Data Centre Framework (Europe) = BIM CASE STUDY
Location: EUROPE Client: confidential Value: TBC Duration: 2023 - 2024 Role: Task Team Manager / Interface Manager / Technical BIM Advisor Responsibility: Project BIM MANAGEMENT & BIM coordination, BEP & EIR production (ISO 19650), model scalability, INTERNAL QA/QC SET-UP
Challenges
- Managing a complex BIM programme with extensive data and client-specific IRs.
- Ensuring Revit model adaptability and BIM scalability across multiple sites in different regions.
- Coordinating across diverse design teams to meet unified standards & specifications.
- The Client started preparing Information Requirements almost at project handover, creating additional complexity.
-Lack of internal BIM understanding within the Estate Owner team, with no early stage BIM training provided, resulting in fragmented expectations & delayed decision making.
Solutions
- Addressed the lack of Information Requirements by assisting the Client in creating & refining IRs during the project & initially drafted as well as updated the BEP & Models to suit where feasible.
- Conducted thorough reviews & updates of objects to align with the newly established IRs.
- Developed federated BIM models in Revit (MEP, Architecture & Structure) aligned with ISO 19650 and client-specific IRs.
- Performed comprehensive Coordination & Clash detection and validation across all disciplines.
- Created shared parameter files using industry-compliant naming conventions and populated all maintainable objects with asset attributes for handover.
- Delivered targeted training sessions to upskill the Client’s project team and improve understanding of BIM processes, while advising them to appoint an internal BIM Manager to ensure ongoing BIM governance & clarity.
End Result
Accelerated project timelines through project BIM coordination and optimised resource efficiency for European data centre projects.
Delivered an adaptable reference design model for Multi-Site Data Centre Framework in Europe.
Setup a new standard for design flexibility, scalability, and client satisfaction.
Overcame lack of Information Requirements by working closely with the Client to define and integrate the EIR & Framework BEP Template, ensuring seamless project delivery in line with ISO 19650.
The project reinforced the need for early BIM training and clearer onboarding for client side teams. Lack of internal capability led to delays, and ultimately, the Client appointed an external consultant to formalise the EIR with our help.
Key takeaways
This project demonstrated how proactive BIM leadership, scalable model strategies, early Training and ISO 19650 compliant frameworks can drive efficiency across complex multi-site programmes. However, it also highlighted how a lack of early client-side BIM knowledge and structured training can limit project benefits & cause delays in critical deliverables like EIR development.
Despite successfully accelerating project timelines and delivering an adaptable reference design model, the absence of clear Information Requirements early on created unnecessary complexity, forcing the Client to appoint an external consultant to finalise EIRs & to ensure ongoing BIM audits.
The project underlined the importance of early-stage BIM education for Clients, ensuring informed decision making, smoother collaboration & greater long-term success for complex infrastructure frameworks.