Thought experiment...
In psychology, Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs illustrates how humans must satisfy basic needs, such as food, safety, and belonging, before striving toward higher goals, including self-actualization. It’s a familiar reminder that complex achievements rest on simple, fundamental foundations.
The same principle could be applied to Building Information Modeling (BIM). Too often, projects chase advanced digital goals without first ensuring that the essentials are in place. Just as Maslow suggested that true growth can’t happen without stability, meaningful BIM outcomes depend on a structured hierarchy of needs.
This “Hierarchy of BIM Needs” is not a set of rigid rules, but rather a way of thinking about digital project delivery as a journey. Each layer builds upon the one below it, guiding teams from basic functionality toward long-term digital transformation.
Foundational Data (Physiological Needs)
At the very base lies reliable, standardized project data. Without accurate and consistent information, no amount of collaboration or technology will make a project succeed. This is the equivalent of food and water in Maslow’s framework: the non-negotiable starting point.
Secure Collaboration (Safety)
Once data integrity is established, the next priority is ensuring that this information is protected, trusted, and actually usable by the entire team. Security, version control, and accessibility form the “safety net” that enables collaboration to flourish.
Stakeholder Buy-In (Belonging)
BIM is inherently about people working together. For true progress, stakeholders need to feel aligned, engaged, and invested in shared outcomes. This includes design teams, owners, contractors, and facility managers, all working within one digital ecosystem they trust.
Quality Assurance (Esteem)
When the foundation is strong and collaboration is secure, teams can focus on achieving excellence. Quality assurance in BIM involves validating requirements in real time, monitoring performance against expectations, and ensuring that digital outputs consistently reinforce confidence in the process.
Lifecycle Intelligence (Self-Actualization)
At the top of the hierarchy lies the aspirational goal: Building Lifecycle Intelligence™. This is when project data transcends the limits of design and construction, remaining structured, connected, and continuously updated throughout the building’s entire lifecycle. At this level, information from BIM becomes a living resource, supporting efficient operations, improving decision-making, and informing future projects.
The Hierarchy of BIM Needs is meant as a framework for reflection rather than a final answer. Each project, team, and organization may interpret or extend these levels differently. Perhaps your experience highlights another “need” that deserves a place in the hierarchy.
What would you add to the Hierarchy of BIM Needs?
To explore how Building Lifecycle Intelligence™ can be achieved in practice, learn more here: https://www.drofus.com/en/building-lifecycle-intelligence