BIM-Hub, Educating Future Built Environment Professionals to Work in BIM Environment
Increasing international collaboration in the building industry is resulting in fast-growing demand for professionals that can work in virtual teams within online Building Information Modelling (BIM) environments. International digital collaboration heralds a new way of working on site, and it will inevitably redefine the future of construction education. Built environment students with BIM competencies will have a competitive advantage in the job market. But there is little understanding of how educators can adapt quickly enough to this emerging area.
The BIM-Hub initiative explores how educators can help students hone their BIM competencies and their ability to collaborate internationally in a real-time collaborative BIM environment. The project captured the experience and identified the skills required to collaborate across highly-integrated platforms. It also examined the impact of these skills on overall employability.
Guidance for tutors and lecturers on effective practice for international BIM education has already been issued as a result of this initiative. The findings and guidance are now being shared publicly, with the aim of encouraging a community of learning to develop.
Information can be found on the project website: http://bim-hub.lboro.ac.uk/
This project was the Premier Award Winner, Innovation in Education and Training Award, CIOB International Innovation and Research Award, 2014.
The Judges said, "The judging panel was impressed that the innovation had been driven on an individual basis. This was a tight cohort of colleagues spread across three universities who clearly found the motivation amongst themselves to implement this initiative. The innovation not only created cross-disciplinary learning for students in a digital environment, but also achieved the learning at an international level. The panel applauds Robby’s effort and enthusiasm in developing this innovative teaching and learning approach in a BIM environment.”
--CIOB
Featured articles and news
How much does it cost to build a house?
A brief run down of key considerations from a London based practice.
The need for a National construction careers campaign
Highlighted by CIOB to cut unemployment, reduce skills gap and deliver on housing and infrastructure ambitions.
AI-Driven automation; reducing time, enhancing compliance
Sustainability; not just compliance but rethinking design, material selection, and the supply chains to support them.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation In the Built Environment
New CIOB Technical Information Sheet by Colin Booth, Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure.
Turning Enquiries into Profitable Construction Projects
Founder of Develop Coaching and author of Building Your Future; Greg Wilkes shares his insights.
IHBC Signpost: Poetry from concrete
Scotland’s fascinating historic concrete and brutalist architecture with the Engine Shed.
Demonstrating that apprenticeships work for business, people and Scotland’s economy.
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.
The 2025 draft NPPF in brief with indicative responses
Local verses National and suitable verses sustainable: Consultation open for just over one week.
Increased vigilance on VAT Domestic Reverse Charge
HMRC bearing down with increasing force on construction consultant says.
Call for greater recognition of professional standards
Chartered bodies representing more than 1.5 million individuals have written to the UK Government.