TSPC Group is at the forefront of the BIM revolution in Hungary, and we sat down with Károly Bélafi, Head of the BIM Specialist Division, to learn more. In this interview, Károly explains how advanced automation, enhanced collaboration, and the integration of cutting-edge technologies like AI are transforming design processes.
How does the BIM process contribute to the success and efficiency of projects at TSPC Group?
“BIM workflows have multiple roles, and at TSPC Group we have two of these roles: the BIM division role and the General BIM role. While we are part of the BIM division, we support the work of architects. We have a variety of tools to do this, from ad hoc assistance, which is a kind of helpdesk, to workflow automation. To give a concrete example, the preparation of a metalwork schedule booklet used to take one to two people one to two months, depending on the size of the project. But now, for almost all metalwork schedules, this process has been reduced to the push of a button.
The other area is General BIM, which is basically coordination between the different divisions. Our aim is to make cooperation between the different divisions as efficient as possible. The best way to do this is through model-based communication, as this is the forum where two divisions can exchange information most easily and efficiently. We use tools such as QA processes and crash testing to do this. However, there are also dangers in this approach: we are increasingly seeing that collaboration between divisions relies too heavily on this model-based communication, which is pushing traditional forums into the background. However, model-based communication doesn’t replace traditional design cooperation; it only makes it more effective.”
What does cooperation look like with other divisions?
“There is daily collaboration with the Interior Design and Architectural Design divisions, and both divisions work in ArchiCAD. This is probably the reason why we have been able to improve the cooperation between the two divisions with a lot of tools and working methods in recent years. The same is true for Fire Safety, although there is still room for improvement in this area. Discussions are still ongoing, because we would like to move in this direction.
A year ago, the General BIM team was set up to improve cooperation between different divisions. Our colleagues met with all the divisions that are involved in modeling, and we looked at the problems identified. The short-term result of these discussions was, for example, that we were able to significantly improve the structural/architectural collaboration by examining the design software of the Engineering division and adjusting the IFC translator settings. This is now on pause, but we plan to continue as we see great potential in it.”
How have the latest technologies such as AI and AR/VR transformed BIM processes?
“I think at this point I can say that we expected more from AR and VR technologies. The reason I say this is that it is possible that in the near future there will be developments in this area that will show contractors the payback, but at the moment that hasn’t happened yet. For the time being, it is a very good technology, a technology that sells well, but its practical utility is negligible.
The situation is a little different with AI (which, at the moment, is still a bit of an exaggeration as a term). One very specific practical use is that, being language-based models, the current models are very good with language tools, not only foreign languages but also programming languages. They are therefore very well suited for tasks requiring knowledge of different programming languages. Simple tasks can be programmed even by a completely layman user. I see this as a huge improvement regarding my work, and I recommend everyone to look into the possibilities in their own field of work.”
What are the plans and objectives of the BIM division for the near future and how do you see BIM developing in the construction industry?
“The Ministry of Construction and Transport’s decree has caused a bit of a stir in the market. All of a sudden, but I can say that finally, BIM has become important to contractors. We had plans regardless of the changes in legislation, which I’m sure will be overridden in the short term now, but could easily be overridden in the long term. Firstly, we would like to continue the work started by the General BIM team, and to follow up the changes made by Graphisoft in ArchiCAD 28, we need to create a new ArchiCAD template. I think it’s important to expand our portfolio of services that can be used in construction, and to improve the existing ones. It’s clear that significant progress can be made in construction with our help, if there is openness to it. We would like to seize this opportunity and exploit it by bringing in colleagues with expertise in construction.
We want to further develop our budgeting methodology, which is now largely automated and tailored to the needs of the contractor, but also needs to be able to comply with new legislation.
One of the biggest tasks is that, also as a result of the regulation, BIM is leveling up in Hungary. A visible trend in tendering is that more and more clients are asking for an operating model. This field is still rather unknown in Hungary, but I would say it’s not yet widespread worldwide. There have been some initial attempts, but it’s clear that if we want to remain the market leader in BIM, we need to develop our own, most efficient workflows in this area as soon as possible, which can satisfy the clients’ interests to the maximum and benefit the operator. This is a very exciting and huge task.”
