Building information modelling a key for construction industry recovery post-Covid-19

Abstract

Several countries have introduced and several kinds of research have discussed the performance of building information modelling (BIM) as an information technology trend. Despite its potential impact on construction performance, this concept has not attracted the attention of many countries such as Morocco. Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) broke out when the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry was suffering from several shortcomings, mainly the poor technology exploitation cited in the literature. Although this has weakened the sector, it is a real opportunity to assimilate and understand the role of technology, particularly BIM. In this context, the main objective is to draw conclusions on the role of BIM during and after Covid-19 through the analysis of the AEC industry in Morocco and the benchmarking of BIM contributions during this health crisis. A qualitative approach was conducted, including the analysis of the pre-Covid-19, Covid-19 and post-epidemic phases and the benchmarking of the contribution of BIM. This study demonstrates the inevitability of adopting critical thinking when it comes to solutions about the evolution of the construction sector and the practical implications for a successful revival of the AEC industry post-Covid-19. It contributes to the body of knowledge on AEC in the face of this universal pandemic. The findings are relevant to all countries where information technology exploitation is absent or weak.