On November 10th, the Mozaik Event Center in Zagreb was packed with professionals discussing the application of digital processes and solutions in the construction industry. Organized by the Centre for Digital Built Croatia and its partner companies, and under the patronage of the Central State Office for the Development of Digital Society, the Ministry of Physical Planning, Construction and State Assets, and the Croatian Association of Civil Engineers, more than 300 participants took part in a full-day program. They were introduced to the latest digital solutions in construction, exchanged experiences, and listened to both domestic and international speakers at the conference titled DigiDeck22.
Attendees heard from over 20 professionals from civil engineering, architecture, and mechanical engineering who, through lectures and panel discussions, offered insights into the challenges facing Croatian construction in adopting digital processes and solutions, including the implementation of BIM (Building Information Modeling). The conference was structured into four thematic blocks:
- Application of digital technologies in Croatian construction projects
- Application of digital technologies in international projects
- Digital transformation and BIM implementation in infrastructure
- Standardization: the key to successful digital transformation in construction
In addition to lectures, exhibitors and manufacturers of current software and hardware solutions for the construction industry in Croatia and the region presented their products. Visitors had the chance to learn about various solutions for design, supervision, and execution—along with their capabilities and pricing—at exhibitor stands. Notable Croatian firms like Prior, CAD, Planradar, and Geowild were among those showcased. Particularly interesting were companies offering services in digital project management, BIM model coordination, and digital information management.
Centre for Digital Built Croatia – A Starting Point for Industry Digitalization
The newly founded Croatian initiative, modeled after organizations in Germany, the UK, and Ireland, was presented by the association’s president, Monika Mlakić. In her opening speech, she highlighted the main blockers of digitalization in construction and shared the Centre’s plan to support the industry in transforming its processes.
The Centre brings together all stakeholders in the construction sector—from industry leaders and government agencies to nonprofits and universities. Strategic partners include prominent names like Amelicor Group, Digital Construction Technologies Group, Prior, ATP, Strabag, VERTIV, Geowild, CAD, CROBIM, OROOK, and others. Going forward, the Centre aims to provide industry insights, organize education and seminars, and develop standards and guides.
Application of Digital Technologies in Infrastructure Projects
The first block focused on using digital technologies and BIM processes in infrastructure. Mislav Paštar, BIM Manager at Rijekaprojekt, showcased BIM application in the DC403 state road project. Peter Dragović from IBE Consulting Ljubljana spoke about the advantages and challenges of BIM in daily operations. The block concluded with a panel moderated by Filip Andabaka (IGH Institute BIM Manager and VDC Lead at the Centre), featuring Nina Dražin Lovrec (President of the Croatian Chamber of Civil Engineers), Marko Šimac (Croatian Roads), Frane Glasinović (Promet i prostor), and Iztok Zabreznik (Lineal d.o.o.). The panel offered varied perspectives on digital transformation in infrastructure, with consensus that BIM implementation requires strong leadership and decision-making. GIS integration and structured information sharing were also emphasized.
Ms. Dražin Lovrec highlighted two editions of the BIM Guidelines as concrete examples of how the Chamber is supporting its members, emphasizing that this is just the beginning of educating civil engineers about the omnipresent digitalization. The process of BIM implementation was presented from two different perspectives: that of the client, represented by Marko Šimac, and that of a design office, shared through the experience of Iztok Zabreznik. Although their roles are fundamentally different, their conclusions were similar: BIM implementation is a process that must be grounded in firm decisions and driven by determined BIM enthusiasts.
Frane Glasinović from the company Promet i Prostor spoke about the advantages that GIS implementation has brought to local government, emphasizing the importance of structuring and presenting information to end users. The panel concluded with a general consensus: digitalization—through BIM methodology and GIS in infrastructure projects—is certain to become significantly more prevalent in the Croatian market than it is today. The industry should meet these upcoming challenges with a robust regulatory framework and continuous education for all stakeholders.
Croatian Firms Keeping Pace with Digital Transformation and BIM Implementation
The second presentation block gave participants the opportunity to hear success stories of digital process implementation in the construction industry.
Branko Knežević, Director at ATP, and Goran Anić, BIM Manager, shared insights on using BIM methodology and digital solutions in integrated design firms. In the sea of available technological solutions, it’s the people who decide how and to what extent technology is used, applied, and linked with their expertise.
Dražen Strunje, Technical Director at Kap4, demonstrated how to extract the best from technological tools to achieve effective and high-quality project management. Steel structures and the importance of high-quality project and workshop drawings are rarely spotlighted at conferences, but Anton Tankosić, Managing Director at CROBIM, shared a positive Croatian success story. Thanks to its knowledge, software tools, and expertise, CROBIM has entered the international market and is now known for outstanding steel structure projects.
The second block concluded with a presentation by Petrana Kržanić, BIM Manager at Projektni Biro Split, who showcased the firm’s first BIM project and the challenges and benefits identified throughout the process.
Application of Technological Solutions on International Projects
Guest speakers introduced the audience to projects in Ireland, Denmark, Sweden, Switzerland, and the Middle East. Joseph Mady, CEO of DCT Group, spoke about constructing new terminals at Dublin Airport and coordinating the baggage system installation within an existing facility. Ivo Krezić from Amelicor Group shared insights on fast-track projects in the pharmaceutical industry, presenting the benefits they regularly achieve. On projects with up to 70% reduced delivery times, he discussed the advantages and the necessity of adopting new technologies and processes.
One of the most inspiring talks came from Stjepan Mikulić, BIM Lead at BIG – Bjarke Ingels Group, a globally awarded architectural firm. He introduced participants to BIG’s impressive projects, outlined the structure of their BIM department, and stressed the importance of continuous learning and adaptation.
The international block concluded with an outstanding presentation by Mileta Pejović, Senior BIM Manager at BEXEL Consulting, who showcased the benefits of advanced technologies through the example of a FIFA stadium project. He highlighted the use of routine analyses and the tangible improvements observed.
Standardization – The Key to Successful Digital Transformation in Construction
The conference also addressed the newly in-demand roles in construction emerging due to the rise of digital technologies and the need for digitally literate professionals. Roles like BIM Manager, BIM Modeler, and Digital Information Manager are increasingly sought after, with a strong focus on knowledge and application of BIM technologies and processes.
Miljan Mikić, Director at OROOK, discussed the hiring challenges construction companies face today and what is expected from young engineers. Paul Oakley, a BIM expert with experience implementing BIM standards in the UK, Ireland, Czech Republic, and Japan, spoke about standards and the standardization process in those countries. He introduced key BIM terminology and clarified the importance of every aspect of the BIM workflow—tools, processes, and people.
The final block concluded with an excellent lecture and panel discussion led by Vedran Orešić, BIM Consultant and VDC Lead at the Centre. In his lecture, Vedran critically examined the segments mentioned above and outlined necessary steps for implementing any process and improving daily workflows. Joining the panel were Željko Uhlir (State Secretary, Ministry of Physical Planning, Construction and State Assets), Roko Dropuljić (Founder, Urban Ideas), Darko Gugić (Director of Investment Development and Asset Management, Medika d.d.), and Nikola Vukušić (Manager of BIM Engineering, VERTIV Croatia).
This panel discussion rounded out the full day of dialogue on digitalization and BIM implementation in construction. From the perspectives of both public and private investors and designers, all the benefits of applying new technologies were emphasized. It was concluded that conferences and initiatives like this are essential to raise awareness and address the challenges that come with change.
Future Activities of the Centre and DigiDeck23
The Centre for Digital Built Croatia has announced a wide range of activities for 2023, including workshops, training sessions, seminars, pilot projects, and market research. Be sure to mark November 16, 2023, on your calendar, as DigiDeck23 will showcase the progress of the Centre, the industry, and each of us individually.
