Press Release
2 September 2011
NBS is pleased to announce the development of a NBS National BIM (Building Information Modelling) Library for the UK construction industry.
The NBS National BIM Library, which will be accessible online and free of charge, will enable architects, contractors, interior designers and other construction professionals to locate and download generic and proprietary BIM objects for a comprehensive range of systems and products such as walls, windows, doors, foundations, cladding and roofs.
The service, which will go live in November with the first set of objects, will be built up to become the primary source of standard and proprietary BIM objects.
By also publishing property definitions for all systems and products, NBS will establish a common approach to quality standards across the construction industry, with a view to encouraging consistency and collaboration.
The development of the National BIM Library is the latest step in NBS's efforts to provide, share and maintain quality information for the built environment and by extension, support the growth of BIM as an information-rich database and highly effective business process. It also supports the launch of their new NBS Create specification tool, which truly brings specification into the BIM arena.
Stephen Hamil, Director of Design and Innovation and Head of BIM at NBS commented,
"For the last 40 years NBS has been developing and maintaining a national master specification for UK construction best practice. We are perfectly placed to make the next step and extend our building information to include geometry and create a fantastically rich resource for the industry.
Crucially, we will maintain the NBS National BIM Library in line with changes to standards and best practice and ensure that the library truly represents UK industry best practice.
We know that our industry is crying out for high-quality, maintained BIM resources and we are the right organisation to deliver this."
Richard Waterhouse, Chief Executive of RIBA Enterprises Ltd, said:
"The effective use and exchange of information is at the heart of BIM and will dictate the overall impact it will have on the construction industry. By establishing a NBS National BIM Library, NBS will increase access to the information construction professionals need to make the right decisions at the right stage of the building process.
By providing free access to NBS's high quality BIM information, we can also play our part in ensuring all organisations can take advantage of the latest intelligence and huge benefits of BIM."
To develop the generic BIM objects, NBS has engaged the BIM Academy, which was launched in June 2011 by Northumbria University and Ryder Architecture, to support the industry's take up of BIM by establishing a centre of excellence for related research and education.
The generic models will initially be delivered in IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) and Autodesk Revit formats with the intention of making content available through a variety of alternative formats as soon as possible.
Information and the opportunity to register for updates about the NBS National BIM Library can be found by visiting www.nationalBIMlibrary.com.
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Robert Pine
T: + 44 (0) 207 247 8334
E: robert@ing-media.com
NBS, specialist providers of technical information for construction industry professionals, offers essential, innovative products and services, highly valued by those working in architecture, construction, design and engineering.
The premier source of construction-related information, NBS has produced the recognised national standard specification system for the UK for over 35 years. It provides solutions for a broad range of new build, refurbishment, retrofit, landscaping and domestic projects for construction professionals. Delivered within a powerful software package, NBS's specification products continue to develop, leading an evolution of the specification and procurement process for buildings in the UK and overseas. NBS also provides solutions for contract administration and project information management.
NBS produces a range of information delivery products, including The Construction Information Service, a joint venture with IHS. Since 2005, NBS has published the Building Regulations' Approved Documents for England and Wales. NBS TV provides specialist learning services for individuals and organisations working in the architecture, design and construction industry, offering unique high quality video content.
NBS Create is a groundbreaking new specification tool that ensures all documentation works together intelligently throughout the entire project timeline, from concept stage to completion and beyond, to save time and money.
More than 5,000 offices across the UK subscribe to NBS products, including 96 of the top 100 AJ practices. NBS is part of RIBA Enterprises Ltd, the commercial arm of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). RIBA Enterprises employs 250 staff and has offices in London, Newcastle upon Tyne and Newark.
For further information about NBS and the BIM Academy visit: www.theNBS.com and www.bimacademy.ac.uk.
