Teaching Collaborative BIM in Higher Education: A New Pedagogical Framework

Collaborative building information modeling (BIM) plays a critical role in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry, yet BIM education still predominantly focuses on technical software skills, often neglecting the collaborative competencies required for interdisciplinary teamwork. This study proposes and validates a pedagogical framework for collaborative BIM education grounded in the Functional Trefoil model, which emphasizes communication, coordination, and production. A hands-on BIM clash detection assignment was designed to replicate professional workflows using industry-standard tools, including Newforma Konekt, Navisworks, Revit, and Tekla Structures, allowing students to engage in model federation, conflict resolution, and structured team collaboration. The assignment was implemented in the BIM830 course at École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS) and evaluated through student surveys. Responses from 42 participants revealed increased engagement, satisfaction, and confidence in collaborative BIM practices, with over 85% reporting clear instructions, 90% valuing the collaborative effectiveness of the tools, and more than 80% indicating improved confidence in team-based BIM environments. The results demonstrate that integrating collaborative technologies and structured workflows into BIM education can effectively bridge the gap between theory and practice. The proposed approach offers a scalable and adaptable model for institutions seeking to modernize BIM curricula while highlighting the importance of equipping educators with digital and active learning competencies aligned with industry needs.