Chatting with the model – AI in BIM modelling

Imagine not searching through menus and tables, but simply asking the BIM model: “Select the slabs and tell me their total surface area.” The slabs are immediately highlighted in the browser, and the chat responds with the answer.

AI in BIM models

This is exactly what our solution, currently under development, can do: it allows you to “talk” to the BIM model in natural language, generating reports in seconds that previously required multiple steps of filtering and exporting.

This orderly, consistent data structure enables AI to convert questions into formal queries, select them in the view, and then aggregate them reliably. In other words, the basis of the “magic” is well-maintained data.

Why is this useful?

This is because in most decision-making situations,

that clarify an issue.

Until now, we have achieved this through menus, filters, and schedules. Now, the same thing can be achieved through a short dialogue: question → answer. For non-professional stakeholders, this means they can get answers in understandable language while seeing what they refers to in the model; for designers and BIM managers, it means routine queries take seconds instead of minutes. Now the same thing in a short dialogue: question → answer. For non-professional stakeholders, this means they can get answers in understandable language while seeing what it relates to in the model; for designers and BIM managers, it means routine queries take seconds instead of minutes.

How does it work?

We added a chat interface to the 3D view running in the browser. The natural language request goes to an AI layer (ChatGPT API), which translates the sentence into model operations: what to filter, under what conditions, and how to calculate. Along with the answer, we also show how many elements were included in the calculation, what rules were used, and what units of measurement were used. The reliability of this depends directly on the quality of the model data: consistent parameterization, uniform names, and classification codes are what make it possible to use AI.

Our goal is for the BIM model to function as an interactive data model throughout the building lifecycle, facilitating the day-to-day work of all participants.

This demo also proves that well-organized data is key to the success of modern projects. In order for all digital solutions to work together in the same direction, an integrator is needed to coordinate the entire process.