Minecraft is a 3D game where players can create their own environments with pixelated blocks (simulating material textures) in an x, y, z coordinate system. The game allows the participant players to create or play to survive. Playing in the create mode, it is possible to design 3D building or other objects as illustrated in Figure 1 and 2.

Nevertheless, the realism of the 3D construction is not high, as a pixelized block construction and limited materials textures and dimensions are used. However, there are some comments and articles about the existence of some similarities between the Minecraft concept and the BIM concept, even with statements that BIM is an “adult version of Minecraft”. It is possible to understand the idea that the concept of collaborative construction at a young age can provide some skills through games.

Taking this into account, a project called “BeIMCraft” has developed the idea of adding a mod¹, and a way of learning, to Minecraft adding the skill of Built Environment Information Modelling. It will enable structures and all the elements involved in the construction to be planned and developed, bringing the digital and real world closer together (Figure 3). As an example, the game requires students to first place foundations when creating their building, and there are even height limitations before stability becomes a concern.

1 Mod is a modification in the game or software designed by the players.

According to the project presentation, there are several overlaps between Minecraft and BIM such as: Collaborative working; 3D Modelling; Virtual Reality Applications; Planning; Sustainability; Health & Safety; Structural Stability; Comfort and Costing.

An article on the https://constructible.trimble.com website indicates that learning the principles of BIM using Minecraft have some more benefits such as:

• Common Data Environments (CDEs) allowing collaboration
• Comfortable with the idea of working and operating in 3D environments
• Learning to appreciate how costs are assigned to an asset
• Understanding of time management and deadlines
• Understanding of site constraints
• Increased awareness of construction sustainability

According to the article, the goal of the game is to “reflect the interdisciplinary nature and requirement for collaboration with the built environment’s supply chain by challenging pupils to consider planning issues, health and safety risk, structural aspects, sustainability, and cost when creating their 3D world.”

The lack of recent news and articles about this “mod” and about the idea of teaching and learning BIM using the Minecraft game led us to think that this remains in development by the researchers. However, this suggestion opens a cluster of opportunities and a new way of starting to acquire skills in a funny way, developing these skills over time.

In conclusion, Minecraft software can probably allow an introductory learning to the BIM concept in an intuitive way, encouraging the use of this construction process. The familiarity of Minecraft to youngsters encourages their learning and the continuity to more complex systems.