Building Information Modeling in Small and Middle Sized Buildings - Case Study

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a technology designed to improve and integrate all engineering aspects in the construction design process. Tools that incorporate the idea of BIM are becoming more advanced and also more popular. Available software solutions have already reached an assumable high level of development, but still are not as widespread and used on nearly as many construction projects as could be expected. Therefore the aim of this paper is to show the advantages and limitations of BIM by looking at projects of small and middle sized buildings from the conventional (2D) and BIM approach perspective. The study was based on the present projects executed in Poland and first-hand experience. In addition, the paper also presents a literature review and the results of a survey on the level of knowledge and scope of BIM technology application in Pomerania (Poland). The results of the study indicate that, against common opinion, BIM software is not only useful for large investments, but can also be recommended for the design of small and middle sized buildings. Presented case study reveals, that the use of BIM in smaller projects also provides significant advantages, especially in the context of time consumed for the design process.