Fundamentals and Applications of Building Information Modeling (BIM)

Academic Year 2025/2026 - Teacher: RAISSA GAROZZO

Expected Learning Outcomes

By the end of the module, students will be able to:

Properly set up a BIM project in an authoring environment by configuring units, levels, grids, views, templates, and work structures in line with the required outputs.
Model an “as-designed” case study starting from 2D documentation (plans and essential geometric data), structuring the model by categories, levels, and phases.
Manage object information with particular attention to shared parameters, project parameters, type parameters, and instance parameters, including schedule creation and population, and data quality control.
Carry out a Scan-to-BIM workflow by importing and managing a point cloud, setting references and levels, and defining modelling strategies consistent with the survey data and the information objectives.
Prepare and validate IFC export

Course Structure

The module is structured around progressive hands-on exercises, guided demonstrations, intermediate deliverables, and review sessions. Activities are oriented toward producing a project and a minimum set of drawings and data, consistent with the information requirements and the IFC workflow. Short, targeted theoretical introductions are included, strictly to support operational choices (modelling, information management, interoperability).

Required Prerequisites

Basic knowledge of technical drawing and the ability to read 2D drawings, along with fundamental concepts of building technology and building components. It is helpful, though not mandatory, to have already covered introductory BIM notions (terminology, LOIN/LOD, CDE) during the course’s theoretical lectures.

Attendance of Lessons

Not mandatory, but strongly recommended, given the progressive structure of the exercises and review sessions.

Detailed Course Content

Project start-up and settings: work organisation, conventions, and required outputs
Modelling from 2D plans: setting up levels and views, initial categories, geometric consistency
Advanced modelling: families and components, handling variants, and checking recurring errors
Parameters and schedules: shared parameters, type vs instance, and information quality control
Scan-to-BIM: point cloud management, references, modelling strategies, and LOIN
IFC: export, mapping, property sets, IFC file validation, and troubleshooting
Print and sheet setup

Textbook Information

No mandatory textbook is required. Project templates, input files (2D plans, point clouds), control checklists, IFC examples, and brief practical handouts will be provided. When useful, specific excerpts or references to standards and guidelines discussed during the course will be indicated.

Learning Assessment

Learning Assessment Procedures

Assessment of the project developed during the exercises, including verification of both geometric quality and information quality (parameters, schedules, consistency).

Oral discussion aimed at justifying operational choices and demonstrating awareness of the Scan-to-BIM workflow and IFC interoperability.

If required, a short practical computer-based test focused on targeted tasks (settings, parameters, schedules, IFC export).

Examples of frequently asked questions and / or exercises

Differences between type parameters and instance parameters, and when it is appropriate to use one or the other.
What shared parameters are, and why they are needed.
Minimum correct project setup: levels, grids, views, and naming/working conventions.
Scan-to-BIM strategies: what to model, what to simplify, and how to justify these choices in terms of LOIN.

Degree Course in

Construction Management and Safety