In BIM implementation, many organizations still focus primarily on creating models, reviewing them, and delivering project documentation at different stages. While this approach is familiar and effective for specific project requirements, managing information throughout the entire asset lifecycle becomes increasingly important as projects grow more complex and involve more stakeholders.
This is where the distinction between Project-Centric BIM and Information-Centric BIM becomes important. Project-Centric BIM focuses mainly on models and deliverables, while Information-Centric BIM puts information at the center, connecting data from design and construction through to operation.
So, what are the key differences between these two approaches, and what value can Information-Centric BIM bring to modern construction projects?
BIM is not simply about creating a 3D model. Its real value lies in how information is created, controlled, shared, and used throughout the project lifecycle.
Two common approaches can be used to understand BIM implementation: Project-Centric BIM and Information-Centric BIM.
Project-Centric BIM focuses on project deliverables at specific stages, such as models, drawings, documents, and project data.
Information-Centric BIM, on the other hand, treats information as the central asset, connecting data from design and construction to operation through structured processes, standards, and a common data environment.
In Project-Centric BIM, BIM implementation is typically organized around a specific project. Project teams focus on creating 3D Models, Drawings, Quantities, and Documentation, followed by reviews before delivering them at defined project milestones.
Information is often organized through files, folders, or document packages for each project stage.
A typical workflow can be represented as: Model → Review → Revise → Deliver
The primary objective is to ensure that the model and documentation meet the required specifications at the time of delivery. This approach can work well for projects where BIM is mainly used for design coordination, documentation, and clash detection.
When information is primarily managed through individual files and milestones, it can become more difficult to answer questions such as:
As the number of stakeholders increases, information fragmentation can become a significant challenge.
Information-Centric BIM does not treat BIM as simply a 3D model.
Instead, the BIM model becomes part of a broader information ecosystem that may include IFC, CDE, IDS, bSDD, asset data, 4D/5D, and other project information.
These information sources are connected to create a continuous data flow throughout the project: Design → Coordination → Construction → Handover → Operation. Information created at one stage can continue to be used and enriched in subsequent stages.
One of the major differences in Information-Centric BIM is the role of the Common Data Environment (CDE).
A CDE is more than a place to store files. It helps control: Information → Version → Review → Approval → Distribution → Record
This allows project stakeholders to identify what information is being used, what has been reviewed, and which version has been officially released. This becomes particularly important when multiple Owners, Consultants, Contractors, and Subcontractors are working on the same project.
Instead of simply: Model → Review → Revise → Deliver
Information-Centric BIM moves toward: Specify → Validate → Connect → Operate
This enables BIM information to continue creating value after the design or construction phase has been completed.
| Criteria | Project-Centric BIM | Information-Centric BIM |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Model & Deliverables | Information |
| Scope | Individual project/stage | Entire lifecycle |
| Workflow | Model → Review → Deliver | Specify → Validate → Connect → Operate |
| Data | Files, models, documents | Connected information |
| CDE | May not be the primary focus | Key component |
| Interoperability | More limited | Strongly emphasized |
| Asset Information | Often concentrated at handover | Prepared throughout the lifecycle |
| QA/QC | Model/document checking | Requirements and information validation |
| Goal | Complete deliverables | Create and maintain information value |
In Project-Centric BIM, some issues may only become visible during reviews or before deliverables are issued. For example, missing information in a drawing or an issue within a model may only be identified during a specific review process.
Information-Centric BIM aims to validate requirements and information quality earlier, reducing the risk of issues being carried forward into later stages.
A common misconception is that BIM means Revit or that BIM is simply a 3D model. However, an effective BIM project requires much more than a model.
Information may include: Requirements → Models → Drawings → Issues → Approvals → Schedules → Asset Data → Handover Information
If these information sources are not connected and controlled, having a high-quality BIM model alone does not guarantee effective information management.
Information-Centric BIM asks more than: “Is the model accurate?” It also asks: “Does this information meet the requirements, have the correct version and status, and reach the right person at the right time?”
This represents the shift from Model-Centric BIM to Information-Centric BIM.
Information-Centric BIM does not mean that Project-Centric BIM is no longer necessary.
In practice, projects still need:
The key difference lies in how these deliverables are connected and managed as part of a unified information system.
The evolution can be illustrated as: Project → Model → Data → Connected Information → Asset → Operation
When information is maintained throughout the lifecycle, BIM goes beyond simply “creating a model and delivering documents.” It becomes an information foundation that supports the entire lifecycle of the built asset.
For Information-Centric BIM to work effectively, projects need a controlled environment for managing information.
A CDE can organize and control information states such as: WIP → Shared → Published → Archived
Combined with version control, permissions, approvals, audit trails, and issue management, a CDE helps project stakeholders work from a controlled and reliable source of information.
Learn more: VinaCDE – A Comprehensive Construction Project Management Platform
A CDE is not only a place to store BIM models. It can connect: Model + Drawing + Document + Issue + RFI + Submittal + Approval + Project Data
This helps prevent information from becoming fragmented across different tools and teams. It also provides an important foundation for moving toward ISO 19650, Digital Twin, and Asset Information Management.
Project-Centric BIM focuses on creating and delivering models, drawings, and documents at specific project milestones. This approach remains practical for many BIM workflows, particularly when the primary goal is design coordination and project delivery.
However, as projects become more complex and information requirements increase, BIM needs to move beyond simply producing deliverables.
Information-Centric BIM shifts the focus from “creating and delivering models” to “managing and connecting information.” Information is controlled in terms of requirements, quality, version, status, and access, while remaining available for use throughout the asset lifecycle.
The future of BIM is therefore not only about creating an accurate model, but about building a connected, structured, and trustworthy information system.
This is why CDE, openBIM, information requirements, and data validation are becoming increasingly important in the transition from Project-Centric BIM to Information-Centric BIM.
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