DEGREE PROJECT IN TECHNOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT, SECOND CYCLE, 15 CREDITS STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN 2018 Building Information Modeling (BIM) Adoption Barriers: An Architectural Perspective DIMITRIS AGORAS KTH ROYAL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY SCHOOL OF INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING AND MANAGEMENT Building Information Modeling (BIM) Adoption Barriers: An Architectural Perspective Author Dimitris Agoras Supervisor Gregg Vanourek Master of Science Thesis TRITA-ITM-EX 2018:345 KTH Industrial Engineering and Management Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management SE-100 44 Stockholm Master of Science Thesis INDEK 2018:345 Building Information Modeling (BIM) Adoption Barriers: An Architectural Perspective Dimitris Agoras Approved Examiner Supervisor 2018-06-13 Terrence Brown Gregg Vanourek Abstract Building Information Modeling (BIM) is the latest development in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) Industry. This development can be used for planning, design, construction, operation and maintenance of any facility. The majority of the users of BIM technology are architects. Although its benefits had been highlighted and underlined especially in comparison with older developments such us Computer Aided Design (CAD) tools, its implementation is considered still in an early stage due to low adoption from architects. Right now in Sweden and more specifically in the Stockholm area, the construction sector is booming due to the increased demand for housing. Thus, there is an increased demand for more houses in a shorter time. BIM is a technology that can enhance the society in terms of design and construction with regard to the building environment. This can be achieved by avoiding human errors, decreasing project costs, increasing the productivity and quality, and reducing the project delivery time. Moreover, BIM can assist the management team in maintaining and operating different facilities. The focus of this research is on the barriers to adopting BIM technology in architectural companies. Furthermore, the attempt will be to investigate the individual, organizational and technical aspects that affect BIM adoption. This study will implement a qualitative research method by in-depth interviewing four professionals in the area of architectural design. This investigation will be driven by the main research question, which is: What are the barriers to adopting Building Information Modeling (BIM) in architectural companies? Key Words: Building Information Modeling, BIM, CAD, AEC, Technology Adoption, Technology Acceptance, Architecture Acknowledgements: To begin with, I would like to thank my supervisor Gregg Vanourek and express my gratitude and appreciation for his guidance and encouragement for the realization of this master thesis. His comments, inputs, opinions and at the same time the freedom he was providing was crucial to develop me not only as a researcher but also as individual. I would also like to thank Dolores for her support during the last months. Moreover, I would like to thank the interviewees for the time and valuable discussions and answers. Last but not least, I would like to thank my family for the support during the time of this master program. Table of Contents List of Figures Abbreviations 1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 1 1.1 Background .............................................................................................................................. 1 1.2 Research question ................................................................................................................... 3 1.3 Research purpose & research objectives ................................................................................ 3 1.4 Delimitations ............................................................................................................................ 4 2. Literature review ..................................................................................................................... 6 2.1 Building Information Modeling (BIM)...................................................................................... 6 2.2 CAD versus BIM functionality .................................................................................................. 7 2.3 The applications of BIM ......................................................................................................... 10 2.4 Technology Acceptance Models (TAM 1-2-3 and BIM TAM) ................................................ 11 3. Methodology ......................................................................................................................... 17 3.1 Research approach ................................................................................................................ 17 3.2 Research paradigm ................................................................................................................ 17 3.3 Choice of methods (data extraction and analysis) ................................................................ 18 3.4 Ethics and sustainability ........................................................................................................ 19 4. Findings and discussion ........................................................................................................ 21 4.1 Interview organizations ......................................................................................................... 21 4.2 Interview results and analysis ............................................................................................... 21 4.2.1 CAD-BIM Experience and challenges ................................................................................ 22 4.2.2 Collaboration..................................................................................................................... 24 4.2.3 Adoption - Outcome ......................................................................................................... 25 4.2.4 BIM Usage ......................................................................................................................... 27 4.3 BIM TAM External Variables .................................................................................................... 28 5. Conclusions ............................................................................................................................ 30 5.1 Conclusions ............................................................................................................................ 30 5.2 Limitations ............................................................................................................................. 32 5.3 Suggestions for further research ........................................................................................... 33 6. References ............................................................................................................................. 35 7. Appendix ............................................................................................................................... 39 i List of figures • Figure 1.1: Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, Florence [author’s photo] • Figure 1.2: Main phases of building life cycle [Dispenza, 2011] • Figure 1.3: BIM Adoption comparison between Europe and U.S. [McGraw Hill Construction, 2010] • Figure 2.1: 2D data exchange in comparison with BIM interoperability [http://biblus.accasoftware.com, accessed: 180407] • Figure 2.2: A CAD software user interface. [Author’s screenshot] • Figure 2.3: A BIM software user interface. [Author’s screenshot] • Figure 2.4: MacLeamy curve, 2005 [www.thebimhub.com, accessed: 180407] • Figure 2.5: TAM 1 Model diagram [www.researchgate.net, accessed: 180408] • Figure 2.6: TAM 2 Model diagram [www.researchgate.net, accessed: 180408] • Figure 2.7: TAM 3 Model diagram [www.researchgate.net, accessed: 180408] • Figure 2.8: BIM TAM model [Yaxin Wang et al. (2013)] • Figure 4.1: CAD-BIM Experience and Challenges table (information extracted from interviews) • Figure 4.2: Collaboration table (information extracted from interviews) • Figure 4.3: Adoption-Outcome table A-B (information extracted from interviews) • Figure 4.4: BIM Usage table (information extracted from interviews) Abbreviations AEC: Architecture, Engineering and Construction BIM: Building Information Modeling CAD: Computer Aided Design IT: Information Technology IFC: Industry Foundation Classes MEP: Mechanical-Electrical-Plumbing TAM: Technology Acceptance Model 2D: Two-dimensional 3D: Three-dimensional BDS: Building Description System ii iii “There is nothing more difficult to take in hand, more perilous to conduct, or more uncertain in each success than to take the lead in the introduction of a new order of things. Because the innovator has for enemies all those who have done well under the old conditions, and lukewarm defenders in those who may do well under the new.” -Niccolo Machiavelli, The Prince iv 1. Introduction In this part we will have a brief overview of the history of architectural technology and its tools that led to the Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology. 1.1 Background Traditionally, managing an architectural project has involved a laborious drawing of plans. Over time, these plans were giving rise to a whole set of documents, which included, among others, constructive details and specifications in which the way of building were described. The plans, sections and facades were drawn