Challenges in Implementing BIM in Architectural Education: Perspectives from UMT and UOL Students

Abstract

Building Information Modeling (BIM) has revolutionized the architectural and construction industries by enhancing collaboration, efficiency, and precision. Despite its advantages, the adoption of BIM tools, such as Revit, among architecture students in Pakistan remains low due to various technical, institutional, and pedagogical barriers. This study explores the challenges faced by students in integrating Revit into their academic and design projects, examining factors such as software complexity, inadequate faculty training, limited curriculum integration, and infrastructural constraints.

A quantitative approach was used to collect data from architecture students, analyzing their proficiency levels, usage frequency, technical difficulties, and institutional challenges. The findings indicate that students struggle with the steep learning curve of Revit, limited access to high-performance computing devices, and insufficient hands-on training. Additionally, traditional drafting methods still dominate architectural education, further limiting BIM adoption.

To bridge the gap between academia and industry, this study suggests integrating BIM into core curricula, enhancing faculty training, improving institutional resources, and fostering industry-academic collaborations. By addressing these barriers, educational institutions can better equip students with the digital skills necessary for professional success in an evolving architectural landscape.