The BIM Collective Research Group was formed in February 2013. The principle aims of the group are:
• Industry -Academia Partnerships
• European & UK 3rd level education collaboration
• Professional / Academic collaboration
• Collaborative projects within SETU Waterford Programmes & Research Groups
• Personal research paths
From the outset The BIM Collective (BIMC) has utilised the Enterprise Ireland Innovation Voucher programme to fund Industry -Academia Partnership projects. These have covered a broad range of companies many of whom are involved in or seeking competitive advantages in tendering projects in the UK and farther afield; these include projects in Saudi Arabia, Estonia & the UK.
In conjunction with research through industry – academia partnerships, the BIMC have developed links with European & UK 3rd level colleges & universities through the International Congress of Architectural technologists (ICAT) and Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT). Discussions are at an early stage in developing joint projects through Horizon 2020. Exploratory visits to potential partners are planned for the coming year. It is essential to internationalise the research and draw from partner countries their experiences in implementing and working with a BIM methodology. This can then feed into our own industry – academia partnerships strengthening the knowledge of both students and the AEC partners.
The BIMC through the School of Engineering at SETU Waterford are initiating both an Approved Autodesk Training centre at SETU Waterford and a BIM / Revit Users Group for the south east where AEC professionals, students & staff can share & broaden a collective knowledge base. This would strengthen the symbiotic relationship through industrial placement, collaborative projects and student presentations to industry, ultimately leading to a stronger BIM ready AEC industry and graduate employment