7D BIM

We worked with the Mackintosh Environmental Architecture Research Unit at the Glasgow School of Art to create prototype software that integrates whole life cost estimation with Building Information Modelling, assisting designers’ decision-making based on accurate data of a building’s performance

As we embark on a new decade, discussions surrounding the sustainability and longevity of our buildings have reached fever pitch, particularly within the context of the UK’s commitment to a 2050 target of carbon neutrality and a 33% reduction in whole life cost by 2025.

Alongside the Mackintosh School of Architecture, we have conducted research into new software that will greatly assist the government in achieving these essential targets. The revolutionary technology will integrate advanced BIM (Building Information Modelling) with cloud-based whole life cost and carbon databases, enabling those commissioning and designing buildings to make better and more informed decisions at every stage of the design process.

7D BIM allows those in the architecture, engineering and construction industries to more accurately predict whole life cost and carbon, allowing them to understand the long-term viability of alternative design options. According to research, the cost of operating a building over a 30-year period can be four times the cost of designing and constructing it, and that 80% of the operation, maintenance and replacement costs can be influenced in the first 20% of the design process.

Our research champions data-driven decisions for safeguarding the future, empowering developers to deliver long-life, lower-cost buildings. This involves data collected during the design and construction phases of a project, as well as collating information once a building is complete, helping to inform new briefs and processes, providing accurate estimation of a building’s performance.

Award-winning research

Building Magazine Awards: Digital Construction Award Winners

7D BIM was awarded the Digital Construction Award at the 2020 Building Awards organised by Building magazine.

AJ100 Best Use of Technology Award: Highly Commended

We are delighted that our 7D BIM prototype was Highly Commended by the judges of the AJ100's Best Use of Technology Award. The judges described 7D BIM as "highly innovative and with huge potential to transform the industry for the better."

Launch events in London and Manchester

We held events in London and Manchester to launch the research and mark the culmination of our two-year Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) which concluded in January 2020.

7D BIM in the press

7D BIM - The BIM Identity

Design tool could put architects back in the driving seat

7D BIM prototype tool predicts whole-life cost and carbon impact of buildings

Ground-breaking 7D BIM to radically reduce carbon and whole life cost

7D BIM podcast

James Pickard took part in podcast with Fifth Wall, the largest venture capital firm focused on technology-driven innovation for the global real estate industry, about the potential 7D BIM holds for the sector.

You can listen to the podcast here.