Mandatory BIM 2025: regulations, BIM decree, and obligations in Italy for design

BIM 2025: the digital turning point for public design

From January 1, 2025, BIM (Building Information Modeling) becomes mandatory for the design and realization of public works in Italy above certain economic thresholds. This innovation represents a decisive step toward the digitalization of the construction sector, with concrete impacts on designers, contracting authorities, and companies.

BIM Regulations: from the BIM Decree to the new Public Contracts Code

The BIM obligation arises from the BIM Decree (D.M. 560/2017), which introduced the progressive use of digital modeling in public procurement. Subsequent updates, such as D.M. 312/2021, expanded and clarified the application methods. The new Public Contracts Code (D.Lgs. 36/2023) and the Corrective Decree (D.Lgs. 209/2024) consolidated the obligation, setting the final rules.
Article 43 of the Code and Annex I.9 define technical requirements, procedures, and professional figures necessary for the digital management of information regarding project, execution, and management of public works.

When the BIM obligation starts: thresholds and involved entities

From January 1, 2025, BIM is mandatory for:

• Public tenders for design and construction with an amount exceeding 2 million euros
• Interventions on cultural heritage with a threshold raised to 5.538 million euros

The obligation applies to all public contracting authorities, designers, and companies involved in tenders above these thresholds.

Derogations, transitional discipline, and special cases

Not all projects are subject to the BIM obligation from 2025. Derogations are provided in the following cases:

• Programming started by December 31, 2024
• Drafting of the DOCFAP (Document of Feasibility of Project Alternatives) by the same date, if required

MIT opinions (n. 3480/2025, 3353/2025, 3416/2025) clarify that the obligation does not apply if the programming procedure is formally started by 2024, even if the tender is launched later. Projects already started do not need to be redesigned in BIM, but only adapted for the tender phase.

Operational obligations for contracting authorities and designers

To comply with the BIM 2025 regulation, contracting authorities and designers must adopt a series of operational fulfillments:

• Drafting of a BIM organizational act defining roles, responsibilities, and digital processes
• Staff training on BIM methodologies and tools
• Acquisition of software and hardware suitable for digital information management
• Appointment of key figures such as BIM Manager, CDE Manager, and BIM Coordinator
• Preparation of information specifications and interoperability requirements
• Management of the CDE (Common Data Environment) for collaboration between all involved parties
• Technical incentives: 15% increase for those adopting BIM

These obligations ensure transparency, traceability, and digital collaboration in all phases of the public work's lifecycle.

Reasons and context: why the threshold was raised

The threshold for the BIM obligation was raised from 1 to 2 million euros to assist public administrations that often encounter difficulties in quickly adapting to new digital tools and processes. ANCI had requested even higher thresholds, but the legislator chose a compromise to encourage digital transition without penalizing the management capacity of PAs.

Digitalization and BIM software: advantages for compliance

Adopting digital platforms such as BIM, Digital Twin, and CMMS offers concrete advantages for regulatory compliance and operational management:

• Data centralization and technical documentation
• Real-time monitoring of assets, maintenance, and deadlines
• Effective collaboration between multidisciplinary teams
• Error reduction and inefficiencies thanks to interoperability
• Ease of audit and verification of regulatory requirements

These tools simplify the digital management of buildings and infrastructure, making it easier to comply with BIM obligations and improve process quality.

UTwin: a digital solution for BIM management and compliance

UTwin is a digital platform that integrates BIM, Digital Twin, and CMMS into a single environment, facilitating the centralized management of data, documents, and processes. Thanks to its ease of integration and team collaboration, UTwin supports contracting authorities, designers, and companies in complying with regulatory obligations and digitalizing design, construction, and management activities.

Key points and recommendations

From 2025, BIM becomes an indispensable tool for public design above 2 million euros. It is essential to prepare in time, adapt processes and tools, and train personnel. Always consult updated regulations and evaluate digital solutions that simplify compliance and improve project management.