The openBIM Awards Program
The openBIM Awards Program, established in 2014, celebrates openBIM excellence and innovation in the built environment. Over the years, the program has grown steadily, attracting an ever-expanding pool of submissions from around the world. With its international reach, the openBIM Awards continue to recognize projects and teams that demonstrate exemplary use of openBIM standards and services in all phases of a project’s lifecycle.
The openBIM Awards 2025 submission period closes in
Award Categories
Over the years, the award categories have evolved to reflect the dynamic advancements in openBIM practices. Today, the program features 9 distinct categories, each designed to recognize achievements in a specific area and/or phase of a project in the built environment.
Construction for Buildings
Projects that exemplify the effective use of openBIM during the construction phase of building projects.
Construction for Infrastructure
Projects demonstrating the successful implementation of openBIM in the construction phase of infrastructure projects.
Design for Buildings
Projects showcasing exceptional use of openBIM during the design phase of building projects.
Design for Infrastructure
Projects highlighting innovative application of openBIM in the design phase of infrastructure projects.
Operations
Projects that excel in using openBIM for the handover, facilities management, and/or asset management during the operations phase.
Professional Research
Research led by academic, industry, or government professionals that contributes to the advancement of openBIM.
Student Research
Research conducted by students that explores innovative applications of openBIM.
Sustainability Excellence
Projects that achieve better social, environmental, and economic outcomes through the use of openBIM.
Technology
Applied technology solutions developed using buildingSMART schemas that enhance interoperability and data workflows.
2024 in Numbers:
2024 Award Winners
Optimising Super Prison Delivery: Kier’s Collaboration with the MoJ Using Open Standards
Successful information management innovations based on openBIM for Bogotá Metro Line 1
Kai Tak Sports Park: Delivering a state-of-the-art design of a multipurpose sports complex with open and interoperable processes
openBIM integration and data validation in conceptual design phase for the new M5 Metro Line
Transforming MEP Project Handover Practices: Embracing BCF, bSDD, IDS, IFC, and openBIM into BIM Asset Management Life Cycle
Assist-IoT: Smart Safety on Construction Site - IoT platform utilising openBIM and AI for automatic OSH monitoring and incident location with use of an IFC model
CarbonSmart: Automated Knowledge Graph-based Carbon Assessment and Tracking throughout the Construction Life Cycle using openBIM, openGIS, and Blockchain
Use, re-use but do not abuse resources: an openBIM approach to standardising terminology, data and processes for circular construction information management and exchange
BIM & Scan® OpenOp: An openBIM Life-Cycle Management Platform - Validation and Reconstruction Tools
Frequently Asked Questions
No, submission to the program is free for everyone.
If you are successful in making it as a finalist, you should however budget for attending and traveling to the buildingSMART International Summit in the Autumn of that year.
Absolutely, and this is very common. Any one of the stakeholders can complete the submission, provided that the relevant approvals and permissions are obtained from the other stakeholders.
No, the whole project does not need to be completed. However, the phase that the submitted category relates to must be completed in order to demonstrate achieved results.
EG: a project is still under construction, but can submit to the Design for Buildings category because that project phase has been completed.
If the project is solely using BIM, then no. Demonstrating the use and adoption of openBIM solutions is imperative for submission to the program.
The openBIM Awards Program always launches during the Spring Summit of the same year.
You would be expected to attend the Autumn Summit to present to a select expert jury and compete for the Award title. You will need to factor in a budget for your event ticket and travel (a virtual presentation is possible if you are unable to attend in person).
The finalist's presentations and awards ceremony always occur during the Autumn Summit of the same year. The location of the Summit changes every year - please check the events calendar to see the schedule.
Yes, but please let us know in advance the names and contact emails of all presenters.
No, but more recent projects will naturally have an advantage, as they will be able to demonstrate the use of more up-to-date standards, services, and technologies.
If you wish to submit the same project, you are welcome to submit to any other category, or to the same category provided that it did not win and there is new evidence available.
If you wish to submit a different project, you are welcome to submit to any category, even if you are a past winner with another project.
Please reach out to your regional Chapter leader to enquire about joining the jury.
You can download and review the submission guide here.