BIM from Design Stage – Are the Hong Kong Designers Ready?

The Hong Kong Government plans to implement BIM in all publichousing projects starting from 2014. There is a pressing need to review the currentuse of BIM. From a questionnaire survey with 52 design firms in Hong Kong, theirusage pattern and barriers to BIM adoption were identified. Although the majority ofthe respondents had installed BIM, their application of BIM in projects wasnoticeably low due to the lack of qualified staff and lack of client demand. Toencourage the use of BIM, the government has to take a lead to demand the use ofBIM in her projects. Besides, the government should collaborate with the industry toestablish clear standards and guidance on the use of BIM and to provide moretailored training to practitioners and future students. Although the study is conductedin Hong Kong, the results contribute practical insights to the subject in othercountries.