BIM Standards
BIM Harambee Africa: “BIM in RIBA Stages”
Presentation Recap
At the recent BIM Harambee Africa event, a standout presentation titled “BIM in RIBA Stages” brought together experts Richard Matchett, Calayde Davey, Machiel Odendaal, Wiam Labuschagne, Louis de Klerk, Claudio Duarte, Willem Viviers, Nathan York, Jaco Barnard, and Suvaniya Pillay. This tag-team discussion provided an in-depth exploration of Building Information Modeling (BIM) within the RIBA Plan of Work, emphasizing the pivotal role of BIM in shaping Africa’s urban future. Here’s a recap of their insights.
Key Takeaways from the team discussion
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Understanding the Scale of the Challenge
The presentation kicked off with a sobering overview of the scale of construction challenges in Africa. With 80% of the continent’s building stock yet to be constructed, the panel highlighted the urgent need for a strategic approach that prioritizes not just new builds but also the management, upgrading, and repurposing of existing structures. The emphasis was clear: in a rapidly urbanizing continent, decisions made today will impact the quality of life for generations. -
BIM’s Role Across RIBA Stages
The speakers detailed how BIM integrates into each RIBA stage, from strategic definition (Stage 0) to post-occupancy (Stage 7) and beyond. They underscored the critical nature of establishing clear project goals and collaboration early on. Calayde Davey emphasized that Stage 0 is about more than issuing instructions—it’s about defining strategic objectives that align with long-term operational needs. This approach fosters a collaborative culture where clients and design teams co-create the project brief, setting the stage for more efficient and effective design outcomes. -
From Design to Construction: The Power of Coordination
Machiel Odendaal and Wiam Labuschagne illustrated how modern technology allows for unprecedented levels of design precision. Using tools such as high-density 3D scanning and photogrammetry, teams can capture the real-world context of a site down to the millimeter, ensuring that digital models reflect reality. These technologies support every step of the design and construction process, reducing errors and ensuring that all team members are aligned. Nathan York, focusing on the technical design stage, highlighted the importance of continuous coordination and clash detection to mitigate issues before construction begins. This approach saves time, reduces costs, and ensures that when construction does start, it's as smooth and efficient as possible. -
Handing Over and Managing the Asset
As the project transitions from construction to operation, the speakers emphasized the critical role of detailed and accurate handover documentation. Claudio Duarte presented the concept of a "digital twin," a virtual replica of the building that continues to provide valuable information throughout its lifecycle. By maintaining a detailed digital record, facility managers can make data-driven decisions that extend the building’s life, reduce operational costs, and enhance occupant satisfaction. -
Looking Forward: Circularity and Heritage
The conversation then moved to the future, addressing the need for sustainable and circular practices in the built environment. Louis de Klerk introduced the concept of Heritage BIM, a forward-thinking approach that prioritizes the longevity and adaptive reuse of buildings. As Africa continues to grow, this philosophy will be crucial in preventing urban sprawl from turning into unsustainable waste.
Conclusion: Building Responsibly for the Next 100 Years
The presentation concluded with a call to action: BIM is not just about technology—it’s about creating a collaborative culture that prioritizes responsible decision-making. As Africa builds its future, the lessons from “BIM in RIBA Stages” are clear: by working together, leveraging technology, and thinking long-term, we can construct a sustainable, livable continent for the next 100 years and beyond.
The BIM Harambee Africa event was not just an exploration of technical stages; it was a manifesto for a responsible, community-driven approach to the built environment, urging all stakeholders to pull together, or “harambee,” in building the cities of tomorrow.
Watch the full talk here:
An in-depth exploration of Building Information Modeling (BIM) within the RIBA Plan of Work, emphasizing the pivotal role of BIM in shaping Africa’s urban future.
Team Members
- Richard Matchett
- Calayde Davey
- Machiel Odendaal
- Wiam Labuschagne
- Louis de Klerk
- Claudio Duarte
- Willem Viviers
- Nathan York
- Jaco Barnard
Suvaniya Pillay
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