Reine EL Hokayem, VDC/BIM Coordinator at Nesma & Partners has been shortlisted in the BIM Champion category of the Construction Technology Awards.
[DCH] Why did you focus on BIM?
[RH] It started by searching for an innovative way to translate and transform my knowledge and experience in design management, contract and claims management, planning and cost control into a digital and dynamic workflow. To enhance my knowledge from my previous job, I looked into Virtual Design and Construction, more specifically in the 4D and 5D dimensions, to merge this new transformation into traditional workflows. It was a challenge to switch and start working in this field, but it was worthwhile due to the rising era of digital transformation.
What barriers to BIM implementation do you experience? And how are attitudes changing?
It’s worth noting that there are some barriers that can slow down BIM adoption rates. Lack of in‐house expertise, lack of training, lack of standardisation and BIM’s associated costs are all barriers to implementing the technology. The resistance that was faced at early stages of implementation has shifted and members of the company have sensed the value of BIM in their daily processes and more specifically in the outcome, enhancing their skills, their department’s processes and the company’s general outcome.
What has been your favourite project or BIM‐related initiative that you’ve worked on? Why?
There are a lot of projects worth mentioning, however, The Gyratory Tunnel‐Deriyah project in Saudi Arabia is still one of my favourite. Its implementation started from its earliest stages at pre‐construction where different scenarios where explored in order to develop the construction methodology and set the site logistics plan. Guidelines and white papers were developed and shared with the different project teams to prepare the 3D models for the 4D and 5D processes. During the construction stage, follow ups and coordination with the site team through weekly meetings took place where 4D/5D simulations where presented to reflect the actual progress, look ahead and point out any unforeseen events or conflicts that may arise.
Are the reasons for BIM adoption well‐enough understood in the industry through the value chain?
Despite its progress, BIM is still not well recognised by a lot of companies and individuals in the construction field. Great efforts are being invested at Nesma & Partners to spread knowledge through this digital transformation, with different departments recognising the value of BIM and working towards its adoption.
How is rising BIM use improving construction?
BIM is a collaborative modelling technology used for creating and managing project information throughout its entire lifecycle. By implementing and adopting the different dimensions of BIM from 3D to 4D, 5D and 6D, BIM has improved accuracy, communication, and collaboration across every project phase, up and down the value chain, for every trade involved in a project. One major way BIM helps construction projects is by spotting problems in a virtual space before they manifest in the real world. Therefore, stakeholders get ample opportunity to find and correct issues without interruption and explore different scenarios and solutions.
How do you see BIM use changing in the coming years?
BIM has completely revolutionised the AEC industry, bringing a higher level of efficiency to the conventional design process. The BIM industry is evolving every day with new trends emerging and has already gone through several developmental phases that increased its capabilities and functionalities. BIM adoption is expected to grow in the upcoming years as it is now mandatory in some countries and projects. Accordingly, more start‐ups will emerge to help stakeholders’ transition into these technologies. For example, Augmented Reality/ Virtual Reality technology will enhance the BIM modelling process in future as stakeholders will have a comprehensive and clear image of everything in front of their eyes at every step and every level of design and development.
The Construction Technology Awards 2022 are independently judged by a set of internationally based industry experts. Everyone shortlisted in this category has been approached for an interview. The winner of BIM Champion, along with winners in 16 other categories, will be announced on Wednesday 8th June. The Awards are part of our Construction Technology Festival.
- See the full BIM Champion shortlist
- See all categories in Construction Technology Awards 2022
