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VTC BIMiHub unveiled to promote development of innovative technologies and help grasp the latest industry know how

Nov 2018

Following the smart city development, the Government earlier promulgated the adoption of BIM (Building Information Modelling) technologies for the design and construction of major capital works projects starting from this year. In response to the industry demand for BIM professionals, the Building Information Modelling Innovation Hub (BIMiHub) of the Vocational Training Council (VTC) has been established. Formally opened on 24 November 2018, the BIMiHub will equip students and in-service practitioners with the latest know how to drive technological development of the industry.

Located at the Tsing Yi campus, the Opening Ceremony of the BIMiHub was held with HKSAR Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services Alfred SIT, Legislative Councillor (Engineering) Dr Hon LO Wai-kwok, and Legislative Councillor (Architectural, Surveying, Planning and Landscape) The Hon Tony TSE as the Officiating Guests. In her welcome address, VTC Executive Director Carrie YAU said, “To equip students with 21st century competencies and up-to-date technology skills through interdisciplinary and holistic education, VTC strives to create a supportive and technology-enhanced learning environment to optimise teaching and learning outcomes. The establishment of BIMiHub is built against this backdrop, which also echoes Government’s direction to promote the adoption of innovation and technology in architectural, engineering and construction industries and build Hong Kong into a world-class smart city.”

VTC Deputy Executive Director cum Chairman of the Working Group on BIMiHub Dr Eric LIU said, “The BIMiHub was founded with input and support of the industry. We would like to thank representatives from chambers and professional organisations for gracing the occasion today to witness with us the launch of the hub. Looking ahead, the BIMiHub will actively undertake innovative collaboration projects with the industry on BIM applications in furtherance of BIM development.”

BIM is a much sought after technology of the industry. Through the 3D BIM software and database platform, the holistic process starting from design, to delivery and maintenance of an engineering project will be integrated. Professionals of different specialisms like architect, civil engineer, building services engineer, and construction professional will be able to communicate and collaborate at the same platform when going about every step from design planning, quantity surveying, building, operations and maintenance and repair. Synergy will be achieved with BIM analytics coordinating every stage enabling optimal use of resources.

The VTC BIMiHub aims at upgrading and updating the training of students and in-service practitioners on BIM applications. The hub is furnished with professional computing platforms, brand new BIM software, and a variety of equipment in Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR) and Mixed Reality (MR), which blend with BIM applications like HoloLens, 3D laser scanning, and the unmanned aircraft system.

VTC started to offer BIM training for students of VTC Engineering Discipline a few years ago. Following inception, the BIMiHub, will mainly provide hands-on training for THEi students of Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Civil Engineering, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Building Services Engineering, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Environmental Engineering and Management and Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Surveying; and IVE students of Higher Diploma in Civil Engineering, Higher Diploma in Building Studies, Higher Diploma in Surveying, Higher Diploma in Architectural Studies, Higher Diploma in Environmental Engineering, Higher Diploma in Architectural Technology and Design, and Higher Diploma in Building Services Engineering. Students will learn there knowledge and operations of BIM concepts, software applications, BIM-supported collaboration and team working, cost and scheduling management and engineering design. For in-service training, as BIM is being increasingly adopted in the industry, the VTC BIMiHub will continue to collaborate with the industry and provide professional training programmes for industry practitioners.

The well-equipped BIMiHub works in partnership with BIM labs/centres located in different VTC campuses to further collaboration across various professional areas. The hub is also committed to developing applied research projects on BIM. Industry partners will be invited for collaborations to promote BIM solutions for the construction and engineering industries.

Facilities:	Introduction:
3D laser scanning	VTC students use the 3D laser scanner and BIM software to scan building exterior to obtain graphic representation of building information such as the overall building height, dimension of floor areas and headroom, saving the time for drawing. Coupled with the use of Smart Board in class, the layout plan will be shown more clearly and flexibly.
Structural Analysis and Design	The hub is equipped with the latest software that is recognised by the Government and being increasingly adopted by the industry. Shared among practitioners in different engineering specialisms, the BIM database will help them on analytics work in different areas including architectural design, structural engineering, wind load testing, building services, civil engineering and maintenance and repair.
Computer visualisation software	The hub is furnished with the latest BIM software, which will be used together with VR glasses, remote controllers and keyboards to induct visitors to the interior of a building real-life like rendering the building design to life.