Digital planning, prefabrication and industrialized construction methods in a complex large‐scale project in Munich

Abstract This paper presents the BMW body shop construction project in Munich as a case study for the effective application of digital planning, industrialized construction, and precast building methods in large‐scale industrial developments. The article outlines key project details and highlights specific innovations in planning and execution, including the use of advanced 4D Building Information Modeling (BIM), pre‐stressed precast concrete columns, and the transformation of traditionally in‐situ concrete cores into fully prefabricated units. These solutions were tailored to meet complex structural requirements and were supported by integrated digital modeling and precise on‐site coordination. Digital planning and industrialized construction using precast elements contribute significantly to keeping large projects on budget and on schedule, while also increasing overall construction productivity. Accelerated construction timelines and reduced on‐site labor help address growing labor shortages in the industry. Furthermore, component optimization—such as minimizing wall thickness and reinforcement through prefabrication—can support sustainability goals. To fully leverage these benefits, the use of precast systems should be considered from the earliest design phases. However, many structural engineers still rely on conventional in‐situ methods, limiting the adoption of more efficient alternatives. This case underscores the advantages of industrialized construction and demonstrates its practical potential. The findings contribute to both academic discourse and practical implementation, emphasizing the need for broader education, understanding, and innovation in prefabricated building systems.