ISO 19650 is the prominent global standard for the implementation of BIM, focusing on the collaborative process integral to the entire life cycle of constructed assets. Developed and published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), this standard serves as a comprehensive framework for managing information from the conception of a project, through construction and operation to its eventual decommissioning. The development and publication of ISO 19650 highlights the commitment of international standards bodies to creating a consistent and efficient approach to BIM implementation on a global scale.
ISO 19650 is a multi-part standard. Part 1 delineates fundamental concepts and principles, while Part 2 provides practical guidance for information management throughout the project life cycle. The scalability of ISO 19650 allows organizations to tailor its application to the specific needs and intricacies of their projects. As an internationally recognized standard, ISO 19650 reflects the collaborative efforts of standards bodies to enhance global construction industry practices. Throughout this process, transparency, collaboration, and consensus-building are key principles. ISO standards, including ISO 19650, are developed with input from experts and stakeholders worldwide to ensure that they reflect a global consensus on best practices.
A country might choose to adopt ISO 19650 for several reasons, all of which contribute to the standard’s potential benefits in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of construction and infrastructure projects. Some of the reasons why a country might decide to adopt ISO 19650:
- Global standardisation of processes
- Support interoperability and collaboration
- Consider a quality assured approach to information management
- Competitive advantage and potential for cross boarder trade
- Improved project delivery outcomes
In summary, the adoption of ISO 19650 by a country can bring about international alignment, improved collaboration, risk reduction, and enhanced competitiveness in the construction industry, ultimately contributing to more successful and sustainable infrastructure development. Countries will usually adopt ISO 19650 by publishing a national annex to the standard.
Mideplan presents Costa Rica’s National BIM Strategy to encourage the development of the construction sector, improve the execution of public contracting, provide greater transparency in the bidding processes, as well as contributing to the optimisation of the maintenance and operation of buildings and infrastructure.
The National BIM Strategy is a set of methodologies, technologies and processes that configures, designs, builds, operates and maintains the collaborative form of an infrastructure project in a virtual space. This allows cost savings, improved productivity and efficiency of operations, increased quality of infrastructure and reduced environmental impact. This document details the objectives and strategies for the implementation of this methodology in Costa Rica.
An archive version of this information article has been created if the original is no longer accessible (Archive information from January 2024)
Mideplan is the governing body of the National Planning System. It is a strategic institution of the Costa Rican Government that promotes improvement in public management as detailed in the National Development and Public Investment Plan 2019-2022.
In February, Mideplan launched the National BIM Strategy. The Ministry of the Presidency, through the office of the First Lady, promotes the adoption of this methodology in the country. The coordination of the implementation is overseen by the Ministry of National Planning and Economic Policy (Mideplan), through the Pre-investment Fund with the technical cooperation of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) for the development of the national work plan.
