THE EFFECTIVENESS AND EFFICIENCY OF INTEGRATED DESIGN PROCESS (IDP) IMPLEMENTATION IN SINGAPORE ARCHITECTURE, ENGINEERING, CONSTRUCTION (AEC) INDUSTRY

Abstract

Despite having significant potential benefits in productivity, efficiency and effectiveness, IDP and BIM is still not widely adopted in Singapore AEC industry. Many Singapore authorities are constantly promoting the use of BIM for construction project, and even subsidise the implementation of BIM by creation of BIM funding; however, BIM adoption process is still low. The challenge faced by many firm during implementation of BIM solution is the entrenchment of traditional 2D practice. One of the solutions for this change-resisting situation is developing of project collaboration guideline. This study focus on analyzing perception of advantage IDP and BIM in Singapore industry as well as explore challenges faced by the industry in IDP and BIM adoption. Moreover, BCA BIM Essential Guides are evaluated regarding its applicability as the project collaboration guideline. Quantitative data was collated through a survey questionnaire designed and sent out to consultants and contractors operating in Singapore and the results were analyzed using various statistical instruments. Qualitative information describing the in-depth perception of BIM benefits and applicability of BCA BIM Essential Guides are also identified and justified through interview with local industry professionals. It was subsequently found and statistically proven that IDP and BIM has significant advantage for effectiveness and efficiency of design process and effective application of BIM influences IDP adoption process. One of major challenge for BIM adoption has been identified as interoperability between BIM tools and software. The proposed BIM information exchange process mapping for Integrated Design Process is developed to tackle the research problem, mainly based on existing BCA BIM Essential Guides and valuable information obtained from survey and interview. The process mapping aims to suggest a general information exchange between widely adopted BIM tools and software, in each design phase of design process.