By Ngozi Egenuka
Civil engineer and builder, Iyiola Olaseni, has reiterated the need to harness the power of Building Information Modeling (BIM) to transform how urban infrastructure is designed, constructed, and maintained.
Olaseni, a seasoned professional and researcher with three graduate degrees, is at the forefront of integrating BIM into sustainable construction and advanced engineering. His innovative approach emphasizes digital transformation within the industry, using detailed digital representations of building components to streamline design, improve coordination, and optimise resource use.
“Traditional construction methods are struggling to meet the demands of rapidly expanding cities. BIM offers a smarter, more integrated way forward.”
By embedding sustainability into every phase of a project through BIM, Olaseni reduces material waste, boosts energy efficiency, and promotes the use of environmentally friendly materials. His work enables energy simulations and carbon footprint assessments, allowing project teams to make data-driven decisions that align with global sustainability goals.
In Nigeria’s densely growing urban centers, the demand for high-rise buildings and complex infrastructure like bridges and smart city systems continues to soar. However, conventional construction practices often lead to coordination issues, cost overruns, and safety risks. Olaseni argues that BIM-driven collaboration is crucial, allowing architects, engineers, and contractors to work within a unified digital ecosystem.
“BIM allows us to simulate construction sequences, detect potential clashes, and improve interdisciplinary communication well before we ever break ground,” he explained.
This approach is especially beneficial in high-stakes projects, where safety, efficiency, and structural integrity are paramount. In addition to project planning and execution, Olaseni utilizes BIM for real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance, ensuring long-term operational performance of infrastructures.
Olaseni’s work provides a compelling case for broader BIM adoption across Nigeria. As cities face mounting pressure to modernize infrastructure amidst environmental challenges, his leadership highlights the critical need for innovation. His BIM methodologies not only accelerate project timelines and reduce costs but also enhance resilience in the face of climate and urban stressors.
“Future-proofing Nigeria’s cities starts with how we build them,” Olaseni stated. “With BIM, we’re not just building structures—we’re shaping sustainable, intelligent environments for generations to come.”
