BIM

What is BIM?

BIM is the acronym commonly used for building information modelling. It is a model-based process which uses technology to create a common, co-ordinated source of design and construction information and 3D simulations of a construction project, enabling more collaborative working between the various parties involved. See Practice Note: What is BIM?

Historically, UK BIM policy described increasing maturity by reference to Levels 0-3—that is, from unmanaged two-dimensional computer-aided design at Level 0 to a fully integrated, shared information environment at Level 3. This terminology remains useful when explaining the development of UK BIM policy, including the former Level 2 mandate, but it is no longer the organising framework for current practice. BS EN ISO 19650-1 and BS EN ISO 19650-2 were published in 2018, and the UK BIM Framework was launched in 2019 to support their implementation in the UK. Official guidance signalled a move away from 'BIM levels' towards whole-life information management. In May 2025, the UK BIM Framework was rebranded as the IMI Framework.

The government's 2011 Construction Strategy required fully collaborative three-dimensional BIM, with project and asset information, documentation and data in electronic form,...