Chapter 17 expands the typical view of BIM users beyond architects and engineers. The authors argue that BIM's greatest value often accrues to stakeholders who are neither designers nor builders.
Facility Managers (FMs) are among the most important but most neglected BIM users. An FM needs to know where every valve, access panel, and shutoff switch is located. They need maintenance schedules, spare parts lists, warranty expiration dates, and manufacturer contact information. Traditionally, this information is delivered in paper binders that go unread.
BIM delivers it digitally, searchable, and linked to the 3D model—an FM can click on a pump and see its maintenance history. Building owners use BIM for capital planning: which systems will need replacement in which years? For regulatory compliance: are fire dampers installed exactly where the approved drawings show? For leasing: showing potential tenants energy performance data.
Sustainability consultants use BIM for energy modeling, daylight analysis, embodied carbon calculations, and life cycle assessment. A BIM model provides geometry, material quantities, and thermal properties automatically, saving weeks of manual input.
Security planners use BIM to design access control, camera placement, and secure circulation routes. They can simulate line-of-sight for cameras or response times for security personnel.
Acousticians use BIM for noise transmission calculations.
Lighting designers use BIM for photorealistic renderings and illuminance calculations.
Demolition contractors use BIM to identify hazardous materials, plan selective demolition sequences, and estimate salvage value of reusable components.
The chapter emphasizes a key principle:
identify all BIM users before the project starts.
Each user has unique information needs. If you don't ask the FM what data they require during design, you will miss the opportunity to collect it efficiently. Late requests for additional data are expensive or impossible.
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