The BUS2 project at Bergen’s Children’s and Adolescent Hospital in Norway proves how far BIM benefits can go on a complex healthcare build. Hospitals are among the most challenging construction projects: safety, compliance, coordination, and user needs are critical. Bergen met these demands with fully digital, open BIM collaboration using StreamBIM.
From Paper to Digital by Design
When planning started in 2006, teams relied on paper drawings. By the time BUS2 began, the project had matured digitally. For this build, BIM was contractually required. Every company involved had to demonstrate BIM competence and adopt a shared digital workflow.
BIM Benefits: Shared Model = One Source of Truth
One of the biggest BIM benefits was the cloud-based, shared 3D model. Teams accessed the same model through StreamBIM’s fast streaming platform—always current, always available.
No version conflicts
Instant model updates
All disciplines working from the same data
BIM Benefits: Real-Time Quality Control
On site, workers used mobile devices to log issues:
Snap a photo
Add a comment
Tag the location in the model
Instead of filing paperwork or chasing reports, teams resolved issues in real time. This improved accountability, reduced rework, and supported lean site operations.
A Digital Twin for Long-Term Value
Another key BIM feature was the creation of a digital twin. Every part of the build—from systems to materials—was captured in a fully traceable model.
Benefits of this digital handover:
Eliminates bulky paper manuals
Provides instant, searchable data for facilities teams
Enables proactive maintenance
Putting Users at the Heart of the Design
Hospitals must meet the needs of staff and patients—not just architects. Bergen brought over 170 end users into the process, giving them access to the 3D models on phones, tablets, and VR headsets.
This allowed:
Nurses and staff to suggest practical changes
Cleaning teams to identify design issues early
Stakeholders to experience the space before construction
Result: a building designed for real-world use, not just blueprints.
BIM Benefits: Direct Impact
Kristian Brandseth, Project Manager at Health-Bergen HF, summed it up:
“Open BIM makes it easy to involve people with different knowledge and responsibilities… We will create a digital twin… with full traceability. This is amazing compared to paper document folders that are hardly used.”
Summary of BIM Benefits on BUS2
Single shared model = consistent, current information
Real-time issue tracking = faster fixes, fewer errors
Digital twin = smarter maintenance, long-term value
User engagement via VR and mobile = higher satisfaction
BIM contractual requirements = consistent adoption across all teams
Lean, systematic construction = improved efficiency and reduced risk
Why It Matters
BUS2 demonstrates that BIM benefits extend well beyond the design phase:
They drive quality during construction
They enhance operational readiness
They reduce lifecycle costs
They improve stakeholder confidence
For complex healthcare builds—or any project where precision and collaboration matter—BIM features like shared cloud models, mobile workflows, real-time tracking, and digital handover deliver proven value.
