BIMpressive in Romania: Educating the market on digitalization

In Romania, Building Information Modeling (BIM) is slowly gaining momentum: BIM Manager Sebastian Ivan is at the forefront of educating the market and providing training to architects and engineers in the use of BIM.

06 July, 2023

Where digital building design is still in its infancy, Xella is going full throttle. This is what is happening in Romania right now - and setting trends requires know-how, perseverance, and a great deal of persuasion. BIM Manager Sebastian Ivan combines these qualities in his work to implement digital construction tools. BIM (Building Information Modeling) is a digital process for creating and managing 3D models of buildings or infrastructure, including all relevant data and information.

In Romania, this modern way of designing buildings is still little known, and there is sometimes resistance to change: the habit of using traditional methods, unfamiliarity with the technology, changing work routines or even cultural and organisational resistance. "However, many architects and engineers in Romania are looking at digitisation in the construction market with increasing interest and recognise the significant benefits that technology can bring to their field. They see it as an opportunity to make significant improvements in their work processes and project outcomes, although they must also face the challenges brought about by this transition to technology", says Sebastian Ivan.

Educating architects and engineers on BIM

In terms of educating architects and engineers, Xella Romanias technical team is ready to offer BIM training: "We gather architects and construction engineers and teach them how to use the program. They learn how to input objects, how to use the right layers and materials. We also show them what they can improve," says the BIM expert. They are motivated and enthusiastic about the process because of the benefits.

Ivan, along with his teammates, plans to continue educating the market until BIM becomes mandatory: "Everyone knows that the Romanian government and the European Union are working on it. And the construction industry wants to be ready."

Xella's blue.sprint enables seamless project management and cost optimization

Even in Romania, large real estate developers have recognized that BIM gives them control over the project at all stages, Ivan says. For the "Wings" residential complex, Xella worked with Romanian real estate company Studium Green using Xella's blue.sprint service. Planning with this digital service enabled the investor to keep an eye on all construction processes, costs and deadlines. "Studium Green embraced BIM from the concept stage. It has been the best BIM experience for me so far," says Ivan.

Persuasion on all fronts

As experts in Xella materials, Ivan and his colleagues put constant effort into both promoting the concept of digitalisation and the sales process. On the one hand, we identify new BIM partners, and on the other hand, we influence and encourage traditional partners to tackle BIM adoption and purchase our products. In fact, we are a key factor in educating the market. Moreover, we provide our partners with various BIM-specific tools and support them in understanding the benefits of the process. "This is a long-term phase that requires a sustained effort," stresses the BIM manager.

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