The strategic role of international standards in BIM: An introduction to ISO 19650 standards
- Breakwithanarchitect
- Sep 9, 2022
- 2 min read
Updated: Feb 6
This post includes my BIM Coordinators Summit 2022 presentation, which took place on 8th September, where I talked about the strategic role of the ISO 19650 international standards in BIM.
I explore the strategic importance of international standards in digital construction, particularly focusing on the ISO 19650 series. In the construction industry, standards define common specifications and procedures that enhance collaborative processes and project deliverables. The traditional approach often results in challenges such as uncoordinated drawings and missed design updates. As digitalization reshapes the sector through technologies like BIM, structured communication becomes essential for managing complex information flows effectively.
The ISO 19650 series, developed from UK BIM standards, consists of five documents that cover various aspects of information management throughout a project's lifecycle. These standards aim to bridge gaps between existing BIM frameworks and establish a common language for all stakeholders.
While ISO 19650 offers significant benefits—such as reinforcing the client's role in digital collaboration and setting clear information requirements—it also presents challenges. The standards can be seen as generic and may require additional guidance to fully grasp the relationships between different concepts. Furthermore, terminology and naming conventions have been criticized for their complexity.
Looking ahead, the adoption of ISO 19650 signifies a broader shift towards digitalization, standardization, and innovation within the construction ecosystem. As the industry evolves towards more integrated and product-based processes, standards like ISO 19650 will be crucial in facilitating efficient information transfer and informed decision-making.
Are you ready to elevate your BIM implementation skills? Join our ISO 19650 accredited training through BIM Design Hub and gain the knowledge you need to optimize your projects.
🖊️About the author: Nicoleta Panagiotidou is an architect, ISO 19650 specialist, and the founder of BIM Design Hub. She helps AEC professionals and businesses streamline their projects and enhance success through effective information management.
Breakwithanarchitect © 2025 by Nicoleta Panagiotidou. Licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0). Sharing is encouraged with credit and link to the original post, but full reproduction requires prior written consent.