Remote Project Management in the Metaverse Using BIM and Extended Reality (XR)

Vishak Dudhee1,2[0000-0002-8155-9513], Prasanna Bandara3[0009-0004-8978-3888], Charalampos Psarros4[0009-0004-9564-2643], Azhar Nalakath1[0009-0001-4895-3746], and Vladimir Vukovic1,5[0000-0003-0702-2475]
1 V-LAB LTD, The Beacon, Esplanade Avenue, Redcar, TS10 3AA, UK
2 University of Exeter, Rennes Drive, Exeter, EX4 4PU, UK
3 Tricore Technical Services, Villa Jubilant, 34 Falcon Ct, Stockton-on-Tees, TS18 3TX, UK
4 Teesside University, Borough Road, Middlesbrough, TS1 3BX, UK
5 Belgrade Metropolitan University, Tadeuša Košćuška 63, Beograd, 11158, Serbia
vishak@v-lab.uk,
p.dinesh@tricore-ts.com,
c.psarros@tees.ac.uk,
azhar@v-lab.uk,
vlad@v-lab.uk
DOI: 10.46793/eLearning2025.308D

Abstract. The integration of Building Informatiοn Modelling (BIM) with Extended Reality (XR) technologies has shown strong рοtential to advance рrοject рlanning and visualisation in the construction sector. In the aftermath of COVID 19, the shift to remote and hybrid work has accelerated the need for collabοrative tοοls that extend beyond traditional communication platforms. While digital practices are emerging, the potential role of the Metaverse in supporting remote construction рroject management remains underexplored. This рaрer looks at the feasibility of managing construction projects and facilitating stakeholder collaboration within a Metaverse environment through the integration of BIM and XR. A case study using a university building demonstrates how immersive environments can enhance spatial understanding, communication, and cross-disciplinary coordination. The findings highlight improved stakeholder engagement, reduced reliance on physical travel, and alignment with sustainability objectives such as net-zero emissions. Challenges were also identified which includes device performance, user comfort, and varying levels of VR рrοficiency. The study provides evidence that BIM-XR integration in the Metaverse offers a promising pathway for digital transformation in construction рrοject management, while pointing to areas for further refinement and research.

Keywords: Building Information Modelling (BIM); Extended Reality (XR); Metaverse; Virtual Reality (VR); Construction Project Management; Remote Collaboration.

 

References

  1. Coskun, S., Washington, C. and Erdogmus, E. (2024) “A Study on Causes of Gender Gap in Construction Management: High School Students’ Knowledge and Perceptions across Genders,” Buildings, 14(7), p. 2164. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3390/build ings14072164.
  2. National Association of Home Builders (2025) The Offsite Construction Market Share Flattens Nationally in 2024, 28 August. Available at: https://www.nahb.org/blog/2025/08/the-offsite-construction-market-share-flattens-nation ally-in-2024
  3. Abioye, S.O. et al. (2021) “Artificial intelligence in the construction industry: A review of present status, opportunities and future challenges,” Journal of Building Engineering, 44, p. 103299. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2021.103299.
  4. McPhail, R. et al. (2023) “Post-COVID remote working and its impact on people, productivity, and the planet: an exploratory scoping review,” The International Journal of Human Resource Management, 35(1), pp. 154–182. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1080/09585192.2023.2221385.
  5. Henderson, L.S. (2008) “The Impact of Project Managers’ Communication Competencies: Validation and Extension of a Research Model for Virtuality, Satisfaction, and Productivity on Project Teams,” Project Management Journal, 39(2), pp. 48–59. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1002/pmj.20044.
  6. Akhorshaideh, A.H.O. et al. (2024) “The impact of IT tools on project management efficiency in the public sector: The mediating role of team communication,” Journal of Project Management, 9(4), pp. 345–352. Available at: https://doi.org/10.5267/j.jpm.2024.8.002.
  7. Pullan, P. and Prokopi, E. (2016) Leading virtual project teams: dos and don’ts. Newtown Square, PA: Project Management Institute.
  8. Morley, S., Cormican, K. and Folan, P. (2015) “An Analysis of Virtual Team Characteristics: A Model for Virtual Project Managers,” Journal of technology management & innovation, 10(1), pp. 188–203. Available at: https://doi.org/10.4067/s0718 27242015000100014.
  9. Morgan, L., Paucar-Caceres, A. and Wright, G. (2014) “Leading Effective Global Virtual Teams: The Consequences of Methods of Communication,” Systemic Practice and Action Research, 27(6), pp. 607–624. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11213-014-9315-2.
  10. Goldstein, S. and Naglieri, J.A. (eds.) (2014) Handbook of Executive Functioning. Springer New York. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-8106-5. 321
  11. Obikunle, O. (2002). Dealing with cultural diversity in project management: a dilemma in communication. Paper presented at Project Management Institute Annual Seminars & Symposium, San Antonio, TX. Newtown Square, PA: Project Management Institute.
  12. Huang, J. (2016) “The Challenge of Multicultural Management in Global Projects,” Proce dia – Social and Behavioral Sciences, 226, pp. 75–81. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2016.06.164.
  13. Ranf, D.E. (2010) “Cultural Differences In Project Management,” Annales Universitatis Apulensis Series Oeconomica, 2(12), pp. 657–662. Available at: https://doi.org/10.29302/oeconomica.2010.12.2.18.
  14. Isern, G. (2015) “Intercultural Project Management for IT: Issues and Challenges,” Journal of Intercultural Management, 7(3), pp. 53–67. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1515/joim 2015-0021.
  15. Lückmann, P. (2015) “Towards Identifying Success Factors for Cross-cultural Project Customer Engagement: A Literature Review,” Procedia Computer Science, 64, pp. 324 333. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procs.2015.08.496.
  16. Wang, T. and Chen, H.-M. (2023) “Integration of building information modelling and project management in construction project life cycle,” Automation in Construction, 150, p. 104832. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2023.104832.
  17. Brewer, R. (1988) “Building information,” Batiment International, Building Research and Practice, 16(6), pp. 346–351. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1080/01823328808726925.
  18. Succar, B. (2009) “Building information modelling framework: A research and delivery foundation for industry stakeholders,” Automation in Construction, 18(3), pp. 357–375. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2008.10.003.
  19. Eadie, R. et al. (2013) “BIM implementation throughout the UK construction project lifecycle: An analysis,” Automation in Construction, 36, pp. 145–151. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2013.09.001.
  20. Lidelöw, S., Engström, S. and Samuelson, O. (2023) “The promise of BIM? Searching for realized benefits in the Nordic architecture, engineering, construction, and operation industries,” Journal of Building Engineering, 76, p. 107067. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2023.107067.
  21. Goulding, J. S., Rahimian, F. P., & Wang, X. (2014). Virtual reality-based cloud BIM platform for integrated AEC projects. Journal of Information Technology in Construction, 19, 308-325.
  22. Fellows, R. and Liu, A.M.M. (2012) “Managing organizational interfaces in engineering construction projects: addressing fragmentation and boundary issues across multiple inter faces,” Construction Management and Economics, 30(8), pp. 653–671. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1080/01446193.2012.668199.
  23. Goulding JS, Rahimian FP, Wang X (2014). Virtual reality-based cloud BIM platform for integrated AEC projects, ITcon Vol. 19, Special issue BIM Cloud-Based Technology in the AEC Sector: Present Status and Future Trends, pg. 308-325, https://www.itcon.org/2014/18
  24. Nguyen, Tuan Anh, Nguyen, Tu Anh and Tran, T.V. (2024) “Building Information Model ling (BIM) for Construction Project Schedule Management: A Review,” Engineering, Technology & Applied Science Research, 14(2), pp. 13133–13142. Available at: https://doi.org/10.48084/etasr.6834.
  25. Dudhee, V., Bandara, P.D., Vukovic, V., Nalakath, A., Bass, P., Bass, E.: Artificial Intelligence-Enhanced Virtual Reality for Health and Safety Training in Construction (2024)
  26. Dudhee, V. and Vukovic, V. (2021) “Integration of Building Information Modelling and Augmented Reality for Building Energy Systems Visualisation,” Springer Proceedings in 322 Energy. Springer International Publishing. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3 030-63916-7_11.
  27. Dudhee, V. and Vukovic, V. (2021) “Building information model visualisation in augmented reality,” Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, 12(4), pp. 919–934. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1108/sasbe-02-2021-0021.
  28. Dudhee, V, Vukovic, V & Rahimian, F 2022, Building Sensory Information in Augmented Reality: A Conceptual Framework. in A Roxin (ed.), Nouvelles perspectives du BIM: Le jumeau numérique de la construction intelligente (smart building) . 1 edn, Eyrolles, pp. 109-122. https://izibook.eyrolles.com/produit/9610979/9782212356199/nouvelles-per-spectives-du-bim

 

Izvor: Proceedings of the 16th International Conference on e-Learning (ELEARNING2025)