Challenges and Barriers to Implementing Building Information Modeling (BIM) in the Architectural Practice in Bangladesh

Bangladesh has experienced rapid urbanization, population growth, and increasing demand for infrastructure development over the past few decades. As urbanization accelerates, the demand for residential, commercial, and public infrastructure projects has surged, necessitating the adoption of modern technological solutions to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure sustainability. The architectural, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry has undergone rapid digital transformation, with Building Information Modeling (BIM) emerging as a pivotal innovation that streamlines design, construction, and facility management. BIM enables professionals to create, analyze, and manage comprehensive digital representations of buildings, improving efficiency, reducing errors, and facilitating collaboration across multiple stakeholders (Olawumi & Chan, 2019). Unlike traditional 2D drafting, BIM integrates 3D visualization, real-time data management, and lifecycle tracking, making it an essential tool for modern architecture and construction practices. Despite the immense potential benefits of BIM, its adoption in Bangladesh remains in its infancy. Research indicates that less than 10% of construction projects in Bangladesh utilize BIM, a stark contrast to adoption rates in developed nations such as the USA (73%) and the UK (71%) (Association of Architects Bangladesh, 2023). The slow adoption of BIM is attributed to various factors, including a lack of awareness, limited technical expertise, high implementation costs, and the absence of regulatory mandates. Additionally, most architectural firms in Bangladesh continue to rely on traditional 2D drafting methods, which limit efficiency and hinder real-time collaboration among stakeholders.