DBC member John Clarke explores bridging BIM & smart buildings, tackling data disconnects from design through to operations.
The digital transformation of the built environment is undeniable, yet a significant chasm often separates Building Information Modelling (BIM) from the burgeoning realm of smart buildings. Addressing this critical disconnect is a core focus for the Digital Buildings Council (DBC).
We’re delighted to share insights from John Clarke, Operations Director at DBC member One Sightsolutions, who is spearheading our BIM to Smart Project Initiative. John recently penned an insightful article, “Bridging the gap between BIM and smart buildings,” which summarises the project’s aims: to actively explore and address the complex integration of BIM with smart building technologies, highlighting challenges in data integration, communication breakdowns, digital twin lifecycles, and standardisation barriers. He argues for a “less is more” approach, prioritising BIM data truly relevant and actionable for ongoing operations.
This article was published before the DBC’s BIM to Smart panel at Digital Construction Week (DCW) tomorrow. This highly anticipated session, moderated by Rachel Heaton from GS1 UK, features John alongside Sam Norledge from fellow DBC member LMG, James Franklin from Kier Construction, and Veronica Friuli from Turner & Townsend. The panel will be how greater collaboration between BIM and Smart Building communities can foster a more unified approach to smart building development through knowledge sharing and cross-industry education to enhance best practice.
As part of the DBC’s partnership for the new Digital Operations Stage at DCW, sponsored by Glider Technology, our Executive Officer Justin Kirby had the pleasure of interviewing both John and Sam for a podcast discussion about the panel session. You can watch this podcast and read a summary of our conversation, delving deeper into their perspectives and the challenges discussed here.
Update: We’re pleased to confirm that a summary of the BIM to Smart panel discussion itself has now been published, offering key takeaways and solutions discussed by our experts. You can read it here.
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