What Happens When You Test Real-Time BIM in the Real World?

Summary

In the LiveCol final seminar, Professor Kalle Kahkonen presented a real‑time BIM trial where steel and concrete designers collaborated live on a canopy connection using Tekla Live Collaboration, eliminating file transfers and coordination lag. Participants experienced immediate visual feedback, faster iteration, and continuous transparency, but also noted the distraction of constant on‑screen changes and the need to rethink traditional buffering and responsibility structures. Kahkonen highlighted that real‑time collaboration shines in complex, interdependent design tasks, yet warned that successful adoption requires clear use‑case frameworks and organizational adjustments rather than a blanket shift. The discussion underscored the technology’s promise while exposing deeper process and contractual challenges.