Digital design, construction and facilities management through Building Information Modelling is seen as a paradigm shift, which is primarily via the transition from a 2D, representational approach to the development of project documentation and communication of design intent and technical information to a 3D, integrated digital repository containing both geometric and non-geometric project information. The consolidating and associating the building information is also transforming roles and responsibilities of Project stakeholders and their relationships while providing many opportunities for data management through an integrated supply chain processes. While the construction industry is globally embracing the practical applications of BIM due to the many reported benefits of its use, it still does not exceed, nor does it permeate the current practice.

BIM4Turkey would highlight some challenges that must be overcome to help ease the transition while exposing the diverse perspectives between academia and industry about BIM: industry have an immediate need for skilled and capable professionals with an emphasis on technical proficiency whereas academics must contend with saturated curriculum and a lack of incentives to undertake a reform of the current engineering and architectural programs. 

Subsequently, academia is not coinciding with the needs and requirements of the industry about the uptake and integration of new practices. This incompatibility impairs the fragmentation between industry and academia. This fragmentation is also recognized between departments and programs within academia, which is counter to this transition to BIM enabled collaborative project delivery.

To overcome these issues, BIM4TURKEY Education and Research group will provide:

·       core learning opportunities for capacity building in BIM

·       an on-line platform to connect industry and academic partners;

·       research results and educational materials, look outwards and learn from other countries

·       develop collaborative, multi-disciplinary studio projects with involvement from industry stakeholders that leverage BIM;

·       agile educational programs by layering shifting technical concepts of BIM onto core theoretical foundations.