engineering, construction and facility management sectors in Ireland.
Pic 1: Workshop Members in deliberation
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2. WORKSHOP ATTENDEES Name
Company
Role
Represented Sector
Alan Hore
DIT / CitA
Academia / Training
Barry McAuley
DIT / CitA
Ralph Montague
ArcDox
Calogero Marino
C+W Architects
Lecturer and director of CitA BICP Postdoctoral researcher and lecturer Co-ordinator of the CitA BIM Group, representative on a number of committees in relation to BIM BIM Manager
Academia / Training Architect / Training
Architectural Technologist
Architectural Technologist
Client
BIM Manager
Client
IT Engineer
Client
Mark Danaher
Transport Infrastructure Ireland Grangegorman Development Agency Transport Infrastructure Ireland Kirby Engineering
BIM Manager
Contractor
Siobhain Moneley
T.J O’Connor & Associates
BIM Manager
Consultancy
Simon Frasier
Engineer and construction lawyer Group BIM Applications Manager
Legal
Emma Hayes
Hussey Frasier Solicitors PM Group
Gary Comerford
Linesight
Quantity Surveyor
Gearoid McGuire
AECOM
BIM Leader and chair of the SCSI BIM Working Group Senior QS and Irish BIM champion with AECOM
John Kerrigan
Leica
Member of the Northern Ireland BIM Steering Group, RICs and SSSI
Surveyor
John Duffy
Robert Moore
Sri Annavarapu
Table 1: Workshop |Attendees
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Project Manger
Quantity Surveyor
3. METHODOLOGY The methodology selected was that of a focus group. A focus group is a form of qualitative research in which a group of people is asked about their perceptions, opinions, beliefs, and attitudes towards a product, service, concept, advertisement, idea, or packaging. To ensure that a non-biased opinion was recorded it was agreed to a wide range of multi-disciplinary professions at different levels of BIM maturity would be invited to participate. The attendees were invited to share their opinion on 1. establishing strategies to increase the overall value proposition of BIM to private sector clients; 2. current procurement routes and possible legal impediments to facilitate the use of BIM in Ireland; 3. the identification and function of pathfinder projects and their potential role in a National BIM implementation programme; 4. the production of a central reference document that defines roles and responsibilities, collaboration procedures, modelling requirements, digital etc. and 5. developing and delivering BIM education and training programme for key government and broader industry participation.
The focus group enabled the researchers to draw upon respondents' attitudes, feelings, beliefs, experiences and reactions in a way in which would not be feasible using other methods.
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4. PRIVATE CLIENT ENGAGEMENT This part of the workshop explored three specific areas about establishing strategies to increase the overall value proposition/benefits of BIM to private sector clients. The following three areas provided the focus for the workshop.
4.1
How can we persuade more private clients to engage with BIM?
There is a need to provide education and guidance for clients, such as information on BIM implementation, to ensure that the organisational requirements are clearly specified. There needs to be a structure to how this information is provided, so senior management teams understand the validity around strong processes like PAS 1192. Examples of this include the Scottish programme who
“It needs to be structured and validated information that’s being shared with clients that is really important, because there is an awful lot of BIM wash around (Emma Hayes, PM Group).
have a roadshow that visit each of the private sector departments in the Scottish government, educating them as to the value proposition of BIM. The Northern Irish BIM group have a number of CPD options available to provide Clients with the tools to understand the benefits of BIM. A concern noted was that BIM seminars and conferences are becoming generic. It was acknowledged that this base level of education is important for clients attending these events for the first time but it can prevent conferences from being more advanced. The information disseminated at these events must be structured and validated information. It was stated that the Clients main objective is in saving money and not on “We are trying to convince people all the time, there’s value here, whether it’s time or waste. But I think that we have to try start measuring metrics” (Mark Danaher, Kirby Engineering).
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what BIM technology is used. One needs to be able to show the Client the value of BIM by demonstrating specific savings. These guaranteed savings must be tracked through the life of a project with the relevant metrics put in place to quantify these benefits.
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4.2
Is there an awareness programme required for these clients?
The group felt there are different awareness needs
“So, while BIM is a requirement, it will probably be one that will never be delivered in full. There are clients that are really educated and you have others who are putting it in as lip service.” (Gary Comerford, Linesight).
depending on the sector. Some sectors are applying BIM throughout the complete lifecycle, while others are only using the model for 3D visualisation, therefore, negating the true savings BIM can offer. It was noted that the highest priority for the client is finishing the project on time and within budget. While a high awareness of BIM is evident it was noted that Clients are only requesting it because they believe they should ask for it.
Some concern was raised in regard to how BIM is been requested within current tenders. It has been found that there is no request or adequate scoring system to reward teams that have “The client doesn’t know what Level 2 BIM means and even if they did, they have no capability of actually taking the information in a 3D model because their computer and software, as well as their technical people are not capable of processing it”. (Gary Comerford, Linesight).
been practicing BIM for a number of years despite a request for the project to be delivered to a Level 2 standard. There is criteria to demonstrate BIM capability with all marks focused on price. It was felt that if clients do not fully understand what is required within a Level 2 process then it is the responsibility of the professional teams involved to ensure the Clients true needs are mapped and achieved.
4.3
Are clients finding that there is capability in the market to deliver BIM?
Awareness programmes exist, such as, BSI accreditation which certifies that a company is Level 2 BIM ready. It was noted that that within an Irish context that any certification must be accredited by the professional organisations. A body such as Enterprise Ireland could assist within this market gap.
“You are putting more costs on companies, as you are required to not only buy the software but now have to go and get accreditation” (Rob Moore, Grangegorman Development Agency).
It was argued that the Project Implementation Plan (PIP) has a requirement for anyone who is engaging in BIM services to complete a competency assessment form with regards to BIM jobs undertaken over a specified number of years. It was further suggested that by asking for
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accreditation you are putting more expenses on companies. However, it was broadly understood that a recognition of BIM competency through accreditation provides the client with more confidence. Accreditation will also mean consistent yearly checks by the awarding authority, therefore, adding more transparency for potential clients. A further suggestion included project Level 2 accreditation. It was highlighted that the BIM Academy in the UK offer this service.
5. CONTRACTS AND PROCUREMENT This part of the workshop explored two specific areas about current procurement routes and possible legal impediments to facilitate the use of BIM in Ireland. The following two topics provided the focus for the workshop.
5.1
Are you using BIM as part of your contracts/projects presently?
A number of the workshops attendees have used the CIC BIM protocol as a guide for including BIM in their contracts. The Employers Information Requirements (EIR) is also providing a valuable document in setting out key legal requirements. One attendee noted that their team had a discussion with the client’s legal team, which resulted in
“I think you have to work into the contract what the client’s requirements are, because the contract supersedes any protocol” (Simon Frasier, Fraser Hussey Solicitors).
them incorporating a number of references from the CIC Protocol and the EIR into the actual contract documentation, as opposed to having it as an appendix. It was noted that a contract could do or say anything you want it to do. One could stipulate that the protocol have precedent over the contract. The protocol can be attached to any standard form of contract, which offers the opportunity to use it with the current IEI and RIAI forms of contract. This could also be explored as a valid option for the PWC contract. The contract should not be used as an impediment. Other attendees noted that BIM is only been vaguely referenced in the contract which has resulted in requests for further clarifications before an accepted understanding is reached. It is important that the contract reflects what the Client requires from the model and this in some instances may not be FM led.
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5.2
How was BIM facilitated in the contracts?
When one discusses contracts and procurement there are cultural issues that must be addressed, as traditionally we have an adversarial type of contractual environment in Ireland.
This can result in the contractor becoming
involved at a late stage when traditionally the design has been completed. Contracts now need to be future proofed
“if you are going to change the culture and have amongst other things early contractor engagement, you have to have a different approach to how we do work (Simon Frasier, Fraser Hussey Solicitors).
for certain elements in the future in order for BIM to work. If BIM is to be facilitated within the contract, then it is important that the status of the model is outlined. If the model is to be used just for information then the drawings will probably be printed out in 2D and that will form the basis of the contract. This can result in additional 2D CAD work, with the model only serving a minor purpose. One attendee noted that there is a lot of uncertainty about the status of the model and the contractual arrangements. One workshop attendee outlined that the main rationale for using BIM is for constructability. The status of the model received by the contractor can be poor, with it then been required to be completely remodelled. Therefore, it is important to engage with the contractor, as they are the ones who have to make it work. To avoid this type of problem then the contract must state that the design process must result in a model that contractors can actively work from. For this to happen the contractor will need to be part of the design team. This model can then be delivered to the client, which can provide a great asset for facilities manager. In order for BIM “A designer will design, but they won’t think of the contractor who actually has to make this work, and hand it over”(Mark Danaher, Kirby Engineering).
to be successfully incorporated into existing contracts then an appreciation of wider implications including early contractor involvement will need to be strategically addressed both short, medium and longer term.
6. PATHFINDER PROJECTS This part of the workshop explored two specific areas about the identification and function of pathfinder projects and their potential role in a National BIM implementation programme. The following two topics provided the focus for the workshop.
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6.1
What is the purpose of pathfinder projects in this context?
The purpose of a pathfinder project is to demonstrate a more efficient
way
of
producing
information
and
in
communicating that information. It was broadly agreed that any pathfinder project must have a set criteria that it will be
“if there is criteria that the pathfinder should meet, and it fails to do so, then it is crucial to understand why” (Emma Hayes, PM Group).
required to meet. If these criterion are not meet, then it is important to understand why it has not been achieved. This will provide a consistent measure. A possible measure that could be used is a 18 point checklist designed by Ralph Montague which outlines the requirements needed in order to satisfy a BIM Level 2 process. A similar approach that could be adopted is that of the Scottish Government who are piloting a project in each of the main public sectors i.e. health, education, infrastructure, utilities, etc. The pathfinder project could focus on projects above a certain threshold however, it is “The scale is not important. If you have to produce information from a project, whether it’s a house extension or hospital it’s about adopting the correct processes”(Ralph Montague, ARCDOX). 6.2
important not to restrict SMEs from participating. It was suggested that it would be beneficial for these projects to use the best of technology and therefore getting the technology companies involved is very important. It was agreed with regards to scale not to be prescriptive.
Are you aware of any potential project candidates?
A number of potential candidates where suggested during the workshop. The NCH hospital could serve as a potential pathfinder project, because it’s slightly unique in the public sector. It was confirmed that the project was a two-stage public procurement with a significant element of early contractor engagement. The model is to be handed over to the contractor and is scheduled to be completed for August of next year. It was noted that the Metro North team would have no objection to approaching the current project manager. At present Arup are currently designing the emerging route from their London office. The library in Grangegorman was suggested as an ideal project, as it is attempting to execute all of the 18 items on the checklist detailed previously. Other potential projects discussed include the ESB headquarters, Care Centres and the National Maternity Hospital which will be stipulating as a Level 2 requirement.
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7. NATIONAL BIM GUIDELINES This part of the workshop explored two specific areas about the production of a central reference document that defines roles and responsibilities, collaboration procedures, modelling requirements, digital etc. The following two topics provided the focus for the workshop.
7.1
Should Ireland develop its own guidelines or use international guidelines?
Most of the workshop had experience working within the PAS framework. One attendee noted that while their company was aware of them that they have only been used for review purposes. This was due to internal standards been in place. This may change once ISO accreditation is awarded, therefore, providing an international recognition.
“I think it’s important to look at what’s happening around the world and we definitely don’t need to reinvent the wheel in Ireland” (Simon Fraser, Fraser Hussey Solicitors).
It was advised that it is important to look at what is happening about standards at an international level. The PAS suite of documents were strongly endorsed throughout as the most suitable standards due to their impeding ISO accreditation. It was noted that the CENTC442 European group are currently working on the new ISO “Within the GCCCs, the digital plan of works, there is no template there for PAS 1192 .To get that developed could be a good idea” (Rob Moore, Grangegorman Development Agency).
standards.
It was noted that the PAS 1192 framework
despite been the best fit are UK centric, as they are focused on the RIBA plan of works stages within the UK. The GCC, RIAI and Engineers Ireland all have their own work stages. There will be a requirement to customise them to suit the Irish stages of work.
7.2
Who should draft these guidelines?
It was noted that there are number of working groups set up from a diverse set of stakeholders within the Irish AEC Sector i.e. CIC BIM group, SCSI BIM group, Engineers Ireland BIM group, etc. It was pointed out that it would be a good idea to create a register of groups and document what they are doing. This will promote collaboration and reduce duplication of research. Each working group could produce their own national BIM guidelines i.e. architectural, engineering, construction, etc. but with reference to appropriate international standards. This would enable an understanding from each profession of their roles and
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responsibilities. The SCIS in this regards through their BIM Working Group aim to produce two documents. One of them will be a guidance document for surveyors around demystifying BIM and will focus on the type of challenges that a QS may come across. The other document will be for other professionals and will provide guidance on the type of information that the QS requires in order for the model to be used for accurate costing purposes.
8. EDUCATION AND TRAINING This part of the workshop explored two specific areas about developing and delivering BIM education and training programme for key government and broader industry participation. The following two topics provided the focus for the workshop.
8.1
What training packages could be designed to increase overall awareness and understanding by key stakeholders?
The promotion of workshops still offers a great opportunity to ensure that an organisation has a baseline knowledge of BIM. Organisation, such as, Enterprise Ireland offer a number of training initiatives i.e. the BIM Enable and BIM Implement programmes which have proved beneficial. A
“But there’s a whole lot of people that are currently in industry that need to be educated and brought up to speed” (Ralph Montague, ARCDOX).
possible model is that of Scotland who offer a dedicated BIM training and education programme for the public sector. A concern is that when teaching BIM within the HEIs that it is delivered in silos. This is resulting in students not understanding the needs of other professionals. The BIM Academic Forum (BAF) in the UK have been funded by the UK government to develop a common Learning Framework for BIM education, which would then be used across the colleges in the UK. This approach could possibly be explored further for Ireland. While new students and recent graduates should have a strong knowledge base on BIM there are still requirements to upskill those who would not have had the exposure to these practices. In some organisations, change of adaptability to BIM is becoming a fear for certain people whose roles are changing. There was a broad agreement that there is a need to get the industry up to a certain level, with particular attention on key decision-makers. It is important that companies realise everybody has some role to play. This is not necessarily learning how to use software as this is only one part within a greater methodology for successfully delivering BIM. However, it was noted that BICP Consultation Workshop
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it is primarily the responsibility of the people working for these organisations themselves, to self-motivate. “The NBC could recommend that some recommendations are made for a baseline education for all future graduates coming out with Level 7, 8, 9 programmes in the future” (Alan Hore, DIT).
8.2
A specific area that needs attention is the Facilities Management section. As they will ultimately be the final users of the model, it is crucial that they specify what they want in the model and apply this to add value to the organisation.
How do we design programme to facilitate a consistent approach to BIM service delivery?
The Construction 2020 report made specific references to the fact that all under-graduate programmes should have a component of entrepreneurship in their programmes. A strong move forward would be for the NBC to recommend that all built environment education programmes as of this date, must have collaborative
“There is a real opportunity due to the size of our country and the small number of universities, to get broad agreement on a standard baseline teaching for BIM” (Alan Hore, DIT) .
components in their programme. There needs to be a broad agreement on a standard for digital collaboration. When one is designing any built environment programme that these collaborative components are in the course, so that the graduates are getting these skills. The professional institutes need to ask for specific changes in the course. It was suggested that it would be of benefit if there were a partnership between the IT companies, educators and the lecturers delivering the courses. “Colleges need to focus on, how to get students ready for when they go into working in an industry BIM-enabled environment” (Mark Danaher, Kirby Engineering).
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While it was acknowledged that the supply of software from IT companies is realistic, it would be more difficult to provide hardware due to a high base material cost. An example of an initiative was the HS2 training academy. This enabled all staff to receive rigid training at a number of different levels, depending on their job role and responsibilities.
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9. SUMMARY THE BICP Consultation Workshop focused on a series of relative concerns that the Irish AEC/FM sector now encounter in their journey to fully embrace digital construction. A of diverse selection of professionals were presented with a series of key topics and encouraged to critically discuss each one. A number of informative solutions were put forward which have been summarised throughout the course of this report. These include, that if the client is to fully embrace BIM they need to see specific savings that can be tracked through relevant metrics. There is an agreement that at present Clients are only requesting BIM because they think they should ask for it. It was felt that despite adding further expenses to a company that having the recognition of BIM competency through accreditation provides the Client with more security. A valid alternative was to certify the project as a whole. From a legal standing the CIC BIM protocol and EIR are proving key documents in providing a legal context for the execution of BIM services. The status of the model and its use after design need to be clearly outlined, to ensure maximum efficiency for future design team members. In a bid to establish a pathfinder project a number of options were put forward. These included the NCH hospital, Metro North and the library in Grangegorman. Any pathfinder project must have set criteria that it will be required to meet. The PAS suite of documents were strongly endorsed throughout as the most suitable standards due to their impeding ISO accreditation. The drafting of BIM guidelines from each separate BIM working group would also enable an understanding from each profession of their roles and responsibilities. With regards to third level education there is a need to ensure a collaborative approach where the students within the different construction courses understand the needs of other professionals. There is also a strong requirement to upskill senior management who may not have been exposed to these practices.
10.
FUTURE STUDY
The results from the workshop will form part of the larger BICP Irish BIM study, which is to be published in April 2017. A second consultation workshop is planned for the 2nd quarter of 2017, which will be held in a regional location. The results from the workshop will also serve in assisting the NBC in the formulation of their roadmap.
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