Client and User Involvement Through BIM-Related Technologies

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is part of a wider digital innovation that has arrived as an epochal transition in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) Industry. Although the benefits of BIM within the supply-side of the industry have been widely explored, its impact on the value for clients and end-users has been researched in a limited manner so far. The paper reviews some of the BIM-related technologies which could effectively support client and end-user involvement in the briefing process. Four main types of information technologies are considered and grouped as (1) rule-based validation tools (i.e. briefing software; rule-based model checking) and (2) simulation-based validation tools (i.e. gamification, immersive virtual environments). Those technologies are analysed and compared in order to identify what has already been done, possible future trends, evaluate their integration in the briefing process and, finally, take into account both their advantages and disadvantages in supporting the effective involvement of the demand-side of construction in digitally-enabled processes.