The University of Lisbon’s Short Professional Course in BIM: Practice, Construction, Structures and Historic Buildings

The implementation of building information modeling (BIM) methodology in the construction industry has wide applicability with recognized benefits when designing, constructing, and operating buildings. To stay competitive in business, companies are urged to recruit professionals that offer brand-new knowledge and skillsets. To meet this demand, BIM training regarding the concept, range of applications, and tools available is required within the construction profession. A recent short course organized by the University of Lisbon, Portugal, actualized with the most relevant achievements in Master’s degree research, was offered to professionals in the industry, namely, architects and civil engineers coming from diverse engineering areas such as the environment, construction, maintenance, contracting and surveyors, and from patrimonial enterprises and public organizations, as well as city councils. The proposed action covers the areas of construction (conflict analysis, planning, and material quantity), structures (interoperability, analyses, and the transfer of information between software types), and the most recent heritage building information modeling (HBIM) perspectives. The methodology used was based on the presentation of case studies related to situations of conflict between disciplines, interoperability problems, and the structural rehabilitation of old buildings. The difficulties found in the course are mainly due to the heterogeneity of the participating population, who have different interests and specific perspectives. The participants followed the course with great interest and satisfaction, formulating several questions directed at the particular field of expertise of each professional. In general, the participants indicated a positive score, and changes in response to negative feedback will be adopted in future courses. The course aims to contribute to the dissemination of the potential of BIM in the design, construction, and refurbishment of historical buildings.