Heriot-Watt University's Dubai Campus hosted recently the event 'Developments and Future Directions in Building Information Modeling (BIM)'. The subject is one of the most strategic areas of research and education within the construction sector while the majority of new construction projects are looking forward to implement BIM throughout the project lifecycle.
The School of the Built Environment welcomed key note speaker Professor Chimay J Anumba, Head of Department of Architectural Engineering at Pennsylvania State University. Professor Anumba is a specialist in the field of Construction Informatics, and explained the current developments which are opening up new opportunities and applications for the construction sector as a whole.
Professor Anumba, said: "There is huge potential for BIM usage in the United Arab Emirates with so many ongoing and planned projects. However, many firms need guidance on how best to implement BIM and maximize its benefits."
Dr. Ozan Koseoglu, leading Lecturer on BIM at Heriot-Watt University Dubai Campus, said: "This event was extremely interesting to our students, academic staff and guests. BIM is undoubtedly one of the hottest topics concerning the construction sector as a whole and we will be developing BIM initiatives within the content of our programmes for guiding the industry and practitioners."
Vice-Principal and Head of Heriot-Watt Dubai Campus, Professor Ammar Kaka, said: "Heriot-Watt prides itself on offering first class Higher Education to students across the Middle East and beyond. Part of this means providing education that prepares students as much as possible for updated industry trends. The BIM event is just one example of ways that we aim to add value to the already excellent content provided within our programmes."