buildingSMART Japan is Japan Chapter of buildingSMART International aiming to create standardization to enable effective interoperability among software to use throughout building’s lifecycle. Vision: Enabling interoperability of construction industry. Throughout lifecycle of project defining and promoting use of specification of shared data used in software/application in each industry and public relations activities. Non-profit organization with open membership requirements, collaborative organization, decision making by consensus, public disclosure of research findings, international solutions, definition of standard specifications through collaboration between software experts and construction industry experts, publication of specifications.

IFC Qualification run by buildingSMART Japan aims to increase usage and precision of IFC data coordination in practice within Japan by creating structure which can objectively check technological content of IFC data coordination by stipulating IFC data coordination to international IFC certification framework. Increase IFC data precision and sharing in practice each subcommittee operating to increase shared understanding of aims workings technical information related to IFC by system users and system developers. Software must satisfy MVD (Model View Definition) to be eligible for certification. MVD defined by Technology Integration Committee based on BIM data coordination scenarios and IDM (Information Delivery Manual).

Tokyo 2020 Olympic Stadium designed by renowned architect Kengo Kuma is prime example of BIM in action. Project utilized BIM for design coordination clash detection and construction management. BIM helped streamline construction process ensuring stadium was completed on time and within budget. Stadium cost 157 billion yen ($1.4B USD) with 68000-seat capacity completed 2019 construction began December 2016. Designed by Kengo Kuma Azusa Sekkei and Taisei Corporation. Features large roof eaves encourage air circulation oval-shaped design three tiers of seats beneath partially covered roof made from steel and latticed wood. Sourced 70000+ cubic feet timber from each of Japan’s 47 prefectures. Design inspired by Tokyo’s Edo-period temples.

Guesthouse constructed 2015 by Nikken Sekkei residential building designed as continuous spiral space flowing from approach to bedrooms. Whole structure exists as interconnected space with different elevations. Two-storey building stands on slope descends about 7 meters from road to lake. Architects used Archicad BIM CAD software from early stage to help produce 3D study model. Benefits: Better visualization – 3D BIM model helped architects visualize view of lake from building felt as though actually within structure. Analysis – software helped architects analyze best location for building within site scale of rooms shape and size of openings. Seamless collaboration – 3D BIM models clients and contractors better understand space and design intent.

Narita International Airport opened new terminal March 2015 for low-cost carriers. Designed to handle rapidly expanding budget airlines terminal handles 7.5 million passengers and 50000 aircraft movements per year. BIM software ArchiCAD used to realize structure. Benefits: Planning of structural design and MEP – traditionally concepts and final product require significant timeline development communication coordination execution BIM helped various stakeholders plan structure design MEP in single design. Detailed checks – BIM allowed structure visible from all aspects helped architects check safety of public building.

buildingSMART Japan established as Japan Chapter of buildingSMART International. Focused on IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) standardization and interoperability. IFC became international standard ISO 16739 in 2013. buildingSMART Japan operates IFC Qualification program to increase IFC data precision and sharing in practice within Japan. Membership structure: non-profit organization open membership requirements collaborative organization decision making by consensus public disclosure of research findings. Definition of standard specifications through collaboration between software experts and construction industry experts publication of specifications. Japan participated in buildingSMART Summit Tokyo with 469 people from 45 countries working together to create open digital standards for built environment.

Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism established Japan Construction International Award (honored by Minister of MLIT) in 2017. Held three times up to present as symbol of Japanese quality infrastructure commends construction projects demonstrated Japan’s strengths along with small and medium-sized construction companies. Aims raise further awareness of quality infrastructure promote global understanding. Technology transfer: Japanese technology local engineers/technicians expect boost in skills and capacity improved productivity. Construction methods from Japanese corporations incorporated as standard in other countries contributing towards improvement of overall technical capabilities. Advanced technologies which have never been used before in country can be introduced.

Colombian BIM Classification System (ColombiaClass) developed for public buildings. Based on Chilean NCh 1156 standard, adjusted to Colombian context defining order, classification, denomination up to Level 3 using current technical regulations, official budget databases, collaboration with Colombian construction professionals. Validated with budgets from 5 regions (83% of Colombia) and Delphi Method with expert panels (field engineers/architects + BIM experts from Ministry of Housing, BIM Forum, National Planning Department). Addresses great variability in time/cost of public works, enables government monitoring of project scope and tender comparison.

Platform for stakeholder articulation and knowledge management around construction sector digitalization to increase company productivity and construction activity competitiveness. Vision: become 2025 national reference and technical authority for BIM use in Colombia. Objectives: promote digital transformation, develop strategic implementation agenda for all value chain actors, provide BIM adoption tools, support training framework and technical competencies, support national BIM policy and strategy development. BIM KIT: compilation of documents guiding companies step-by-step for successful BIM implementation, articulating all BIM actors in common language, leveling knowledge through technical documents.