Integrating BIM to Enhance Stakeholder Collaboration and Economic Efficiency in Architecture and Construction Projects

Abstract

Building Information Modeling (BIM) has significantly influenced the involvement of stakeholders and economic value in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) domain. This study investigates BIM’s impact on communication, cost savings, budget adherence, error reduction, and project timelines through a qualitative case study of three major projects in China: Shanghai Tower, Shanghai Disneyland Resort, and Beijing Daxing International Airport. The study shows that BIM helps in improving stakeholder communication and coordination due to centralization of data and real-time updates hence; eliminating potential misunderstandings. In economic terms, aspects such as precise modeling and control of resources leads to considerable reduction of costs hence avoiding project blowouts while improving sustainability. Also, BIM enhances project delivery efficiency in pre-construction phasing, decimating its time consumption, and lessening decision-making delays. The paper demonstrates the theoretical basis of BIM using Systems Theory and Information Theory and shows that BIM aims at establishing an integrated, information-driven workflow. Despite the threats including high initial costs and resistance to change, the research establishes that BIM has a significant positive impact in improving efficiency, cutting costs and encouraging sustainability. It is suggested that resources should be devoted to staff development, increase consistency in BIM practices, and incorporate new technology to fully leverage BIM regardless of project size and complexity. It is crucial for future studies to increase the sample number and study the positive effects of BIM on the sustainability of constructions.