All posts by bimchannel

Pablo Maroto Knauf GmbH

Interview: Pablo Maroto, Project Manager & Sustainability, Knauf

Pablo Maroto Knauf GmbH Pablo Maroto, Project Manager & Sustainability, Knauf Spain Logo Knauf IMG-3 IMG-6 IMG-7 IMG-5
  • 1.- Why is Knauf betting on BIM?


    Knauf bets on digital technologies to adapt to changes in the construction industry. Now, we can give the option to download an object in 2D/3D along with materials, technical information, product quantities, soundproofing levels, certifications…we have passed from drawing schematics to developing virtual models.

  • 2.-Will BIM open up new commercial channels for Knauf?


    We want to be first in providing files with valid information to construction industry professionals that work in BIM. In other countries like Denmark or UK, Knauf already offers product files, even if its not standardized in Spain yet. We think that, in the short term, this will be a basic tool for developing projects.

  • 3.- He who sows shall reap. Is Knauf Spain is laying out a cutting edge strategy for construction techniques by investing in BIM?


    There are few companies that offer BIM products. The trend in Europe however, is that the construction industry bets on BIM: Knauf is adapting its product catalogue to BIM little by little in Spain. And this is only the first step.

  • 4.- The European norm most certainly is geared for a BIM requirement public projects and the need to update the rest of the construction industry. How do you imagine this process, since Knauf is already involved in BIM?


    The new Eruopean directive is developed to favor and promote BIM implementation on all public projects from the 28 member countries. The UK, Netherlands, Denmark, Finland, and Norway already require the use of BIM for projects where public funds are involved. This is a reality that will come sooner or later.

  • IMG-1
  • 5.- We could say that you´re Kauf Spain´s BIM Product Manager. How do you define this role in the company?


    In reality, I do not have this role. Currently I am involved in promoting BIM inside the company, and I am sure that this role will arise within a collaborative environment between construction industry professionals and product manufacturers; we should be prepared.

  • 6.- Why has Knauf joined the BuildingSMART Spanish Chapter?


    It is one more way to keep in touch with the latest advances in development and construction techniques. It foresees professional´s needs and requirements. Knaf wants to be close to construction industry professionals and specifiers in a BIM environment.

  • 7.- What is your estimated ROI on BIM?


    We´re not thinking of this in the short term. In fact, it is quite difficult to analyze, but we must consider that a brand like Knauf should be at the forefront of new technologies, give the best service, and be a reference to specifiers, professionals, and the rest of the insutry. This is the feedback that were looking for.

  • 8.- If Knauf satisfied with this leap forward?


    We´re only starting, but yes, we are convinced that this is a step in the right direction. We´re already receiving feedback without that much promotion.

fotoFernando

Interview: Fernando Blanco, head of BIM and 3D Simulation group at ACCIONA

fotoFernando

1.- Is BIM a business opportunity to ACCIONA?

BIM is certainly a business opportunity to improve quality productivity in our projects. It is an essential tool that allows us to enter new markets and adapts us to an anglophone way of working. Come to think of it, BIM is not only a business opportunity, but a necessity in gathering international business.

2.- Competitiveness and Internationalization of services are some of ACCIONA´s qualities. Does BIM implementation at ACCIONA help reinforce these qualities?

Our values, among others, are excellence and innovation, so BIM does indeed reinforce both. Also, to keep being copetitive in this industry, we should adapt to the new market requirements, which in this case are about BIM in the international markets.

3.- Local or International BIM projects, which ones are more profitable?

We don’t have a clear estimate on the degree of BIM implementation by country, but we can attest to the rise in productivity when BIM is implemented on mature markets. BIM also functions off-site and acts as a collaborative environment between the different project shareholders. Standards, Planning, and Procurement mechanisms adapted to BIM, facilitate the ROI of each project.

4.- What are the Pro´s and Con´s of having worked in BIM?

As a contractor, the main benefit in using BIM on projects is the transparency and control over the project. The main obstacle tends to be the resistance to change in each organization. At an industry level, the absence of a BIM related national initiative can keep us further away from the rest of our neighboring countries.

5.-ACCIONA works in projects with many different companies. Which ones would you say are best adapted to BIM? Is there an example of collaboration?

Our common main collaborators are engineering offices and subcontractors. On the other hand, the most interest in BIM comes from public and private clients. One of the best recent collaborations that we´ve had is with the Swedish Transport Administration (Traffikverket)

6.- Does ACCIONA work with manufacturer BIM files on its projects? Do you think manufacturers are competitive with their BIM catalogues?

Recently we´ve started seeing manufacturer catalogues pop-up. Until now, we´ve really found it hard to find manufacturers that had their product catalogue adapted in BIM. This is why we are not working with manufacturer-specific BIM products. Our generic objects are created directly by our site team or our engineering departments, wich means a greater workload. We see this as a transitional time where industry maturity in BIM is starting to happen.

7.- Do you think that with the recent passing of the European Public Procurement Directive, in which technological means are favored for public works, BIM will get widely used by the different actors in the construction industry?

We this this is really positive and were are keeping a close eye on it. I know there are certain governments and companies that want to promote BIM this way. In my opinion, I would prefer to be cautious, since there is no direct mention of BIM in the directive. One could see this as the seed for a possible European BIM recommendation, but it is actually just a declaration of intent.

8.- If you had to predict how the work environment will be in the next 5 years, what advice would you give to students, professionals, and construction industry companies?

I would entice construction industry companies to have a global vision of BIM: BIM is all about processes, and new market niches are being created everyday with relatively low competition. BIMETICA is a clear example of this. To construction industry professionals, I would tell them to look for ways to standout, to search for real experiences, and to be flexible in the use of BIM tools. To students, beside the same advice to professionals, would be that they ask for the inclusion of BIM methodology into their universities program; the same as other universities all over the world are doing.

9.- Lastly, do you think the role of the BuildingSMART Spanish Chapter will give an important push for BIM in Spain?

BuildingSMART is possibly the most important association, at an international level, in promoting BIM. It counsels government and companies in defining their road-map, requisites, and criteria for BIM implementation. BuildingSMART is also responsible for the IFC format. The BuildingSMART Spanish Chapter is a nonprofit organization where all construction industry agents are represented. I believe it is keystone for the definition of a national strategy, because of its capacity and independent nature. Because of this, and other motives, ACCIONA has collaborated and promoted the association since its beginning in 2011.

bim-sector-225x300

The Spanish Government invests in BIM

Sector BIM

The Government of Spain, through the National Innovation Company, commonly known as ENISA ( a public company that is dependent on the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism), has granted a loan to a business model based on Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology, presented by BIMETICA.

ENISA invierte en BIM

ENISA´s mission is to promote the creation, growth, and consolidation of Spanish companies that submit innovative and viable business plans.

It is very transcendental that a public body should back a project that relies on BIM and on I+D+i, since it clearly sees the importance that this technology on a stagnated industry, and it aims to make it more competitive at a local level and abroad.

We want to give thanks for the confidence vested in us. We encourage other companies to invest in BIM and search for a strategic partner.

Foto_SM

Interview: Sergio Muñoz, BuildingSMART Spanish Chapter President

Foto_SM banner-building-smart

1.- The BuildingSMART Spanish Chapter is a betting big to boost BIM standards in Spain, do you think that this effort will be rewarded?

Undoubtedly yes. We are in a period of crisis in the construction sector, and the adoption of BIM should help us get out of it, but it wont happen by itself. With the use of standards will allow the collaboration of all stakeholders, and would be a sure fire way for improving.

2.- This October 7th, 2014 the Spanish BIM Style Guide is being presented in the Eduardo Torroja Insitute by the uBIM group, along with the participation of Ministry of Development, Professional Colleges, Manufacturing company associations and outstanding construction industry professionals. Do you think that with this guide and backing from the participants is enough to create a starting point for better coordination in Spanish BIM standards?

It is a document that aims to establish a common framework for all the stakeholders, facilitating the exchange of information between them at various levels: architectural, structural, facilities, etc. So, the success of this document will be in its adoption by professionals, hence the importance of support from associations and representative bodies.

3.- BIM get a lot of attention, but that doesn´t necessarily mean adoption. We´re still not at at a BIM maturity level where other countries like, Switzerland, Finland, Singapore, the United States, or The United Kingdom are. What do you think might be the cause of such resistance to fully adopt BIM?

​It’s mainly a cultural factor. In Spain we are not used to working in a team environment as is required by BIM, sharing information, delegating tasks and responsibilities, etc. I hope the upcoming generation of professionals have eagerness for collaboration, a necessity to adopt BIM.

4.- Sergio, in your opinion, what changes would you propose in Spain to improve construction industry competitiveness ?

As I said before, both companies and professionals must learn to collaborate. A construction project is complex, involving different profiles and each of them brings maximum.

On the other hand, it is also necessary that companies and professionals to undergo a technological leap. BIM is a methodology that can be applied only with the right tools, and processes. However, it is an investment (time and money) that pays off in the short term.

5.- The BuildingSMART Spanish Chapter currently has 40 members and a growing number of associates. If you had to convince more companies and professionals to become members, what would that message be? What are the benefits of becoming a member?

Associates are the ones that benefit first from the activities we organize: training, networking, etc. However, in my opinion, the greatest benefit for a partner is availability to contribute to this system change we are proposing.

In buildingSMART Spanish Chapter there are professionals and big constructors or engineering firms, there are also software developers and universities. All these groups are invaluable, because we think that everyone’s opinion is necessary to improve current processes.

6.- 2015 is just a few months away. Do you think we´ll get to see more projects being developed in BIM in Spain, or will we continue to hear about BIM projects being developed abroad?

Unfortunately I believe that although the number of BIM projects in Spain is growing, they are still not representative enough in comparison to other countries where promoters know the benefits of using BIM throughout the life cycle of the construction project.

A factor that would increase the number of BIM projects in Spain would be the application of the European directive on public procurement.

7.- Information about a Spanish BIM Journal has reached us, can you tell us more about this initiative? To whom is it intended? What type of information will we find inside?

It’s an initiative developed by some members of the association, which aims to disseminate the research done in Spanish, and would otherwise have have to look abroad to be published and promoted.

The Journal is aimed at both researchers and professionals who have desire to learn about where BIM is headed, along with its methodologies, processes, tools, etc.

8.- Today we see that Software developers, Big construction companies and Architectural and Engineering offices are currently BIM-ready. What other industry agents do you think have yet to make the jump into BIM?

Aside from the agents you mention, there are others of qeual importance for the industry but, except for rare exceptions, have not made the leap to BIM. Specifically, I´m refering to promoters / owners and manufacturers of building materials and products.

9.- To finish this up, we´ve talked about business opportunities and competitiveness, but what do you think is the biggest opportunity BIM represents for the rest of society as a whole?

BIM responds to several of the challenges of today’s society:

The digitization of construction projects keeps their integration in the Smart Cities.

On the other hand, BIM can help climate change mitigation by facilitating the reduction of waste or the design and management of buildings with lower energy consumption.

banner-noticia-bs

Spanish BIM Style Guide Presentation – uBIM

This 7th of October, the uBIM initiative will present the Spanish BIM Style Guide in the address of the Eduardo Torroja Institute of Construction Sciences (C/Serrano Galvache 4, Madrid, Spain).

banner-noticia-bs

The Spanish BIM Style Guide, developed by a group of BIM users, is comprised of short essays that are based on the 2012 Common BIM Requirements from BuildingSMART Finland – COBIM.

The objectives of the uBIM initiative by publishing this Style Guide are three:

  • Make learning BIM modeling techniques more accessible.
  • Promote best practices in the development of BIM projects.
  • Increase international competitiveness in the Spanish construction industry.

Agenda

  • 10:00 – 10:15: Opening, Ministry of Development.
  • 10:15 – 10:30: Working for BIM.
    Mr. Sergio Muñoz, BuildingSMART Spanish Chapter.
  • 10:30 – 11:15: Style guide presentation
    uBIM coordinators:. Mr. Manuel Bauzas, Mr. David Martinez, Mr. Martí Broquetas, and Mr. Augusto Mora.
  • Morning break
  • 11:45 – 12:45: Success stories: Construction, Infrastructure, International.
    Mr. Antonio Capilla, General Director of Project Development, TYPSA, United Arab Emirates.
    Mr. Vicente Herguido, Director of Technological Products, Corporate asset maintenance and sustainability, BBVA.
    Mr. Alberto Armisén.
    Moderator: Mr. Felipe Choclán, UPM.
  • 12:45 – 13:30: Round table:
    Mr. Jordi Seguró Capa, President of the Spanish Project Management Association (AEDIP).
    Mr. Angel Lara Garoz, President of the National Association of Manufacturers of Capital Goods (SERCOBE).
    Mr. Luis Rudolfo, General Director of the Spanish Confederation of Construction Industry Product Manufacturers (CEPCO).
    Luís Vega Catalán, General Director of Architecture and Housing in the Ministry of Development.
    Mr. Fernando Machicado, Responsible for SC13 AEN/TC40, AENOR.
    Mr. Roberto Rojas, Counselor for the International Facility Management Association (IFMA).
    Moderator: Polytechnic University of Cataluña: Mr. Eloi Coloma.
  • 12:45 – 13:30: Closing.
    Marta Castellote, Director of Eduardo Torroja Institute.

Time and Place

October 7th, Eduardo Torroja Institute, Serrano Galvache St. 4, MADRID

Registry and more information:
http://www.buildingsmart.es/index.php/events/57-presentacion-de-la-guia-de-estilos-bim-en-el-ietcc

finan-en

500.000 € in BIM Catalogue Financing.

Your product providers don´t have BIM files of the products you need? We have the solution!

slider-financiacion-neo-en

In Bimetica.com and ManufacturersinBIM.com we want to make available all the building products that you need in BIM format. In order to do that, we have opened a 500.000 € fund for developing BIM Catalogues. This way, you can have the products available in the formats that you need from your manufacturers of choice.

Forward this email to your manufacturer or product distributor and be part of building a specialized BIM environment.

Why do we finance BIM catalogues?

  • We believe in joining the supply and demand factors of BIM product files to benefit both industry sectors: construction industry professionals and product manufacturers.
  • Help the product manufacturing company access the BIM (Building Information Modelling) environment, increasing their potential at home and abroad, through the financing of their product´s catalogue.
  • Promote BIM technology in the construction industry.
  • Increase availability of manufacturer-specific BIM content/objects.
  • Create easier access to BIM content/objects to construction industry professionals, which improves their work performance.

See how ACME Co. financed it´s BIM Catalogue.

imgs-interna-financiacion

Success by BIM Downloads.


Be part of BIM´s cycle of information.

With your collaboration, and BIM Catalogue financing, we can help improve the information flow to better specify BIM projects.

plano-bim-es

In Bimetica.com and ManufacturersinBIM.com we place BIM at your side by being committed to bringing you quality BIM content.

Related articles

For more information, call us at +34 932 267 322 or email us at financing@bimetica.info or info@bimetica.com

Committed with BIM innovation, development and collaboration