What is the definition of BIM as a noun?

BIM, or Building Information Modeling, is defined as a virtual representation of a facility. This definition encapsulates the essence of BIM, which includes not just 3D models of a structure but also integrates various data aspects such as materials, environmental impacts, and operational information throughout the lifecycle of the building.

This representation serves as a shared knowledge resource for information about a facility, forming a reliable basis for decisions during its design, construction, and operation phases. The comprehensive nature of this virtual model is what distinguishes BIM from simple 3D modeling; it provides insights into functionality, coordination among various disciplines, and allows for greater collaboration among stakeholders.

A system for managing building budgets, a physical model used in construction, and a type of construction management software all represent different elements of the construction process but do not capture the full scope of what BIM represents, which is the integration of various information aspects within a virtual model of a facility.