BIM is the future of the design industry, says WSP

WSP Middle East MD Tom Bower gives the green light to BIM in construction.

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Building Information Modelling (BIM) is one of the most important tools that consultants can use to leverage sustainability in the construction industry. “We see it as the future of the design industry,” says WSP Middle East MD Tom Bower.

“I think it is going to take time though, as it is not applicable to every type of project. It is more suited to those projects which are maybe more complex, or where you are trying to bring in lots of different services and items.

"We are developing our capabilities both structurally and in terms of building services, as well as in our infrastructure business as a potential design tool,” says Bower.

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“BIM is important. Is there enough uptake of such technology in the region? I think it is slower than other parts perhaps, but it is happening.”

Bower acknowledges that smaller companies may be struggling to adapt. “I think it is a technology that probably favours the larger companies.

"It is a learning process for our teams as well to learn how to use it properly. I think that once you have gone through that learning process, then the effectiveness and efficiency will run off the back of it.

"It makes perfect sense for projects to be designed in a system where all of the people involved are using the same platform and model,” says Bower.

Read the full interview with Tom Bower in the next issue of Construction Week magazine.