The design and development of a classification system for BIM

This paper examines the design and development, over a 15 year period, of a new classification system for the construction sector in the UK, which is now one of a suite of standards for BIM Level 2. The paper begins with some early work on specification structures at RIBA Enterprises. It provides a critique of Uniclass 1997 – the problem. It describes the revision of the classification standard, ISO 12006-2 – a framework for the solution. The development of the new classification system – Uniclass 2015 – the solution – is explored. This involved an interesting mix of dead ends and insights, praise and criticism, all part of the process of developing something completely new.