Regional Innovation Management Centre, together with UAB “AGA CAD,“ initiated the BIM Train project. Its main goal was to promote the use of Building information modeling (BIM) technology in the Baltic States and create preconditions to satisfy the demand for relevant skills, knowledge, and tools related to BIM in the market.
BIM is the process of generating and managing building data throughout its life cycle, including the processes of construction and facility operation. Typically BIM uses three-dimensional, real-time, dynamic building modeling software combined with a well-defined process methodology to increase building design and construction productivity. It also significantly expands the possibilities for the use of ICT in the construction sector.
The BIMTrain project arose from the fact that most architects/engineers in Lithuania and Latvia (as well as in other Western European countries) made design drawings by using 2D computer-aided design (i.e., drawings and specifications). This had, in turn, become the primary means of representing and communicating design intent for client approval, bidding, procurement, fabrication, construction, and installation.
On the other hand, the BIM system is a more innovative design process, utilizing not only 3D design possibilities but also 4D (=time, i.e., project lifecycle) and 5D (=money, i.e., how much it will cost to maintain and build an object during any lifecycle period).
The main BIMTrain product is a web-based BIM training platform with a huge library of relevant training materials, including methodological documentation, video files, 3D objects, and more. The product is based on the product www.smartrevit.com, developed by the Dutch company Itannex.
The BIM Train project was funded by the EU via the Leonardo da Vinci program. All in all, the partnership includes seven partners from three countries. This project consortium was formed in order to reach a balance between various stakeholders covering all the relevant experiences and sectors:
- Itannex (the Netherlands), UAB AGA CAD (Lithuania), SIA AGA (Latvia) – These organizations represent the private sector. They are experienced in providing specialized training and in developing various programming solutions for this target group, including BIM;
- Regional Innovation Management Centre (Lithuania) – The project coordinator, this organization represents the NGO sector, where experts have lots of experience in project management, EU project management, innovation transfer, educational sector, and qualification analysis.
- Vilnius Builders Training Centre (Lithuania), Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (Lithuania), Riga Technical University (Latvia) – These organizations represent educational institutions, which are responsible for educating architects, engineers, and construction workers (the primary users of the BIM). They would be very important multipliers of the BIMTRAIN tool inside the educational system.
