Sure BIM can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. How would you like to download thousands of BIM objects for free? How about an open source BIM server? You can even download Revit for free (legally) if you meet Autodesk’s requirements. This is my list of free resources for Building Information Modeling. If you know of a resource that I do not have listed, tell me about it in the comments box and I’ll add it to the list.
Free BIM Server
BIMserver is by far the most exciting free BIM tool available. BIMserver was started by “a few geeks” and became a serious project when they partnered with TNO (Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research) and the Eindhoven University of Technology. BIMserver is open source (GPL) and uses open standards (IFC).
Free BIM Software
Autodesk offers its software to students of “recognized educational institutions” completely free for 13 months. An email address ending with .edu is required to sign up for Autodesk’s Student Community. Once you are a member you can download any program offered by Autodesk. If you are not a student, you can still get their software for free but under a much shorter 30 day trial (click here).
Free BIM Objects
SmartBIM from Reed Construction Data has an extensive library of free BIM objects. SmartBIM also offers complete spaces for free download. All downloads are in DWF format.
ARCAT offers “100′s of data-rich BIM (Building Information Modeling) objects developed by ARCAT BIM experts.” These free BIM objects are conveniently sorted by CSI division and alternately sorted by product type. Downloads in RVT format.
Free BIM Videos & Tutorials
Onuma Planning System (OPS) offers a large collection of free videos and tutorials. These videos range in topics from smart grid, to simulating architecture. Also part of OPS is the BIMstorm project. Watch the webinars from the current BIMstorm.
[...] Explains BIM Better Than Anyone 9 12 2009 While I was combing the internet for more free BIM resources, I came across an article from David Harrison that explains the Building Information Model in all [...]