Developing BIM Culture in a University – Past and Future Steps

Building information modelling (BIM) still faces adoption barriers in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction industry (AEC). One of the barriers perceived in literature was the lack of professionals with knowledge and BIM competences developed, also due to the fact that BIM is not commonly taught in universities yet, especially in Brazil. Through a case study, this paper analyzed one university that developed a BIM research culture in its curriculum. The study identified a set of three steps to implement a BIM culture in the university: Hiring lecturers and professors with BIM knowledge, creation of a BIM class and the development of a BIM research culture in undergraduate levels. Then, three further steps were suggested to widespread and deepen the use, study and research of BIM in the university: Further capacitation of professors and lecturers, develop BIM research groups and advance post-graduate research and the insertion of BIM concepts in other subjects. A questionnaire sent to the professors and course coordinators involved with the process corroborated the steps perceived through document analysis.