Unfolding Possibilities and Challenges of Sector-Wide BIM-Based Education

The research presented in this paper is part of a larger study aimed at enhancing the education of architecture, engineering, construction and operation (AECO) professionals by developing a BIM-enabled learning environment for realistic, immersive and integrated learning experiences. This article focuses on AECO sector-wide BIM-based education addressing the following research questions: What are the opportunities of BIM-based education for the AECO-sector and what are the challenges when organizing BIM-based education. Data were collected in Estonia, Finland and Italy via three workshops and one questionnaire. There were 76 workshop participants representing industry, government, educational institutes and training organizations. In addition to the workshops, a questionnaire was sent out to 139 industry, public organization and educational institution representatives with a response rate of 52%. Data were analyzed following Braun and Clarke’s six-step thematic analysis approach. A wide range of opportunities were found. BIM-based education both requires but also supports collaborative ways of working. It was seen as applicable to a wide range of roles and tasks throughout the project stages from inception to facilities management. This applicability was also seen as a challenge when it comes to customizing the training to address the multitude of roles and tasks of individual participants for authentic professional development. Free and open access, including open software applications and remote online access were seen as important for wider reach. BIM-based education offers multi-faceted opportunities through simulation of roles and tasks throughout the projects’ life-cycle with the potential to renew and enhance professional development.