Representatives from the RECONMATIC’s BIM-related development team in Europe visited Chinese partners in Beijing and presented RECONMATIC at the China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) 2023.
BIMBox and Arcas & Callisto Consulting (A&C) presenting RECONMATIC at the China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) 2023
Representatives included Vitalij Tetervov and Robert Hempel from BIMBox, and Jia Li and Daniel Ford from Arcas & Callisto Consulting (A&C).
They first visited RECONMATIC Chinese partners, which helped form a deeper understanding of the landscape of BIM use in China.
The lead of our Chinese team is the China Association of Circular Economy (CACE). CACE, as an industrial association and advisory board, provides recommendations on circular economy practices, BIM standards, and waste reduction in construction and demolition.
BIMBox and A&C visiting the headquarters of CACE
China’s BIM landscape reflects a top-down approach from the government. China’s commitment to BIM is promoted through its government bodies, namely the Center of Science and Technology and Industrialization Development under the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development. The Centre is responsible for developing technological and economic policies and development plans, carrying out standardisation work, and accelerating the promotion of new technology in the field of building energy conservation and green low-carbon development.
As a RECONMATIC partner, the Centre has also led the development of the National Construction Product and Material Database, which will provide valuable experience for the development of the database in RECONMATIC. BIMSOP, as a main contractor for developing the National Construction Product and Material Database, is also part of the RECONMATIC China team.
BIMBox and A&C having a meeting with BIMSOP
Innovation in BIM in China is largely driven by research institutions, like another Chinese partner, China Academy of Building Research (CABR), which has contributed a significant portion of research and development. CABR collaborates with the government to develop and write BIM standards, maintaining a similar trajectory to the global norm, particularly ISO 19650. Their research also revealed a growing integration of BIM with various technologies, including GIS, 3D laser scanning, and VR. This multifaceted approach showcases China’s commitment to enhancing BIM applications through technological integration.
BIMBox and A&C visiting the headquarters of CABR
CABR taking BIMBox and A&C on a tour of the R&D Centre
The representatives were also invited by CABR to make a presentation on RECONMATIC project at the China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) 2023. The audience included key personnels in the building industry, including manufacturers, contractors, researchers, and real estate companies. The presentation focused on the life-cycle perspective of RECONMATIC project and the integration of BIM technologies. The topic has brought great interests from the audience and many discussions.
BIMBox and A&C introducing RECONMATIC’s partners at the China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) 2023
BIMBox and A&C introducing RECONMATIC’s demonstrators at the China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) 2023
Currently, China’s BIM landscape primarily revolves around 3D modeling and clash detection. However, a noteworthy aspect is the retrospective nature of these activities. Most projects are still designed in 2D initially, with 3D modelling and clash detection applied later in the process. This is due to available resource pools and skill shortages in BIM-associated training.
Therefore, the collaboration between China and Europe in RECONMATIC has been proven to be very important, as this collaboration will help bridge the gap between different standards and practices and facilitate the global deployment of digital tools in the building life cycle, which is crucial to advancing the utilisation of construction and demolition wastes. Despite the geographic distance, the teams will work closely to collaborate on this important task to help our planet become greener and more sustainable.