How to fit BIM and fit out together

BIM4FitOut was established in 2013 by FIS, the trade organisation representing the finishes and interiors sector, in response to the question “what will be the impact of BIM on the fit out sector?” A question the group is still trying to answer.

What BIM4FitOut has done is establish a clear strategy for helping FIS members adapt to the requirements of BIM on fit out projects.

BIM is a manifestation of the digitisation of the industry. We are not sure exactly how this will affect the way projects are managed but this is a revolution and it is better to take part in a revolution than have one done to you.

BIM is a manifestation of the digitisation of the industry, we are not sure exactly how this will affect the way projects are managed but this is a revolution and it is better to take part in a revolution than have one done to you

So we should aim to help shape the way BIM is used rather than let others do it for us and then complain that we don’t like it.

With this in mind, the group is currently developing and promoting three tools for the supply chain. First, a new workbook and toolkit to allow contractors to get started with BIM. This will be launched at May Design Series on 19 May.

The second is BID4Free, a free to use BIM model reader that will be designed to allow tenders to be returned using a model and crucially without adding to the cost of returning a tender. This project is sponsored by Innovate UK and is run in collaboration with 3DRepo (the software provider) and Balfour Beatty.

The final strand, in partnership with CIBSE, BIM4M2 and RIBA NBS, is the development of product data templates for inclusion in the digital plan of works. Product data templates allow manufacturers to structure data, which is a requirement of Level 2 BIM, including performance, sustainability and operational information. This in turn allows building operators to understand how to maintain their buildings and the performance of products such as fire rated doors and partitions.

BIM4FitOut has committed to coordinating the production of all product data templates for interiors, starting with ceilings, partitions, access floors and operable walls.

It is clear that BIM is still an emerging process and although there is evidence of its adoption, there are many SMEs and micro organisations still contemplating their first steps on the journey to working in this digital world.

David Frise, chief executive, FIS