The BIM Balancing Act

Alexander Calder’s mobiles are useful symbols for balancing the elements of an organization as fundamental changes within the industry and missions/business structures impact an organization. As a trained engineer Calder had the understanding of balance and equilibrium needed to experiment, fail and succeed in his work. His work is a physical metaphor for maintaining equilibrium when the winds of change blow. As with Calder’s
mobile an organization implementing BIM must maintain a balanced relationship between:
1. Business process improvements
2. Enabling technology
3. Organization/cultural.

A BIM storm is blowing. BIM technology will impact the equilibrium of your organization no
matter what role it plays in the building industry. The size of your organization does not matter— it will experience transformation, disruption, and rebellion. For instance, it is not uncommon for technology initiatives to fail because of user resistance related to culture.

The experiences of the US Coast Guard as an owner organization implementing BIM and the changes that were turned to opportunities can help anyone manage an implementation of BIM. It starts with a balanced design supporting the overall
goals of the organization and uses technology enablers, information, and flexibility to maintain organizational equilibrium, as this article shows.