Huge potential for BIM usage in UAE, says expert

During the 'Building Information Modeling' lecture at Heriot-Watt University Dubai.

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With only 10% of Middle East construction professionals officially using Building Information Modeling (BIM), Heriot-Watt University's Dubai Campus hosted an event on 'Developments and Future Directions in Building Information Modeling (BIM)'.

The School of the Built Environment welcomed keynote speaker Professor Chimay J Anumba, head of department of architectural engineering at Pennsylvania State University, USA.

He said: "There is huge potential for BIM usage in the UAE, with so many ongoing and planned projects. However, many firms need guidance on how best to implement BIM and maximise its benefits."

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FEATURED COMMENT I'm an Architect and I'm interested to know more about the BIM system. Please inform me ahead for any seminars to be con   1 Comments Read more comments »

A specialist in the field of Construction Informatics, Anumba talked about the current developments in BIM which are opening up new opportunities and applications for the construction sector as a whole.

The subject is currently one of the most strategic areas of research and education within the construction sector, with many new construction projects planning to implement BIM throughout the project lifecycle.

Dr Ozan Koseoglu, lecturer on BIM at Heriot Watt University Dubai Campus, said: "This week's BIM event was extremely interesting to our students, academic staff and guests. It is important that as a university we lead BIM education and research that will affect our student's future ambitions in terms of entering into industry with high standards and qualifications. BIM is undoubtedly one of the hottest topics concerning the construction sector as a whole and we will be developing BIM initiatives within the content of our programmes for guiding the industry and practitioners."