Today, sustainable practices and efficient utilization of existing structures are increasingly important in the rapidly changing commercial real estate landscape.
Building Information Modeling (BIM) has emerged as a transformative tool in this context, facilitating precise capital planning and enabling the retrofitting and repurposing of commercial spaces to meet contemporary demands.
The shift towards sustainable practices in commercial real estate
Urbanization, environmental concerns, and economic factors have prompted a significant shift towards maximizing the utility of existing buildings. Retrofitting and repurposing not only preserves cultural heritage but also contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing the need for new construction. However, these processes present unique challenges, including outdated structural designs, unforeseen deterioration, and the necessity to integrate modern systems into aging infrastructures.
BIM: A catalyst for informed capital planning
Capital planning in the context of retrofitting requires meticulous analysis and strategic decision-making. BIM serves as a comprehensive digital representation of a building’s physical and functional characteristics, offering stakeholders a shared knowledge resource throughout the facility’s lifecycle. This digital model enables precise assessment of existing conditions, identification of potential issues, and simulation of various retrofit scenarios, thereby facilitating informed decision-making and efficient allocation of resources. A study published in Buildings highlights that BIM can enhance collaboration among project stakeholders, resulting in improved project outcomes. 
Enhancing efficiency in retrofitting projects
The application of BIM in retrofitting projects streamlines processes by providing accurate, up-to-date information about the building’s structure and systems. This accuracy reduces uncertainties, minimizes risks, and allows for the optimization of retrofit strategies. For instance, integrating BIM with Business Process Modeling (BPM) frameworks has been shown to support the retrofitting of existing buildings effectively, enhancing collaboration among stakeholders and improving project outcomes.
Facilitating sustainable repurposing
A thorough understanding of the existing building fabric and its potential for adaptation is necessary to repurpose commercial spaces. BIM enables the simulation of various design options, assessing their feasibility and sustainability impacts. This capability is crucial for achieving net-zero targets, as it allows for the evaluation of energy performance and the identification of opportunities for incorporating renewable energy sources. A study by the UK Green Building Council highlights the importance of such assessments in retrofitting office buildings to meet sustainability goals.
Streamlining collaboration and compliance
Effective retrofitting and repurposing projects require seamless collaboration among architects, engineers, contractors, and facility managers. BIM fosters this collaboration by serving as a central repository of information, ensuring that all parties have access to consistent and accurate data. By providing detailed documentation and enabling tracking of changes throughout the project lifecycle, BIM facilitates compliance with regulatory requirements.
Case Study: BIM in action
Nanyang Technological University (NTU), ranked as one of the world’s top young universities and 13th globally in the 2015 QS rankings, is a leader not only in academic excellence but in facilities innovation. Located on a 200-hectare garden campus in Singapore, NTU serves 33,000 students and operates 16 residence halls — making it the country’s largest on-campus residence infrastructure. As the campus expanded in scale and complexity, it became clear that the university needed an equally advanced approach to facilities management to match its reputation.
The challenge
NTU’s sprawling facilities portfolio presented logistical hurdles typical of large-scale institutions: a growing number of academic buildings, residence halls, and shared spaces — all being managed manually. These outdated processes made it difficult to accurately track room inventories, generate reports efficiently, or monitor leased space for internal and external chargeback. The university recognized that to support its growth, improve reporting, and streamline space usage, it would need to move beyond spreadsheets and static CAD drawings.
The solution
To solve these challenges, NTU became the first university in Singapore to adopt Building Information Modeling (BIM) for facility operations, following a call by the country’s Building and Construction Authority (BCA) to integrate BIM into building lifecycle management. Archibus was selected to power this transformation due to its Enterprise Information Modeling (EIM) capabilities and suite of solutions, including Space Inventory & Performance, Space Chargeback, and Personnel & Occupancy. By integrating BIM models with Archibus’ facilities management database, NTU digitized its physical environment with detailed 2D and 3D visualizations. A massive data cleanup effort enabled the import of legacy spreadsheets and drawings, which were then linked to dynamic room, lease, and asset data — all completed within an accelerated four-month implementation timeline.
The results
The transformation has been both immediate and far-reaching. Facilities teams now enjoy automated reporting, improved space and asset utilization, and real-time access to building data. According to Japri Maming, CEO of Archibus Solution Center – Singapore, “Everyone loves to play with the BIM models,” highlighting not only the engagement but the usability of the platform. Custom user interfaces were developed to enhance adoption, and the implementation’s success has energized the university to expand the system further — integrating building operations and asset management next. NTU’s experience showcases how embracing intelligent worktech can dramatically improve facilities oversight in higher education, setting a benchmark for other large institutions.
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Considerations in implementing BIM
While BIM offers numerous benefits, its implementation in retrofitting and repurposing projects is not without challenges. One significant hurdle is the accurate modeling of existing structures, especially older buildings lacking updated documentation. Advanced technologies such as 3D laser scanning can aid in capturing precise measurements, but they require additional investment. Additionally, there may be resistance to adopting new technologies among stakeholders accustomed to traditional methods. Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive training and a clear demonstration of BIM’s long-term value.
The future of BIM in commercial real estate
As the commercial real estate industry continues to prioritize sustainability and efficiency, the adoption of BIM is poised to become more widespread. Advancements in technology, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, are expected to further enhance BIM’s capabilities, enabling predictive maintenance and real-time monitoring of building performance. Moreover, the integration of BIM with other digital tools, such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and the Internet of Things (IoT), will provide a more holistic approach to building management and urban planning.
Designing for a changing workweek
As more organizations increase in-office attendance, retrofitting and repurposing commercial spaces is becoming less about downsizing and more about optimizing for dynamic, people-centric use. The era of rigid desk layouts is giving way to flexible, hybrid-friendly environments that must accommodate collaboration, privacy, and wellness — sometimes all within the same floorplan.
According to Eptura’s 2025 Workplace Index, 34% of global organizations plan to increase the number of days employees spend in the office, making it even more critical to redesign space around how people truly work. Building Information Modeling (BIM) plays a pivotal role in this transition, offering data-rich insights that help facility managers reimagine space based on real occupancy trends.
With BIM, teams can test spatial configurations before making costly changes, ensuring redesigned layouts are aligned with how people actually use the space — not just how they were once intended to.
Shaping smarter spaces with BIM
Building Information Modeling stands at the forefront of transforming how we approach the retrofitting and repurposing of commercial spaces. By offering a detailed and dynamic representation of building data, BIM empowers stakeholders to make informed decisions, optimize resource allocation, and achieve sustainability objectives. As the commercial real estate sector continues to evolve, embracing BIM will be instrumental in meeting the challenges of adaptive reuse and capital planning, ultimately leading to more resilient and efficient urban environments. 
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By Mike Petrusky
As the host of both the Workplace Innovator Podcast and the Asset Champion Podcast, Mike's role at Eptura is to share thought leadership with CRE, FM, and IT leaders in the digital and hybrid workplace. As an in-demand public speaker, Mike engages audiences with his focus on the human element of workplace and facility management at International Facility Management Association, CoreNet, and other industry events.
