Beyond BIM

The Case for Open Standards in Infrastructure

Building Information Modelling has transformed the way we design and deliver projects. It has improved coordination, enabled better visualisation, and brought greater efficiency to the construction process. However, as BIM adoption has matured, particularly within infrastructure, a critical realisation is emerging—BIM alone is not enough to support the complexity and longevity of modern assets.

Infrastructure projects operate at a fundamentally different scale. They extend across vast geographies, involve multiple systems and disciplines, and are expected to perform over decades, often generations. In this context, the limitations of closed, software-dependent workflows become increasingly apparent.

To move forward, the industry must look beyond BIM as a toolset and embrace open standards as the foundation for digital delivery.

The Complexity of Infrastructure

Unlike vertical building projects, infrastructure is inherently interconnected. Roads, utilities, public spaces, drainage systems, and landscape elements must function as part of a unified network. These assets are delivered by diverse teams, using different technologies, often across extended timelines.

This complexity introduces a fundamental challenge—how to ensure that information remains consistent, accessible, and usable across all stages of the asset lifecycle.

Traditional BIM workflows, particularly those tied to proprietary formats, struggle to support this level of integration. Data becomes fragmented across systems, and continuity is difficult to maintain from planning through to operations.

As a result, infrastructure projects often fall short of their digital potential, with valuable information lost or underutilised.

Why Open Standards Matter

Open standards provide a solution to this challenge by establishing a common framework for how information is structured, exchanged, and maintained. Rather than being dependent on specific software platforms, open standards enable data to flow freely across tools, disciplines, and organisations.

This is particularly important in infrastructure, where long asset lifecycles demand durability and independence from rapidly evolving technologies. Data created today must remain accessible and meaningful decades into the future.

Standards such as IFC, IDS, and bSDD—developed and maintained through buildingSMART—are designed to support this level of interoperability. They enable consistent data definitions, clear information requirements, and reliable exchange processes, forming the backbone of an open digital ecosystem.

By adopting these standards, infrastructure projects can move from fragmented workflows to fully integrated information environments.

From Models to Information Systems

One of the key shifts required in infrastructure is moving beyond the concept of BIM as a collection of models, towards a broader understanding of digital information systems.

In many projects, BIM remains focused on design coordination—producing models that support construction delivery. However, infrastructure assets require far more than this. They demand structured information that supports asset management, performance monitoring, and long-term operations.

Open standards enable this transition by ensuring that data is not tied to a single model or platform, but exists as part of a connected ecosystem. This allows information to be reused, updated, and extended over time, supporting the full lifecycle of the asset.

It is this shift—from model-centric to data-centric thinking—that defines the next stage of digital transformation in infrastructure.

Bridging Disciplines and Stakeholders

Infrastructure projects bring together a wide range of disciplines, from civil engineering and transport planning to landscape architecture and environmental design. Each discipline generates its own data, often using specialised tools and formats.

Without a common framework, this diversity creates barriers to collaboration. Information must be translated, interpreted, or recreated, introducing inefficiencies and increasing the risk of errors.

Open standards provide a shared language that enables these disciplines to work together more effectively. They ensure that information can be exchanged without loss of meaning, supporting true interdisciplinary collaboration.

This is particularly relevant in landscape and public realm projects, where elements such as planting, irrigation, lighting, and site furniture must be integrated into broader infrastructure systems. Without structured data, these components are often excluded from digital workflows, creating gaps in the overall information model.

The Role of Asset Owners and Governments

The push towards open standards in infrastructure is increasingly being driven by asset owners and governments. Recognising the long-term value of data, they are demanding greater transparency, consistency, and usability in the information delivered through projects.

This shift is reflected in the growing number of mandates and guidelines that prioritise open formats and interoperable workflows. For asset owners, the goal is clear—data must support operations, not just construction.

Open standards enable this by ensuring that information remains accessible regardless of the tools used during delivery. They protect the long-term value of digital assets, reducing dependency on specific vendors and enabling more flexible, future-proof strategies.

A Foundation for Resilient Infrastructure

As infrastructure systems face increasing pressure—from urbanisation and climate change to resource constraints—the need for better information becomes critical. Decisions must be informed by accurate, accessible data that spans the entire lifecycle of an asset.

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Open standards provide the foundation for this capability.

They enable integrated data environments, support advanced

analytics, and facilitate more informed decision-making.

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In doing so, they contribute not only to more efficient project delivery, but to more resilient and sustainable infrastructure systems.

What This Means for Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is undergoing one of the most ambitious infrastructure and urban development transformations in the world. From large-scale masterplans and giga-projects to the rapid expansion of transport, utilities, and public realm assets, the scale, speed, and complexity of delivery are unprecedented. In this contex, the role of open standards becomes critical.

Projects of this magnitude involve extensive supply chains, multiple international stakeholders, and a wide range of technologies and platforms. Without a common framework for information exchange, the risk of fragmentation increases—impacting coordination, delivery efficiency, and long-term asset performance.

Open standards provide a pathway to address these challenges. By enabling consistent, structured, and interoperable data, they support alignment across disciplines, organisations, and project phases. More importantly, they ensure that the information generated today remains usable throughout the lifecycle of these assets—supporting operations, maintenance, and future development.

This is particularly important as Saudi Arabia advances its digital transformation agenda under Vision 2030, where data-driven decision-making, sustainability, and lifecycle value are key priorities.

For developers, consultants, and suppliers working in the Kingdom, the implication is clear. Aligning with open standards is no longer a technical preference—it is a strategic requirement. It enables participation in complex projects, supports compliance with emerging frameworks, and positions organisations to contribute effectively within an increasingly integrated digital ecosystem.

Looking Beyond BIM

BIM remains an essential part of digital construction, but it is only one piece of the puzzle. To fully realise the benefits of digital transformation, the industry must move beyond isolated models and embrace open, interoperable information frameworks. For infrastructure, this is not optional. It is a necessity.

Open standards provide the structure, consistency, and flexibility required to manage complex assets over time. They enable collaboration across disciplines, continuity across lifecycle stages, and resilience in the face of change.

The future of infrastructure is not defined by the tools we use, but by how we manage and share information.

And that future must be open.