Awareness And Adoption Of Building Information Modelling In Nigeria: A Study Of Architectural Practices In Owerri, Imo State

Abstract

To ensure the realization of a highly efficient and collaborative process in the planning, design, and construction of buildings, all over the world, Building Information Modelling (BIM) is becoming an imperative and even required practice in the building industry. To compete, architects in Nigeria need to update their knowledge of the current standards. The study sought to investigate the adoption of BIM in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. The method for gathering data was survey method, through the administration of questionnaires. The target population was the all persons (148) on the membership list of the Nigeria Institute of Architects (NIA), Imo State Chapter in 2020. 55 non-repetitive responses to the survey were received. The results of analysis of data revealed that the respondents had a high level of awareness of the terms associated with BIM but low levels of adoption. The study also showed that the majority indicated that lack of knowledge was the major hindrance. Also, the greater proportion did not agree that the non-availability of equipment and infrastructure were major hindrances. The implications of these findings were that, for improved awareness and adoption of BIM in the study area, the NIA should organise BIM training workshops for her members; architectural education regulators should reinforce inclusion of BIM training in architectural education curricula; and government should partner with industry stakeholders to create enabling legislation on standards and use of BIM.