Synchronous BIM Collaboration in the Cloud: benefits and challenges from the implementation of a bespoke solution J. Munkley 1 , M. Kassem 2 and N. Dawood 2 1 Niven Architects, Darlington, DL3 7EH, UK; Email: johnathan@nivenarchitects.co.uk 2 Technology Futures Institute, Teesside University, TS1 3BA, UK; Email: m.kassem, n.n.dawood@tees.ac.uk ABSTRACT Building Information Modeling (BIM) technologies and processes enable different implementation levels or use stages with varying degree of integration (e.g. file-based collaboration, model-based collaboration). While there is no general agreement on the terminology to denote such levels or use stages, file-based collaboration and model-based collaboration – often called also integrated BIM – are the two levels being investigated in both academic research and industry applications. In file-based collaboration, project participants from a supply chain produce federated BIM models that are merged together for specialized purposes (e.g. design coordination) only at specific project lifecycle phases. In model-based collaboration, all participants work on a synchronized central model that is integrated and can be shared among them at project phase. Model-based collaboration represents a significant paradigm shift in industry practices. In recent years, much of the research in both BIM technologies and processes has been focused on BIM file-based collaboration. This research proposes a low cost IT platform that enables BIM model-based collaboration and a real world case study. The proposed platform and benefits and challenges from working in this environment are discussed in this paper. Keywords: BIM, Virtualization, Cloud Computing. INTRODUCTION Building projects in the Architectural, Engineering and Construction (AEC) require models from several project participants for their full design, engineering and construction. Depending on the implemented BIM technologies and processes, the collaboration among project participants can be classified as either file-based collaboration or model-based collaboration. Model-based collaboration requires the project participant to work on a central model and database. The approaches to enable