Theme: BIM can carry rich information — use cases and delivery requirements define the content
Quick definition
BIM (Building Information Modelling) is an approach to creating, structuring, coordinating and using digital information about buildings and infrastructure. The information may describe geometry, objects, properties, classifications and relationships. What is modelled and how it is managed depend on the project’s purpose, requirements and stage.
More than a 3D model
BIM work can use one or more information models across design, construction and selected operational or asset-management activities. Models can be coordinated across disciplines and used for visualisation, clash checking and quantity take-off. With explicit information requirements, they can also carry or link to object identities, technical properties and other data.
Important: BIM does not guarantee a particular delivery
Using BIM does not, by itself, specify which objects, properties or relationships are included, whether they are correct, or whether the delivery suits a particular use case. Requirements and agreements need to state what is delivered, how it is checked, and who defines, reviews and accepts the information.
Example: a pump in the model
A pump may have geometry, location, type and technical properties in a model. A maintenance workflow may also need an agreed identity, system membership and a link to the asset register. If those facts were not requested and verified, their presence cannot be inferred merely because the pump is modelled.
Scope and quality depend on the use
Start with the decision or workflow the information must support. Then specify which buildings, systems, objects, properties and relationships are in scope, which lifecycle stage the information describes, and how missing or preliminary values are labelled. An automated model check shows that stated rules are met — not that the requirements cover every business need.
BIM, IFC and information management
BIM is not a file format. IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) is a separate open standard for describing and exchanging building and infrastructure information between software applications. ISO 19650-1 describes concepts and principles for information management using BIM. Neither a format nor a process framework automatically defines a project’s delivery scope.
HubMind’s view
BIM is a powerful environment for model-based collaboration — and it becomes useful when requirements and accountability make its content understandable and verifiable. Clients should connect information requirements to specific use cases, acceptance criteria and designated information owners. BIM teams can lead modelling and coordination within their mandate; other domain owners need to define or approve facts within their areas.
Explore information authority
A complete technical object may draw on several governed information sources. Read The Complete Object: Who Owns Which Truth? for more on mandates, accountability and handovers.
Related concepts
Sources and further reading
Scope and freshness
BIM is described as an approach to model-based information management, not as a particular software product, file or guaranteed delivery. ISO 19650-1:2018 is cited as an information-management framework; ISO listed the published edition as confirmed current in 2024 at the time of review. Reviewed 25 October 2026.