BIMKontext

BIMKontext is a term used in BIM practice to describe the contextual layer that surrounds a building information modeling project. It refers to the set of conditions, constraints, and expectations that shape how BIM is planned, developed, and used. The concept emphasizes that BIM outcomes depend as much on organizational and regulatory context as on the digital model itself.

Its components include the project goals and scope, contractual and governance arrangements, adopted standards and classifications, naming and data governance rules, information delivery requirements, and lifecycle information needs. It also covers the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders, coordination procedures, and the workflows that determine data exchange and model updates. In German-speaking BIM discourse, BIMKontext is often linked to the ISO 19650 framework and to national guidelines.

Applying BIMKontext early in a project helps define how information will be structured, stored, and delivered. It informs model development decisions such as level of detail and modeling conventions, and it guides information handover to operations. By aligning design, construction, and facility management teams around a shared context, BIMKontext reduces rework, improves interoperability, and supports regulatory compliance.

Typical elements of BIMKontext include Employer's Information Requirements (EIR), Information Delivery Plan (IDP), data governance policies, classification schemes, naming conventions, and file and exchange standards. It also encompasses lifecycle requirements for the Asset Information Model (AIM) after handover.