Researchers from the University of Technology Sydney and industry partners are investigating ways to improve architectural processes with BIM technology, using the high-profile project as their case study.

Using the first Frank Gehry designed building in Australia, the Dr Chau Chak Wing Building, the team will investigate how architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) organisations adjust and adapt to the diffusion of Building Information Modelling, or BIM, technologies.

A model of Gehry's 'tree house', released late last year

Lead researcher Dr Julie Jupp says the research aims to plug a gap in knowledge regarding how AEC organisations will adapt to BIM.

"This is both an exciting building project and research project, with many firsts. Along with being Gehry’s first Australian building, it’s the first in Australia to use CATIA Digital Project, an advanced BIM tool, across all the project’s design disciplines.

"One of the main purposes of this research is to identify the technology adoption processes, organisational transformations and changes to organisational interactions brought about by CATIA DP."

"The focus of this high-profile case study is trying to plug a significant knowledge gap both nationally and internationally concerning ‘how’ AEC organisations adjust and adapt to the diffusion of BIM technologies, whereas previous research concentrated on the ‘what’ and the ‘why’ of BIM.

"Commentators have noted that the Australian AEC sector often lags behind other countries in technology adoption. Furthermore, it is marred by tradition and intense fragmentation, and has relied on a process driven by two-dimensional paper-based design documentation — a process that flies in the face of creativity and collaboration."

This study aims to shed light on factors facilitating and inhibiting technology adoption processes relative to a rapidly changing Australian AEC sector.

The research team intends to develop assessment methods and guidelines specific to the AEC sector to enable other firms to better manage organisational transition and changes induced by the adoption of BIM across technological, organisational and environmental characteristics.

"We're also gaining insight into a construction project of national significance with world renowned AEC firms," said Dr Jupp.

The research: Building Information Modelling: Investigating Technology Adoption, Organisational Transformation and Change in Professional Practice will be conducted in collaboration with four industry partners: Daryl Jackson Robin Dyke, Arup, AECOM and UTS Program Management Office.

David Wheeldon

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