The old UK BIM (Building Information Modelling) standards became obsolete in 2018, yet we still see a lot of the construction industry using out-of-date terminology.  

If you’re still talking about BIM “level 1” or “level 2”, you might need bringing up to date on the latest BIM standards.  

But, don’t worry, we’re here to break it down for you in the first instalment of our BIM Basics series.  

Below, we outline some of the key differences between the old and latest standards, plus link to some resources that will bring your knowledge up to scratch.

 

But first, what is BIM?

 

Short for Building Information Modelling, BIM is an information management process.  

A common misconception is BIM is all about 3D modelling, but it’s so much more than that.  

In fact, our resident BIM expert Dave Peacock often explains it as “Better Information Management”.  

It’s about making the right information available to the right person at the right time. 

BIM is a process for defining, creating and delivering structured data and documentation. This allows everyone involved in the project access to the right information at the right time. 

From 2007, the UK adopted its own BIM standards (BS1192 and PAS1192), but this was replaced by a globally focused set of standards in 2018, known as ISO 19650.