Enhancing collaboration in building modeling: team working principles

Enhancing collaboration in building information modelling (BIM) teams has attracted considerable attention. Current research studies have almost entirely focused on the technical aspects of BIM overlooking the significant effects of team configurations and working procedures on collaboration in BIM teams. Against this backdrop, the present study is driven by the objective of enhancing awareness of the challenges that face teams in developing BIM models and propose a number of effective measures modifying team configurations and adjusting working processes to enhance collaboration. To this end, the study draws upon a case-study and ethnographic theory building research approach through which the development of the BIM model was explored and its major challenges with corresponding applied solutions in a high profile infrastructure project backdrop. The study set out to contribute to the field by providing evidence and opening a window for conceptualisation of the problems and modifications for enhancing collaboration in BIM through the lens of team working principles. The discussion presented outlines practical implications and provides insight into how issues of collaboration in BIM could be dealt with armed with a heightened awareness of principles of team working.