Welcome to BIM Today June 2025. In this edition, we explore the complex integration of Building Information Modelling and smart building technologies, Digital Catapult’s BridgeAI, which is supporting startups in bringing AI-powered innovation to construction, and the BRE’s work on the Innovate UK BuildAudIt project
In our cover story, John Clarke of the Digital Buildings Council discusses the BIM to Smart initiative, which aims to close the chasm between BIM and smart building technology.
Hema Ramamoorthy, data and AI lead at Digital Catapult, looks at the progress of the BridgeAI programme, which is supporting startups to refine and develop scalable solutions for the construction sector.
Elsewhere, Joe Forde, research lead at the BRE and consortium member of the Innovate UK BuildAudIt project, unveils the results of its year-long development and what it means for the built environment.
We also hear from Robyn Francis of the Smart Cities Council, who discusses the recent Smart Cities Summit North America in San Francisco, which explored how technology can deliver meaningful impact for people and place.
A big thank you to all our contributors for lending us their expertise and insights and, as ever, do get in touch if you would like to join the conversation.
Here’s a selection of what’s in BIM Today June 2025:
1. Bridging the gap between BIM and smart buildings
The Digital Building Council’s BIM to Smart initiative aims to bridge the gap between building information modelling and smart building technology. Project lead John Clarke discusses the project ahead of the DBC’s BIM to Smart panel at Digital Construction Week.
2. Digital Construction Week 2025: Main Stage speaker line-up revealed
Digital Construction Week 2025 has revealed some big names for its Main Stage line-up, including CECA’s Marie-Claude Hemming, Sasha Reed from Procore and Gaganjit Singh, associate, Zaha Hadid Architects.
3. Collaboration with AI innovators will be critical to UK construction success
The Digital Catapult’s BridgeAI programme is supporting startups to refine and develop scalable solutions for the construction sector.
4. We’re on the cusp of an AI breakthrough for building audits and surveys
Joe Forde, research lead at BRE and consortium member of the Innovate UK BuildAudIt project, unveils the results of its year-long development and what it means for the built environment.
5. Smart Cities Summit North America: A call for purpose-driven innovation in the built environment
As the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) sector accelerates into a digitally connected future, a pivotal question is emerging: How do we ensure technology delivers meaningful impact for people and place?
6. Can 3D visualisation tools help prepare London’s homes for heatwaves?
As heatwaves surge in the United Kingdom, millions struggle to stay cool. Chaos’ Roderick Bates looks at how architects can use 3D visualisation technology to design the buildings of the future by borrowing from the past.
7. Beyond visualisation: Why the future of 4D planning is active
It’s time to turn 4D from a misused asset into a vital element of planning and production control, writes David Hernandez, managing director of Elecosoft.
8. Concrete’s carbon footprint problem and what you can do about it
Concrete is the most consumed material on Earth after water. It shapes our cities, infrastructure and homes – but at a significant environmental cost, writes Sarah Walker, senior architect product specialist at Vectorworks.
9. How to implement a successful digital twin for the AECO industry
Digital twins offer transformative potential for the AECO industry; however, two main problems are hindering their successful delivery: the sector’s disconnected work processes and the disagreement between building owners and AECO professionals over their value, writes Taylor Cupp, vice-president of Hexagon’s Building Solutions.
10. AI in construction: Are we closer than we think to a construction site that runs itself?
Throughout this year and beyond, progress tracking is evolving from a passive reporting task into a proactive risk management and decision-making tool for teams thanks to AI and other technological advancements, writes Chaitanya Naredla Krishna, CEO and co-founder of Track3D.
