As of July 1, the Wisconsin Division of State Facilities will require all state projects with a total budget of $5 million or more and all new construction with a budget of $2.5 million or more to have their designs begin with a Building Information Model.
The new guidelines and standards require A/E services in a design-bid-build project delivery format to use BIM and 3D software from initial planning concepts up to bidding documents and finally to project closeout. There are five projects over the $5 million threshold up for A/E selection in the next few months, followed by 18 more expected between 2009 and 2011. The projects include new and existing construction for 16 state agencies, including the Department of Military Affairs, Department of Administration, Department of Corrections, and the University of Wisconsin system.
Public comments are now being taken on the new BIM standards and guidelines at the DFS website: http://dsfbimstandards.forumco.com/default.asp.
Two thoughts on this: First, by going through a thorough pilot program that delivered 13 projects worth a combined $300 million since 2008, the Wisconsin DFS is in a good position to make this requirement. They know what to expect and how BIM projects should be delivered.
Furthermore, requiring BIM will force a lot of architects and engineers that bid on state contracts to make the switch to 3D design. Overall, this is a good thing, but there will be unintended consequences. The new guidelines don't require integrated project delivery (IPD), so there's a potential for "BIMwashing" using traditional 2D documents, just as we've seen greenwashing in sustainable projects.
Weigh in on the Wisconsin BIM mandate debate on my BIMBoy blog at: /blog/1340000734/post/1190046119.html
Related Stories
Healthcare Facilities | Mar 16, 2015
Healthcare planning in a post-ACA world: 3 strategies for success
Healthcare providers are seeking direction on how to plan for a value-based world while still very much operating in a volume-based market. CBRE Healthcare's Curtis Skolnick offers helpful strategies.
Resort Design | Mar 16, 2015
Giancarlo Zema Design Group unveils plans for semi-submerged resort in Qatar
The resort will have four semi-submerged hotels that look similar to super-yachts, each including 75 luxury suites with private terraces.
Mixed-Use | Mar 13, 2015
Dubai announces mega waterfront development Aladdin City
Planned on 4,000 acres in the Dubai Creek area, the towers will be covered in gold lattice and connected via air-conditioned bridges.
Contractors | Mar 13, 2015
Construction materials prices rise for first time in six months
The largest monthly gain in petroleum prices in over three years caused construction materials prices to expand 0.4% in February, ending a six-month streak when prices failed to rise, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
High-rise Construction | Mar 12, 2015
Developers confirm Renzo Piano’s contribution in Sydney harbor overhaul
If the entire development is approved, One Sydney Harbour will be Piano’s second project in Australia.
High-rise Construction | Mar 12, 2015
Foster and Partners designs 'The One' in Toronto
Developer Sam Mizrahi worked with Foster and Partners and Core Architects to design Toronto's tallest skyscraper aside from the CN Tower, The One, which will house a luxury shopping mall and condos.
Contractors | Mar 12, 2015
Construction demand exploding in 2015, but costs complicate recovery
Raw materials and labor costs temper expectations for soaring profits.
Codes and Standards | Mar 12, 2015
Energy Trust of Oregon offers financial incentives for net-zero buildings
The organization is offering technical assistance along with financial benefits.
BIM and Information Technology | Mar 11, 2015
Google plans to use robots, cranes to manipulate modular offices at its new HQ
Its visions of “crabots” accentuate the search-engine giant’s recent fascination with robotics and automation.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Mar 11, 2015
Foster + Partners wins bid for 2022 World Cup centerpiece stadium in Qatar
Norman Foster described the design as “an exciting step forward in stadium design—it will be the first to break the mold of the free-standing suburban concept, and instead anticipates the grid of this future city.”